www.iFourWinns.com

I plan to order a 2008 Vista 288 this weekend. Classic Blue color band. Twin Volvo Penta 5.0GXi/Duoprops (270 HP each).
Options:
Graywater system, Heat and Air Conditioning, remote spotlight (standard), windlass (standard), starboard windshield wiper (standard), stereo remote at transom, stereo upgrade, tank level indicators, fire extinguishing system, cockpit cover, deck sunpads, aft fill-in seat cushions, and gas vapor detector (standard).


I would love to hear some feedback from 288 owners.

Thanks in advance Bill

I am trading a 2005 Chaparral Signature 260

I'm wondering why you're adding the graywater system? Is that a requirement of where you boat? Also, just be warned the tank level indicators probably work once every third sunday on leap years only. Otherwise it sounds pretty good.

Ben

'07 358 Vista
'Have a Day'

We are on Lake Winnipesaukee and it is required.

Thanks Bill

I would add vacuflush commode to the list of options if it isn't a standard.

_________________
Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

Thanks for the input. I was told the Vacuflush is now standard.

jvalich,
What are your thoughts on the boat in general?

Thanks Bill

Absolutely love it. We get people drooling over her all the time. Your will be a bit different. We have a convertible vberth upfront, they now are fixed berths. We wanted a convertible vberth for the extra table space with the kids.

Should get 1.6 - 1.7 mpg at a 30-34 mph cruise. Nice comfortable dry ride. Maintenance is easy except for the genset impeller.

One other thing is the shower/head. Don't know if they changed it. But when you take a shower water puddles behind the head. It's just the angle the shower floor is relative to the boat ing the water. We just have a small squeegee that we use to chase the water down the drain and use it to help dry the walls and mirrors.

Let me know if you have any specific questions. We have had ours now for almost 4 yrs.

_________________
Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

jvalich,
Thanks for the comments.

It sounds like a great boat. I am confident we made the correct choice.

Thanks Bill

Yup, you've made a great choice. We've enjoyed the past 3 and a half months with our 07 288. We have the fixed VBerth and it's huge, but be warned the mattress is VERY hard. The boat is nice and stable and with the twin 5.0 volvos performance is great and hops out of the hole fast.

We too have received many compliments. One word of advice on the classic color band. It looks great, but darker colors are harder to keep clean, and show every little nick from the dock, fenders etc. I originally ordered it and changed it shortly after and I'm really glad I did. Just something to consider.

Overall it's a great running/looking boat, does't burn a ton of gas (I average about $150 a weekend) and has tons of space.

Have fun!

PS: We've nicknamed the locker on the port side of the mid-cabin "The pizza oven" because it's such an oddly shaped locker ideal for storing very flat stuff only.

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2007 - 288 Vista

The Scotsman,
I am with you on the classic color band, but so far I have been over ruled by my wife. It is hard to say no. It has been her only input.

Thanks Bill

From my experience, the classic color band is a lot of work but I was overruled by the admiral...ahh, shall I say a weekend of waxing = 50 tab bottle of Advil

_________________
Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

I have a 05 288 that I bought new in 06. The boat is great and the canvas and cockpit cover fit perfect and easily installed, my previous boat a Regal 2665 had the worst fitting canvas of any boat I have owned. I have twin volvo ocean series 4.3's and the performance and gas usage is great. The only thing I would change on mine is the flexteek swim platform, gets really hot down here in Florida and I think the standard white would have been a better choice. I hope you have many great years of boating with your new Four Winns.

Don't feel bad about the shower drain, it's the way on the 348. While there is a door separating the shower/toilet from the sink area the floor is not divided. So any water from the shower will run out in front of the sink too. And the drains are on the inside edge but the water tends to pool along the outside edge. Thus a squeegee with a suction cup mount is kept on the wall in the shower.

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista