The Four Winns HD8 Surf 2022 vs Four Winns Horizon 290 OB 2023 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Four Winns Horizon 290 OB 2023 measures 30,1 feet overall (2023), giving it roughly 3,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Four Winns HD8 Surf 2022 at 26,6 feet (2022). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Four Winns Horizon 290 OB 2023 tips the scales at 8 600 lbs — 3 250 lbs less than the Four Winns HD8 Surf 2022 at 5 350 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Four Winns Horizon 290 OB 2023 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Four Winns HD8 Surf 2022 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Four Winns Horizon 290 OB 2023 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Four Winns Horizon 290 OB 2023 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 30,1 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Four Winns HD8 Surf 2022 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.