Four Winns HD2 OB

Those who follow my stories in Lakeland Boating know that I usually perform sea trials on larger boats and yachts, typically 40-footers and up.

So, when I was assigned to check out the Four Winns HD2 OB for a sea trial — a 20-foot, bow-riding, open-deck watercraft — I thought, “How am I going to fill my pages?”

Well, have no fear. The HD2 is full of surprises that make it a cool toy, thanks to numerous features. Plus, it brings a high level of fun thanks to its stylish looks and sporty handling.

What’s in a name

Starting with the name, the “HD2” signifies that this is a hybrid model, suitable as a deckboat and dayboat. It’s perfect for family or friend outings, enjoying watersports, and even cruising back bays or open lakes and rivers. “OB” is for the outboard model, which we tested with a 150-hp Mercury outboard bolted to the integrated aft platform. There is a sterndrive I/O model available for those purists who enjoy inboard performance. One benefit of the outboard configuration is that it offers a little more room in the cockpit.

Don’t be swayed by the single outboard. Our test ride with five people onboard still had the HD2 jump up and show her mettle through the rpm scale, with wide-open throttle producing 40 mph at 5740 rpm. Dial back to 4000 rpm, and you’re still skimming across the water at 24 mph. With its low-profile styling and V-shape hull to beat back the waves, this dry-riding boat gives the sensation of traveling faster, being so close to the water.

That speed also helps when pulling waterskiers or tubers, and has great visibility aft to keep an eye on the riders.

Go retro

Take command from the starboard helm station, with its retro-designed dash. Two main analog dial/digital display circular instruments are encased in a black lacquered dash, keeping the layout simple. Only a few switches are needed, so the dash is not cluttered. The right side throttle control is well-positioned for easy access and control without any awkward arm positioning. In the dash is a storage compartment for keys, wallet and even your phone (since there’s no good place to keep it on the dash). Stereo controls are on the left side, and the tilt steering allows for comfortable driving from any angle.

Handling is exceptional as we pulled hard on the wheel at almost top speed, with an easy lean into the turn, tracking true without the aft swinging out. Sit low and let the raked windshield funnel the air over your head. Or lean up on the bolstered helm seat for full visibility over the windshield. Either way, it’s a fun ride with full control.

Decked out

As a bowrider model, the focus has to be on that forward area. Thanks to the flat, blunted peak, this design actually affords more seating space versus a narrowing “V” style that typically starts from the top of the gunwale. Not only is there seating all around, with generously padded backrests and custom stitching, but the port- and starboard-facing bench seats double as forward-facing loungers, complete with well-sized backrests that are mounted on the console.

That bull nose also yields additional lounging space so you can relax and dangle your legs over the side when at anchor. I like the fact that it can be a nice casting spot to catch up on some fishing.

I know what you’re thinking — that you’ll lose seating space due to the centerline access through the fold-back windshield and split door. But fear not. There’s a fill-in plastic backrest and seat bottom that fits cushions, converting the bow seating to a large full beam sunpad. With a carpeted runner, non-skid on the foredeck, speakers, grabrails and drink holders, the bow is fully rigged for a day on the water.

As mentioned, there’s a helm seat to starboard, and there’s also a bucket seat to port — perfect for the cruising couple. With its own compartment, you can secure your goods and charge them thanks to the USB ports.

When you see the cockpit, you have to remind yourself that this is only a 20-foot boat. Four Winns has done a yeoman’s job with the layout design. First, there’s L-shape seating down the port side and across the transom. With thick padding, custom stitching and high backrests, it’s a pleasure sitting back there. Included is underseat storage (for the covers and Bimini top), storage wells and drink holder inserts. The starboard corner of the transom is the walk-through from the swim platform. Nestled in the corner aft of the helm seat is another single bench seat.

Styling

What I find impressive is the custom non-skid pads with embedded designs and custom shapes. Decks get wet and hot, which are not always a pleasure to stand on. This addition makes for cooler footings — plus it looks great!

One thing that makes the HD2 stand apart is the custom, tubular-framed arch that does several things. First, it makes for a well-located handhold when entering the boat (or coming aboard at the swim platform). You can also mount the overhead Bimini top frame to the arch. It also creates an additional mounting point for wakeboards, skis, tow ropes and maybe a rod holder. Overall, the forward raked design complements the boat styling, giving the sense that it’s screaming along, even when sitting still.

A few other worthy mentions include a dedicated ski locker, deep seating (you feel like you are sitting in the boat), ample storage space, color options, “Build your own” website styling and more. Plus, it’s towable and garage-friendly! Four Winns has thrown a lot into this ready-to-go vessel.

Editorial Note: Groupe Beneteau, Four Winns’ parent company, announced on June 15, 2026, that it is halting production at the Four Winns’ Cadillac, Michigan, facility and will be divesting the Four Winns, Glastron and Scarab brands. Dealers will continue selling current inventory and servicing existing customers.