www.iFourWinns.com

We're at about 15 hours, so we're not quite ready for our 20-hour service. However, I'm going out of town and it seemed like the right time to take care of a slew of warranty issues; they can have the boat for 10 days. Nearly all of this list was noted at delivery over five weeks ago.

The biggest item is redoing the navy blue gelcoat stripe directly above the bumper rail. After being told by FW and the dealer the discoloration would fade and match, it has not. It's sat outside in the heat and sun for over five weeks and has not "dried out" or cured. Therefore, we want to take care of it now and make sure it's perfect versus waiting until the end of year when it's winterized.

Here is a list I compiled:

● Gelcoat & Exterior
-Replace stripes all the way around
-Gelcoat around bow hook rubbed off where trailer rollers make contact – porous
-Redo entire Navy stripe of Gelcoat above bumper rail (discolored from factory)
-Chip in gelcoat above port side transom hook

● Trailer
-Missing bow strap
-Rust on back
-Replace frayed winch strap

● Upholstery & Canvas
-Bimini needs adjusting – starboard short strut bent, crooked when lowered, off-center
-Replace seat back cushion stern, torn
-Walk-thru transom bottom cushion “hook” loose

● Engine
-Engine clicking or ticking at idle
-Acoustic foam falling off
-Engine hatch doesn't line up, sticks when closing

● Steering “clunks” periodically

● Floor squeaks or creaks a lot, normal?

● Stereo buzzing

_________________
SOLD! 2006 30th Anniversary Vista 278
"Conch'd Out!"

http://vista278.com

Are you sure the stripe above the rail is gel coat? I thought the stripes above the rail were all decals (mine is).

_________________


Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

It's gelcoat, no question. There are two thin stripes that are decals applied between the white and blue gelcoat colors.

_________________
SOLD! 2006 30th Anniversary Vista 278
"Conch'd Out!"

http://vista278.com

Mine is gelcoat as well. Everything above the rubrail except the thin "finishing" tape which is white and black and about 3/4 of an inch.

Please keep us posted on what they do for your gelcoat spot. I'm convinced I have the same appearance in one area below my porta potty window on the hull.

_________________
Former owner of:
1996 Four Winns Horizon 200 5.8L VP
2006 Four Winns Horizon 260 8.1L VP
2007 Sea Ray 290 Sundancer

Current boat
2004 Sea Ray 290 Sun Sport Twin 350 Mags

I took some photos before they came and took the boat. I'll post them here, as soon as I download them. It's VERY obvious.

_________________
SOLD! 2006 30th Anniversary Vista 278
"Conch'd Out!"

http://vista278.com

For those interested in some HIGH-RESOLUTION images of the gelcoat problem, click the links below. This is exactly how it looks, but even more pronounced on a sunny day.

http://www.twowheelforum.com/boat/pix023.jpg <<- Low ambient light, no flash
http://www.twowheelforum.com/boat/pix026.jpg <<- Cool designs! Too bad they weren't intentionally put there.
http://www.twowheelforum.com/boat/pix027.jpg <<- Extra striping, no charge!
http://www.twowheelforum.com/boat/pix029.jpg <<- Slightly darker exposure, similar to 1st pic
http://www.twowheelforum.com/boat/pix030.jpg <<- Closeup, good illustration
http://www.twowheelforum.com/boat/pix031.jpg <<- Extreme closeup! Dirt and all!


My original thread is here.

_________________
SOLD! 2006 30th Anniversary Vista 278
"Conch'd Out!"

http://vista278.com

Wow, I can see why you're upset. That sure isn't right.

Sorry about the comment on the gel coat. I always felt that top edge on mine (the decal) and mistakenly assumed it went all the way down to the rail. I'm glad to know it's mostly gel coat!

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

No worries.

The dealer assures me they will be able to redo the gelcoat "as good as new"; which in this case I need better than new! There is a lot of work involved, and it's a tedious process but, as you can see, it must be done.

I hope to have it back by September 1st for the boating weekend. I'll post after pics when I get the boat back.

_________________
SOLD! 2006 30th Anniversary Vista 278
"Conch'd Out!"

http://vista278.com