Boat Test: 2026 Four Winns H33
The H33 mixes clean lines with an impressive ride.
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Overview
Four Winns H33 OB takes over the flagship role for the now-50-year-old boatbuilder, mixing luxury dayboat amenities with the coastal readiness of outboard power and wrapping it all in a deep, secure design highlighted by the H Series trademark lines and Euro-inspired vertical bow stem. Add a popular summer kitchen to expand entertaining possibilities, the convenience of both a head and mini cabin, and up to 400 horses of twin-engine power and you’ve got a versatile model ready to satisfy both active families and adults with entertainment on the menu. A twist on coving and sandbar potential, however, just may be the chef’s kiss on an already winning recipe.
On the dash, dual 12-inch Simrad multifunction displays track engine data, chart plotting and the like.
Courtesy Four Winns
Interior and Accessories
Once relegated to the yacht market, side terrace doors transform the H33 OB’s aft cockpit when not underway. Lowered, they create a large open platform offering 270-degree waterside access that expands both floor space and possibilities. Kids will scream “cannonball” as they run off its edges. Adults will lazily dangle their feet in the water, or later, share cocktails and conversation. An island-like sun pad will prove a popular hangout, its pivoting electric backrest creating an oversized recliner. Cup holders and audio controls are incorporated into its perimeter. From front to back, the entire platform is single-level and covered in EVA traction, inspiring the confidence to move about freely, at least until the kids realize they can push mom and dad into the drink, just like back at the dock.
Practical benefits are revealed behind the scenes. As the H33 OB also comes in a sterndrive version, that would-be engine compartment becomes massive storage below the sun pad. Its cavernous space is ready for boxes, large gear bags and supplies. A trio of batteries are neatly arrayed in boxes along the portside wall, making it simple to service or swap out. An optional Seakeeper 2 gyro barely puts a dent in the real estate.
The bow features a V-shaped lounge around a removable table.
Courtesy Four Winns
The socializing continues under the shade of the main cockpit’s overhead hardtop. That aforementioned sun pad flows into an L-shaped lounge that extends to the companion seat. Opposite, an L-shaped outdoor galley is paired with a single starboard seat and features the food-prep trifecta of sink, electric grill and built-in cooler under lids on its Corian countertop. A pullout electric refrigerator awaits below; a smaller, drawer-style freezer can be optioned below the helm seat. For those who prefer to leave the cooking to their favorite waterfront restaurant, the entire galley can be swapped out for an additional L-shaped lounge.
Captains will appreciate a modern complement of twin 12-inch Simrad touchscreens at the helm. Joystick control was standard on our Mercury-powered test boat, simplifying docking and close-quarters maneuvering. Its less-common location on the left-hand side of the dash makes for more natural operation when facing aft as you back into a slip, at least for the majority of the population who are right-handed. Additional ergonomic points include a powered, double-wide helm seat with a flip-up bolster and a pivoting elbow rest for your throttle arm. Opposite, the port console gets its own 12-inch Simrad for those in the companion seat. Like at the helm, a wireless charging cradle is within reach, as is a control head for the audio system.
There’s a head compartment below the port console and berth below the helm.
Courtesy Four Winns
Four Winns offers unique entry into port and starboard consoles. Rather than a door that tangles with the companion’s chair or blocks the walk-through to the bow, each console’s inboard panel slides aft to access the interior. That includes a cabinet with a stainless-steel sink and faucet, additional counter space and a marine toilet in the port console. To starboard, a small cabin awaits with a cushioned berth. Most will likely use it as storage or a changing room, but don’t overlook the potential for kids big and little to catch a nap. As there’s no air conditioning, keep the door cracked for ventilation. Within the starboard console also lies power distribution and shore-power panels, storage cabinet, and access to electronics including audio, LED lighting and telematics. All are meticulously arrayed and supported.
The bow compartment completes the stern-to-stem tour. Seating is squared off in U-shaped fashion to incorporate an anchor locker, but has the practical benefit of avoiding a pinched seat at the bow. Stretch out to port and starboard, or remove a portside filler cushion to face forward with feet on the floor. Built-in coolers are below. A teak table smartly mounts from a side pedestal to keep floorspace clear. Corian inwale ledges in the lumbar region include cup holders, speakers and USB charging ports.
Read Next: Four Winns H9 OB
Twin foldout aft-terraces dramatically expand the aft platform.
Courtesy Four Winns
Engines
A trio of power options is available: There’s a pair of 300s from Yamaha or Mercury, 350 hp Yamaha twins, or our test boat’s twin 400 hp Mercury Verados. The latter powered to 30 mph in 9.5 seconds and topped out at nearly 57 mph. Though the outboard version of the 33 shares much with its sterndrive brethren, the hull varies slightly, with larger chines optimized for coastal conditions. We found it smooth and precise and ready for larger lakes and near-shore waters.
Comparison shopping? Regal’s 34 SAV ($678,850 with twin Yamaha 350s) also offers twin terraces. Alternatively, Cobalt’s R33 OB (starting at $449,493 with twin 400hp Verados) lacks terraces. Of course be sure to itemize standards and options and ask for a sea trial before you buy.
How We Tested- Engines: Twin Mercury Verado 400 V-10s
- Drive/Props: Outboard/Mercury Revolution 4 14.6″ x 22″ 4-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 2.08:1 Fuel Load: 93 gal.
- Standard windlass, through-stem anchor takes the hassle out of anchoring.
- Built-in coolers in the bow and a large compartment below the cockpit sole.
- Swim ladder deploys away from engines. Wide steps provide safe, easy access.
- Positioning aft cleats farther back would allow cross-tying without lines rubbing on outboard cowlings when backed into a slip.
- Ouch alert. Recessed hinges, both at bow cushion adjacent to anchor locker and aft sun pad, aren’t recessed enough to avoid contact with an ill-placed knee or backside.
- Offer a windshield wiper, please.
Four Winns H33 Certified Test Results
Boating Magazine
Contact Four Winns
Four Winns – Cadillac, Michigan; fourwinns.com
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