www.iFourWinns.com

Hi everyone,

i'm new here and very close to purchasing a new 2016 V335. I have a couple questions and was hoping you are able to help me out.

1. have you noticed any positive change in build quality/customer service since Beneteau took over?

2. do you think an over haul is coming to the Vista series (like they have done with the bow riders) in the very near future? I'd hate to buy in now if a total redesign is coming by Beneteau.

3. has beneteau made any changes to hull design/interior to the 335 since taking over?

4. do you believe sea cores are necessary i'm i'll be on the atlantic?

Thanks very much everyone!!

[quote=3. has beneteau made any changes to hull design/interior to the 335 since taking over?[/quote]
I cannot speak to the exact model in question, but my wife and I visited the Toronto boat show recently and walked through a current 375 .. We have a 2005 348 with the exact same dimensions. With the exception of joystick, wood floors in cockpit, updated electronics and stereo, there really was very little changed inside over 10 years! I could walk blindfolded in the new boat and know where everything is located. That being said, there's not a lot to change in my opinion.

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

Only difference between that and my '08 318 for the most part is the new hardtop and some color/material changes.

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

Oops.... I forgot to look up on my walk through of the 375. Indeed the radar arch and hardtop are additional nice changes that have been made.
On a side note, we walked through the Searay 370 right after the Four Winns and it was indeed very nice, and just a few inches bigger.., but not the $300K MORE (Canadian) they were asking!

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

When I bought my '08 used, they had a new '11 asking 100k more. Even if I had the extra cash, no way to justify that much extra cost!

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

I've worked at a FW dealership for about a year, and we only picked up the FW line about the time that Beneteau bought FW, so I can't personally attest to any differences made since the purchase took place. I can say that there has been, to my knowledge, essentially no real changes that I would attribute to the change in ownership. Beneteau essentially brought some deep pockets that will enable FW and the other three companies to ride out industry downturns. I have also heard that it was FW's factories and reputation for quality that were the major reasons for Beneteau's purchase.
The 335 has not been changed much since its introduction in, I believe, 2006. We haven't heard anything about changes regarding the 335 -- nothing was mentioned at the 2016 dealer's meeting a month or so ago. I would guess and speculate that the next Vista change announced will be something to fill the gap between the 275 and the 335.
So, to confirm, Beneteau has not made any changes to the 335 since they bought FW.
We have ordered just about all of our boats with Volvo's -- but with proper maintenance I don't think Sea Cores are necessary.
Post or PM any questions you have and I'll do my best to answer.
Mike H............

You're way better off with an '08, why, because the '11 will have cat converter exhaust. If you ever had to replace the exhaust, which is common here in salt water, it can cost up to 3 grand just for parts.

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

You will be at risk with a Four Winns purchase regarding warranty coverage. They will not cover claims against boats made before the last bankruptcy. My 2007 Vista 358 has documented hull cracking since first year's use (2008) that they repaired twice, but have ignored me since the bankruptcy.

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Transcendence II
2007 Vista 358

Just an F.Y.I., as mentioned above the Toronto Boat Show did have a Four Winns Vista 335 on display. The Boat Show price for this Vista 335 was $262,414. This would be in Canadian dollars . The only reason I have this price is I took a picture of the sales price along with the other information that was posted on display at the stern of the boat.

I really like the layout and fit/finish of the 335, but did note it is a 10' 9" beam boat. My Vista 328 will look dated compared to this new Vista 335, but it's interesting the older 328 is a foot wider with a beam of 11 '9".

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Current Boat
- 2001 Four Winns 328 Vista "Hour Decision"
- 2010 310 Mercury Inflatable

Previous Boats
- 30' Doral Prestancia
- 25' Doral Citation

Please see my post in this same forum on rust appearing on my brand new V275. There is a short video in the post that documents the rust. We are questioning whether they have started installing cheaper stainless and are also cutting corners on installation labor. I will post an update about the response from the factory. I think you have raised a legitimate question whether the new ownership will affect quality.