www.iFourWinns.com

You mentioned "black lab". If that's the case, you MUST have a swim platform. I cant imagine any other way to get the dog out of the water (and there is almost no way to stop her from jumping in).

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I was wondering how you would even attach a swim platform to a 1997 278V based on these pics:



But, then I saw this 1997 278V with an extended platform. It appears he went all the way over the existing platform to make it work.

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Current Boat: 2000 Four Winns 298 Vista
Previous Boat: 2000 Carver 406MY

Oh yea, I wouldn't do it any other way than that (all though there are other options), but that, for me, gives it a much "cleaner" look, and removes potential trip hazards... That's the route we went with our Larson..

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2004 Four Winns 328 Vista
1997 Larson Cabrio 290 - sold
1988 Rinker Fiesta Vee 248 - sold

An absolutly must have..... best thing I did for my boat

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"Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes "

1996 238 Vista dlx "Casper's Toy Too"
2006 5.0GXI w/closed cooling, DP-sm 1.95 drive
Previous boat:
1998 Sundowner 205

Well, we bought one of these "Paws Aboard" ladder 3-4 seasons ago, and it works very well (cumbersome though, at best):




Im completely leaning towards calling them this week and ordering the platform. I have 1 more concern. I dont know if this is common with other 278 Vista owners of the same vintage, but with twin engines & the factory installed generator, I am a little stern heavy. The boat easily porpoises badly with any addtl weight on board (i.e. guests). I have to smoosh the trim tabs as far down as they will go to push the bow down, otherwise you will get sick from bouncing....lol

So basically, the other concern I have holding me up on the purchase is adding more weight to the stern and making my porpoising issue worse than it already is.

I thought.... maybe I could install 4 blade SS props, they are supposed to provide "stern lift". I just dont want to drop $2k and find out it made the boat miserable to captain.

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1997 Four Winns Vista 278
T - 4.3l EFI
Kohler 4esz Genset
379 hours as of 8/8/21

I am also looking for a swim platform for my 258 and I am worried about being stern heavy. I found a site that does aluminum extended platforms so probably not as heavy. Doesn't look as "factory" so I am not sure I would like it. I am sure there are others out there.
http://www.extrememarine.cc/swim_platforms.htm

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--2002 3880 Regal Flybridge | Twin Merc 8.1HO **Seven**
--2003 AB 13 VST Console Inflatable | Tohatsu 40hp TLDI **Phish'n ski**
--310 Mercury Inflatable | 1982 9.9 Johnson

Just installed my buddy's swim platform. One thing I forgot to tell you. With a swim platform you are adding more weight to your boat and you may need to change your props. Just another thing to consider. I went ahead and added four blade props to get a better hole shot. Works great.

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1996 278 Vista Dlx Twin 5.0
1999 Sea Ray 215 ex cruiser (sold)
1989 Seaswirl (sold)

BTW we changed from 3 blade SS props to 4 blade alum props 14 1/2 x 17.

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1996 278 Vista Dlx Twin 5.0
1999 Sea Ray 215 ex cruiser (sold)
1989 Seaswirl (sold)

Did you switch because it was more difficult to get on plane? And would the size be the same for al. 4 blade props than it would be for SS ones?

I was already considering the thought process of switching to 4 blades anyways, before adding the swim platform. My boat will porpoise pretty badly with just a 2 addt'l guests on board. Its embarrassing to me. I can generally get on plane under any circumstance or load on the boat though. I just feel I need more "stern lift".

But with the addition of an extended swim platform, it seems like a done deal. I would absolutely have to switch to 4 blades.

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1997 Four Winns Vista 278
T - 4.3l EFI
Kohler 4esz Genset
379 hours as of 8/8/21

Yes the added weight made it more difficult to get on plane. It's night and day going with the 4 blade prop we went with. I went with alum because of the ever changing levels at lake Mead these days and I couldn't pass on the price.

My friend that has a 94 vista added more chain for his windless up front and he also added some extensions on his trim tabs. Going to take it out in a couple of weeks and I will let you know if it helped.
This is the same boat we just installed a swim platform on this week.

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1996 278 Vista Dlx Twin 5.0
1999 Sea Ray 215 ex cruiser (sold)
1989 Seaswirl (sold)

More chain... That's a great idea for forward ballast. Ballast that is actually useful !

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"Knot Easy" 2000 Horizon 240 Volvo 5.7GS /SX
tow: 2017 Honda PILOT EXL-AWD
prev. boats:
'87 Chaparral 198CXL 4.3 OMC Cobra
'69 Jetstar 16ft Ski Boat, 115hp Yamaha
'68 Aluminum Jon Boat, 3hp Sears
'64 Water Wings

I didnt notice any difference after I added my swim platform. Performance stayed the same

_________________
"Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes "

1996 238 Vista dlx "Casper's Toy Too"
2006 5.0GXI w/closed cooling, DP-sm 1.95 drive
Previous boat:
1998 Sundowner 205