Four Winns Unlimited U-19
02-13-2005, 07:23 AM
#32
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Re: Four Winns Unlimited U-19
Too Old, sorry I didn't answer sooner...
My Donzi is a 1970, hull number 18-355. It's mostly original, Holman Moody 351W, HM Volvo drive, all numbers match the build plate on the rear bulkhead. Even has original gelcoat. I bought it a couple of years ago in W. Virginia. Supposedly, it spent it's whole life on some small lake there. I bought it from the second owner. He said he used to watch it (as a little boy) run across the lake. and always wanted it.
It's a great ride, and my wife just LOVES driving it. She takes it out by herself all the time...
Do you know the history of your Donzi. I owned it's twin.
It's a great ride, and my wife just LOVES driving it. She takes it out by herself all the time...
02-14-2005, 09:37 AM
#33
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Re: Four Winns Unlimited U-19
Originally Posted by Magicfloat
I believe the handling problems were caused by using a Volvo Duoprop drive,not a good idea on a 7' wide 24 degree Vee. With a single prop it should handle fine, like a Donzi Classic(which it basically was) Just another example of why corporate raider type executives should not be allowed to design boats 
Enjoy your boat,it's a neat model that got a bad rap from Powerboat. Remember that they also said a Donzi 22 Classic with an HP500 had too much power, when actually they had no clue what they were talking about.
Enjoy your boat,it's a neat model that got a bad rap from Powerboat. Remember that they also said a Donzi 22 Classic with an HP500 had too much power, when actually they had no clue what they were talking about.
02-14-2005, 05:34 PM
#34
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Re: Handles like a dream
Originally Posted by davids94
Yeah supposedly powerboat magazine reported that the boat didnt handle well and was possibly dangerous. I cant be sure of what was said as I was only 12 years old when the boat was built. What I can be sure of is that in my time with the boat it has handled very well. It takes chop better than my brothers 21 superboat and gets just as much speed. Its a sweet little boat. OMC owned four winns and donzi at the time of its production. The 17 and 19 foot hulls were lined up to be produced by donzi. OMC then sold donzi and threw the hulls to Four Winns for production.
02-15-2005, 08:18 AM
#36
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Re: Four Winns Unlimited U-19
Originally Posted by Too Old
As I recall, Powerboat reported the boat to be one of the worst handling boats ever tested. Prior to reporting this, they gave the manufacturer the opportunity to correct some "issues". When they declined, they printed the story.
Is it a true Aronow design? I've never heard that before.
It's a nice looking boat for sure.
Is it a true Aronow design? I've never heard that before.
It's a nice looking boat for sure.
02-21-2005, 11:46 PM
#37
Re: Four Winns Unlimited U-19
For some reason my username was deleted.
DENNYB, you are 100% correct on the reason for the bad handling. The limit switches prevent the drive from being "tucked under". Their test boat had the switches by-passed, for better performance. But, unfortunately they didn't know how to drive the boat and gave it a bad review. The duo-prop models do chine walk quite a bit but you get used to it. The upside of the duoprop is they bite VERY hard!
The U boats are bad-azz boats. I've been in both the 17 and the 19 and they are both slingshots and handle big water great for a smaller boat. They fly very level.
Like Denny said it is not a Donzi hull. It is close to a splash but they made some small changes. I don't know what they all are but I know for sure the U boat has more hook in the hull.
DENNYB, you are 100% correct on the reason for the bad handling. The limit switches prevent the drive from being "tucked under". Their test boat had the switches by-passed, for better performance. But, unfortunately they didn't know how to drive the boat and gave it a bad review. The duo-prop models do chine walk quite a bit but you get used to it. The upside of the duoprop is they bite VERY hard!
The U boats are bad-azz boats. I've been in both the 17 and the 19 and they are both slingshots and handle big water great for a smaller boat. They fly very level.
Like Denny said it is not a Donzi hull. It is close to a splash but they made some small changes. I don't know what they all are but I know for sure the U boat has more hook in the hull.
11-26-2006, 07:53 PM
#38
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Re: Four Winns Unlimited U-19
I owned a 1996 white and green U19 unlimited 5.8, thru hall exhaust and dual prop. Yes it will chine at about 62, but is easly fixed by lowering the prop, however it will scare you if you don't.
06-26-2007, 04:42 PM
#39
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Unlimited
hey if anyone wants more info on the U-171 or U-19, I worked and sold FW for a local dealer during 94,95,96,97,98, and bought a 97 FW U-17 in fall of 97, I still have it and love the boat
06-27-2007, 11:04 AM
#40
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I raced a 17 on my lake last week and was suprized. It took me a long time to catch him. He was running close to my speed.
Of course I was relaxing and drinking a beer and he and his girlfriend were peeing their pants. JC
Of course I was relaxing and drinking a beer and he and his girlfriend were peeing their pants. JC
