I'm looking at 2003-2005 Four Winns 225 Sundowners. A boat I am very much considering is an '03 with a 5.7GXi SX. The newer boats all have the 5.7GXi DPs, and there is an '04 5.0GXi DP. In the 5.7s does the DP over SX make that big of a difference? I really don't see myself doing to much watersports, towing the occasionally skier or tube. We primarily boat on small inland lakes in Indiana, although we might venture onto Lake Michigan occasionally if the conditions/forecast is right.

Re:"...In the 5.7s does the DP over SX make that big of a difference?..."


Yes.

There is an '03 5.7GXi SX, and an '04 5.0GXi DP at the same dealer I'm looking at...

I'm assuming the 225 is a bit of a heavy boat so the DP might be a nice addition. If you're ok with the money, I would go that way.

I forgot to state, there really isn't a major price difference. The asking price of the '03 is $4000 less than that of the '04, and there are a few boats out east I'm looking at that both have 5.7GXi DPs that are less....

DP is superior to SX in terms of slower planing speeds, able to get to plane faster, and being able to turn in reverse. Other than that, they are the same.

(DP all the way in that boat, for me)

I wish I had a DP but the deal on my current boat was too good to pass up. I would strongly prefer it on my next boat but again if I find a great deal on a boat without it I wouldn't hesitate to buy it. I would consider it as one of many factors and not necessarily a deal breaker.

To answer your question: ALL other things being equal, I'd take one year newer and DP.

For anything other than TOP TOP speed -- go DP -- having had DP for about two years now - and a single prop for 25years --- the planing and slow speed maneuvering and backing are great. especially as the boat gets larger -- Go DP

Fuel consumption is slightly less too.

But having to repair 2 props instead of one when you make a boo-boo sort of sucks.

As stated, unless you NEED that 1-2mph on the top end, the DP is a more controllable boat.

The 1, maybe 2 mph top speed increase generally is found at speeds over 60mph.

For the speed range these boats will be traveling, I doubt you will notice any speed increase with a single-prop over dual props.

The Volvo twin props are a little better than Merc's. I forget the exact number, but they're like 5% more efficient with a patented design or something to that effect.

My 2c is DP or trim tabs. Plenty of boats have a single prop and you won't have trouble getting going with a single powered by a 5.7L. It is a cuddy though so you will tend to have more passenger weight towards the rear so slow speed could be an issue without tabs.

How fast do you like to cruise? Do you fire it up and buzz over to a swim spot or like to tour the lake around 20mph? If the first and money is any issue the single will be fine.

You already mentioned watersports is not that big of a deal for you and besides, w/ the 5.7L your holeshot will be fine. Again, get some tabs...either standard or smart tabs if low speed planing for tubing or wakeboarding is an issue. They will also help your low speed bow wander.

Perfect world?...I would take the DP too, but I don't know if I'd swap a 5.7L for a 5.0L for it even if it was a year newer and pay $4k for the privilege.

I had a 5.0L GSi/SX on my 1999 Sundowner 225 and a 5.7L GSi/DP on my 1999 Vista 268.

I guess then, I have actual experience with both drives, and the SX with the 225; albeit with a smaller engine. Forget trim tabs, it isn't needed on that boat, at least with the Stable-Vee 2 hull. Later models (2003 and later), I think had the Stable-Vee 3 hull, and I cannot vouch for those.

When we took the 225 for its delivery cruise (I bought it new, then traded it later for the Vista), the dealer had me do tight figure 8 turns at 35mph, and the wife had to hold on real tight in the back seat to keep from going out of the boat. The boat had a lot of lateral bite into the water, and incredibly tracked as true as can be, and there was no appreciable heeling. I was completely amazed.

The boat does have a bit of low speed bow wander, which is typical of I/Os, but so did my Vista with DP. I didn't really notice any more bow wander with the Sundowner. My worst boat bow wander wise was my 18ft Rinker. I think bow wander might be less of a problem as you increase size.

With my Carver, having twin engines and inboards, I have absolutely no bow wander, but I do have wind wander!!!

Any difference was marginal at best between the SX and DP. Of course, if I had the SX on the Vista, it might have behaved a bit different, but the SX, even with the EFI 5.0L was a pretty good performing boat.

One advantage of the SX is that it is easier to change out props, and if you plan on boating in different areas with unknown waters, an aluminum prop on the SX is going to be much less painful if you hit something.

While the DP looks cool, I really don't think it will make much difference on the 225. Buy the 225 that you like the best, regardless of whether it has the SX or DP. Of course, if the boat has a DP and is the same price, well thats great, but don't discount the SX or make it a show stopper if it doesn't have a DP.

For example, I'd take a carburated 5.7L SX engine on a 225 any day over a 5.0L EFI/DP.

Here was my Sundowner:



I actually kind of miss that boat - it was quite nice.