www.iFourWinns.com

Looking at buying 2004-05 vista 328 or the 2006 vista 318

I know the beam on the 328 is 11'9" and the 318 is 10'9"

Can you really feel the extra 1'

Any thoughts?

Yes you can. You are really comparing V318 which in the 328 era was the 298. If you go on both you will see the difference in my opinion

_________________
2001 328 Vista "Nauta Dream 2"
AB Inflatable 10AL "Little Dreamer"
2000 248 Vista
1997 225 Sundowner


Mike

The old boating disease of "two-foot-it-is" is very common... But anyone who goes up two feet is very quickly looking to upsize as two feet in length is not a big change . A foot in beam increase is huge, it is the aspect of a boat that makes you feel the boat really is bigger. Take the foot in beam and be satisfied for many years to come!

_________________

Ernie Follis
It'll Do II
Four Winns 348 (2005)

After boarding a wide beam boat, ya, I would recommend looking at the wider one. What a difference!

_________________
2000 248 5.7L DP
'92, '94 SXI 750, '08 STX 15F, '12 Ultra LX 300
Videos

A 298 is the older version of the 318 and the 328 is the older version of the 338.

Do you want newer, sleeker styling or more room? Ideally 338 but the price increase over a 318 when we bought pushed us to the 318. We looked at a 328 and while the extra room would be great, I'm happy we went with the newer boat.

Go on both and decide, but with those years I'd chose whichever is in better condition.

_________________
2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

I'm torn. I love the new sleek design with the helm and the new interior of the 06-08 vista 318. It would be a lake boat for the wife and I with the occasional grand kids from time to time. Leaning towards the 2006-08 V318 because my boat dock slip design will be 13x33 at the present time. (Boat dock has not been built yet).
I can have the 318 on a lift, I also could lift the 328 but would have to increase the width of the slip to 14'. Which brings up another point. is it worth paying $10,000.00 for a lift or just have a bottom job done every 3-4 yrs?

comments....

318 has an integrated swim platform whereas the 328 is a bolt on and has supports and 8 screws below the water line on the transom. Another plus for the 318. I keep mine wet slipped and no issues. If your on a lift, you can't leave the a/c on or even the humidity setting to reduce humidity while your gone.

_________________
2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

I'm hearing alot of chatter about the composite outdrives to stay away from. Which years or combo engine setup has the composite drives?

Volvo Penta with the Osi engines or xDP drives. Get the regular duo prop or Mercruiser. Pluses and minuses to each...I chose Merc due to the engine mounted outdrive oil reservoir vs the dipstick on the VP that is useless on a slipped boat.

_________________
2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

Is it with the Volvo OSi engine only. I see a lot of the ones for sale have Different sizes of the Volvo engine. I apologize for being so green at this. This is my first express cruiser and really like the FW line up. I had Mastercraft ski boats all my life, making the transition to the express cruisers.

Stay far far away from anything with osi, osxi, xdp, etc. you want dps drives on anything Volvo. On merc, bravo 3's or seacore.

_________________

2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

Thx. Luv this pic of your past boat. Did you enjoy her?

Amazing boat. Loved it. Just in a 45' sedan bridge with 2 beds/2 baths now. At the fuel dock, I wish we still had the 318!

You will love a 318!

_________________

2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

You will never regret the extra beam. The extra beam gives you more space, additional stability (less rocking when anchored) and the difference in the forward berth between the 298 and 328 is quite a bit. That said, it really depends on how you plan to use the boat and personal tastes. Go on both boats and you will appreciate the difference, pictures online will never tell the story.

_________________
1969 Chris Craft Commander 47
1999 Four Winns 328 Vista - SOLD

I haven't been on a 298 or 318, both great boats, but I can't say enough about the 328. My favorite so far. It seems to be just the right match of size and power. You will def appreciate the extra beam.

_________________

Lakebum
2006 378 Vista
Nashville, TN
Current
04 Hustler Cheetah
06 Seadoo sportster 150
Past
06 378 vista
328 vista
240 horizon
21' glastron
20' celebrity