Four Winns HD 240 Surf

surfing that has captured the imagination of an entirely new generation and Four Winns HD 240 Surf is riding the wave of success with a luxury deckboat that provides hours of family fun from surfing to wakeboarding to just dropping the hook and enjoying the party cove.

What makes this boat different is the use of Volvo’s Forward Drive system with a Wake Sports V-8 350-hp. While most surfing occurs at just a scant 8 to 11 mph, this boat is a true crossover hitting a top-speed in excess of 47 mph. For those who prefer skis and need that hole shot to get out of the water, we hit 25 mph in under 8 seconds. Amazingly, the best fuel economy is around 28 mph or roughly 9 miles to the gallon.

When any boat converts to forward drives or pod drives on larger cruisers it requires a retooling of the hull. Four Winns mastered a design coined the Stable-Vee running surface in 1993. It’s a hull that works, is simple and effective, and contributes to smooth running and smart handling. Together Volvo and Four Winns engineers found ways to place the engine and drive in a manner that did not mess with the Stable-Vee concept. Probably the biggest modification comes with the addition of a centrally located ballast tank that is a quick fill/discharge used to create a deeper wave. Some trick riders have discovered that by altering the pitch a degree or two on the drive, they can control the ratio aspects of the wave — sort of like fine-tuning — to their individual preference.

Four Winns’ HD 240 Surf model stays faithful to the quality comforts found in Four Winns. Backrests and seat cushions throughout the boat are robust and supportive, an attribute most noticeable on those days when the lake gets choppy from traffic or that surprise afternoon storm. In the squared-off bow there is deep combing with drink holders recessed inside and extra places to charge a smartphone. Forward along the leading edge of the bow is a recessed telescoping swim ladder and anchor storage. An optional sunpad filler turns the bow into a sun lounge — a place for the kids to call their own or for teens to feel just far enough away from Mom and Dad, yet well within eyesight.

Underneath the forwardmost seat is a lift-up hatch revealing a cooler. I’d highly recommend adding the pedestal round table that adds functionality and entertaining space.

At the helm and port side, dual captain’s chairs are wide, plush and swivel fully into the cockpit. Both feature flip-up thigh bolsters to provide leg room or an enhanced sightline view. Our test boat featured two-tone white and lunar colored vinyl with strong stitching.

These seats are going to hold up season after season. The cockpit seating is aesthetically pleasing; instead of straight angles and rectangular cuts for each piece in a typical bench seat configuration, Four Winns added curved, scalloped shapes. And when combined with the color-coordinated vinyl and optional ash grey reed mat cockpit flooring, the sense of luxury pops.

Of particular interest is access to the two-step swim platform. Four Winns created a transom pass-through that is roughly as wide as a single seat. When in motion, simply lift up one of the aft seat cushions and flip over a jump seat to complete a unified cockpit seating arrangement from port to starboard. For boarding and, of course, the main event, watersports, the jump seat stores neatly out of the way.

No compromises

Unlike some boats where space is an issue and the backrest pulls double-duty facing forward or aft, there is no compromise with the HD 240 Surf. A rear-facing transom seat is always upright, offering a tremendous lounging area in the party cove or sitting at the dock. The extended swim platform gets riders right down to the water level, ideal for tubing, getting skis on or simply mounting a board.

Our test boat was equipped with a Zero Off GPS speed control, ideal for multiple riders of various skill levels, a Simrad touch-screen multifunction display, lighted switches, a handsome three-spoke steering wheel and JL Audio Media Master with support for Sirius XM. The satellite radio feature is becoming a popular item for those who want some variety in music tastes and want to bring the luxury from their car to the boat.

The Surf model also sports a powered wakeboard arch that lowers for storage and fitting into the garage. The total height on the trailer with the wakeboard tower down is 9 feet, 6 inches. You can also add optional board racks and tower speakers.

There’s no shortage for storage in this model. Under most seats, in the cockpit sole and in the aft bench (where you’ll find room for a carry-on cooler) is all the finished dry compartment space you need to keep the floor clutter-free. Tucked inside the port console is a head compartment with porta-potti.

When you want all the benefits of a tow boat without limitations for cruising and family dayboating, Four Winns HD 240 Surf offers a great option from a company with a long tradition for value and fun.<