Elegant and super fast: Four Winns H1 & Suzuki DF250 AUNX

History

Four Winns has been around for over 50 years and is part of the world’s largest boat builder, the French Groupe Beneteau. This allows the boats to be produced at low cost and distributed worldwide. The Dutch importer for Four Winns is Boatland. As a Suzuki dealer, they provided the special Suzuki outboard motor for the Four Winns H1. This motor is a modified V6 in an exclusive design, known as the AUNX Supersport motor. It has been specifically developed for boats with shallow draft, often used on bass boats and other boats designed to cover long distances quickly on inland waters.

Kuro

This Supersport motor doesn’t have the usual glossy black Suzuki color but is matte black instead. The color of this exclusively styled model is called Kuro in Japan. The origin of this Japanese name lies in theater, where the term Kuro is used to express feelings of mystique and fascination. The color gives this engine a mysterious sense of raw power. The heart of the DF250AUNX is the well-known 4.0-liter V6 engine from the DF 250 A models. The engine comes standard with a 25-inch lower unit, which is ideal for boats with shallow drafts. The engine weighs 289 kilograms. Thanks to the modified cowling with extra-large air intakes and a new, asymmetrical lower unit, this motor is 1 kilogram lighter than its predecessor. The asymmetrical lower unit reduces propeller torque, making the boat more stable, easier to steer, and allowing slightly higher speeds.

Water Detection

Fuel system failures are the primary cause of engine breakdowns. In this regard, the Suzuki water detection system is a lifesaver. Current E10 fuel contains 10% biofuel, and combined with cooling air and condensation in the tank, this can lead to unwanted amounts of water in the fuel. If the engine stops because of this, it’s not the engine's fault but the fuel's. The Suzuki water detection system helps prevent such common issues. A 4-liter V6 with two rows of three cylinders at a 55-degree angle is quite large, but this engine is relatively compact due to its offset driveshaft. All Suzuki engines are equipped with a timing chain instead of a belt, making the engine less maintenance-intensive. Another Suzuki technology is Lean Burn, which predicts fuel needs based on conditions. Combined with multi-point fuel injection, this provides the optimal air-fuel mixture and ensures the engine meets the latest environmental standards.

Drive by Wire

In this tested setup, shifting and throttle are electronic, via drive by wire. It works wonderfully, light and smooth. Suzuki’s confidence in their products is evident from their six-year warranty on outboard motors. Two other handy features are new: an optional keyless start system, which also serves as an anti-theft device, and auto-trim, which adjusts the motor’s trim automatically at certain speeds, making high-speed driving easier.

Shallow Draft

The Four Winns H1 is also available with an inboard motor, which is about 100 kilograms heavier. The tested outboard version was not equipped with a fixed arch over the cockpit but had a bimini top instead. It is a typical bowrider, with a sharp bow that sits high above the water. The deep V at the front transitions into falling chines and a deadrise of only 18 degrees. The hull is relatively flat, and with a draft of just 46 cm, this is the perfect example of a shallow draft boat. There are two spray rails on each side. A protective stainless steel strip is placed above the trailer hook on the bow. At the front, there is a V-shaped seating area with padding all around and well-placed hand grips. The windshield curves around, is low, and the middle section opens easily.

Safety

The helmsman has a swivel flip-up cockpit seat, and the co-pilot has a bench with a folding backrest. This creates a perfect spot for a lookout while water skiing. It’s practical that the backrest of the rear bench can be removed on the starboard side, making it easy to access the swim platform. Americans love comfort, and the cushions on this boat show that you can sit in luxurious comfort. All passengers sit on comfortable benches with firm, vinyl-covered cushions. On a fast sport boat, good hand grips are crucial, and here they are well placed, just like the storage spaces. Under the floor, there is a large ski locker, and there’s plenty of additional storage under all the benches. There’s even room for a standard cooler under the rear bench. And as on any true American boat, cup holders are everywhere.

Steady Steering

The most important feature of a boat is its performance. You immediately notice the steady steering of this boat-motor combination with its asymmetrical lower unit. Because of the flat hull, you can expect the H1 to accelerate quickly, and it certainly does. The raw power of this 250 hp engine is perfectly showcased here. In no time, we reach a top speed of 94 km/h. However, you can tell this is really a boat for calm waters and requires very little trim. On larger waves, this fast sport boat is more challenging to control. But the passengers at the front remain completely dry, and behind the wide windshield, there’s no need to fear spray.

Super Fast

This Four Winns H1 is a modern, fully equipped bowrider with many features that are optional on other brands. It’s a well-built, comfortable sport boat that forms a beautiful and super-fast combination with the stylish Suzuki DF250 AUNX. A great combination for sporty families or fast sport anglers.