For trailering, the Four Winns 170 Horizon LE 2005 has the edge at 254 lbs dry weight versus 257 lbs for the Four Winns 180 Freedom 2004. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

The Four Winns 180 Freedom 2004 has an official capacity rating of 5 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

The Four Winns 180 Freedom 2004 measures 96" wide, compared to 9" for the Four Winns 170 Horizon LE 2005. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

The Four Winns 180 Freedom 2004 has the bigger tank at 32 gallons, versus 24 gallons on the Four Winns 170 Horizon LE 2005. That 8-gallon difference translates to roughly 24–40 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Yes — both the Four Winns 170 Horizon LE 2005 and the Four Winns 180 Freedom 2004 are built by Four Winns. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.