Help buying this 268 vista

hutch9900 · **Joined:** Tue Mar 22, 2011 7:14 pm **Posts:** 456

ric wrote:

rpengr wrote:

ric wrote:

Maintenance is key, and a quick FYI: Most marine insurance polices cover engine/drive damage.

Only if it's caused by an accident, not because of age or corrosion or poor maintenance.

I've seen boats "accidentally" sink among my friends.
Just saying.

Nice.

drewsupon · **Joined:** Tue Jul 15, 2014 8:10 am **Posts:** 7

Thanks Hutch. Also im not real big on the bimini anyway. We only get to use our boats 3-4 months of the season here in buffalo so i want as much sun as i can get lol

ric · **Posted:** Tue Jul 15, 2014 12:53 pm

hutch9900 wrote:

ric wrote:

25k for a 2002 268 Vista without a genset, arch, camper canvas/bimini, or fancy gel coat (it's just plain white) isn't a good deal. I wouldn't buy that it's missing all the good stuff.

I wouldn't pay over 20, it's going to cost you a good couple grand just to have the bimini/camper canvas made up.

Did you read any of the ad at all???? What are you on??? Seriously, your head needs to be examined! I sure cannot wait to see your 268 for under 20k. Good luck with that and we will see you in 10 years.

Minimum 5k to get a decent Bimini and camper canvas made. So now we're at 28,500. It will need manifolds. Thats another grand. Bellows. $500. So...now were at $30,000 to make this boat decent and usable.

I can go out and get a fully optioned 2002 salty 268 with gen for 30k with my eyes closed.

It's not a deal. Its cheap because everything it's missing or needs work on was deducted from the price..

To own a Vista without camper canvas defeats the purpose. Heck, I use the crap out of my camper canvas during popup summer rainstorms. A little rain doesn't ruin the fun when you're properly equipped!!!

kd4pbs · **Joined:** Thu Sep 05, 2013 10:34 am **Posts:** 350

That looks to be in very good shape, and at a very good price as well. The hole you see is from the remote control that used to be there with the factory stereo. Put a sticker over it or see if you can locate a remote that works with the current stereo. Have it surveyed; the survey will indicate any issues with salt use. Have the surveyor pay particular attention to the connectors used in the wiring, which tend to corrode when slipped in a salt environment. Expect a marine mechanic to charge anywhere from $300-$1200 to replace all corroded connectors, including the fuse panel.
Cap'n.... I'm glad I'm not the only one that nearly ruined his monitor when I read that. LOL

Rick2752 · **Posted:** Tue Jul 15, 2014 5:08 pm

I think it's to high also, but alas I am frugal....I mean a tight ass. I would never buy a boat during boating season. Lol and never sell a boat in winter. The camper if it is missing is a big deal. That and it's a salty. Here's a link they are out there, maybe use this as a bargaining chip.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2004- ... sta-616884

ric · **Posted:** Tue Jul 15, 2014 5:16 pm

That's what I'm saying. Ya'll think I'm crazy but no it's high priced. My marina just sold a BEAUTIFUL 2004 248 Vista with A/C for 21. I wish I had the $$ at the time.

They also sold a 2007 278 Vista fully loaded for 38k.

Maybe out there by the great lakes boats are $$$$$ but here in the south? You can't give cruisers away everyone wants a CC. 99% of the boats in Florida are fresh water too.

hutch9900 · **Joined:** Tue Mar 22, 2011 7:14 pm **Posts:** 456

ric wrote:

Maybe out there by the great lakes boats are $$$$$ but here in the south? You can't give cruisers away everyone wants a CC. 99% of the boats in Florida are fresh water too.

Hmmmm.......I believe it was you that said cuddy cabin boats are the "bastard" of the south. Good job contradicting yourself as usual.

ric wrote:

Here in the south 20k will buy you a mint cond. 205/225. 16-17 if you don't mind a little wear and tear. I know prices by the great lakes are much higher cause you actually have a market for them. In the south? they're bastard childs.

I would also love to know your source for 99% of Florida boats being fresh water.

noexcuses · **Posted:** Tue Jul 15, 2014 5:52 pm

Too bad your prospective boat doesn't have a radar arch, this might be a good deal if the 2002 model is the same as 2005.

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/boa/4550952272.html

ric · **Posted:** Tue Jul 15, 2014 6:21 pm

Florida has a crap ton of lakes and rivers. The ocean sucks it's always rough. You don't go out there unless you have a CC. Bowrider in the atlantic? hahahahaha

Dave L · **Joined:** Mon Jun 23, 2014 11:56 am **Posts:** 5

I know that many people boat in salt water successful. But this boat was not set up for salt water. It has open cooling where the salt water is used to cool the engine. With the nine years docked in salt water there is going to be damage beyond the exhaust system that will show up over time.

Also, the hour meter was not installed by Four Winns. The only way to tell actual engine hours is to scan the ECM.

hutch9900 · **Joined:** Tue Mar 22, 2011 7:14 pm **Posts:** 456

ric wrote:

Florida has a crap ton of lakes and rivers. The ocean sucks it's always rough. You don't go out there unless you have a CC. Bowrider in the atlantic? hahahahaha

So you go out on the ocean in a CC but not an EC? Hmmm? Is that why EC's are not preferred in the south but CC are? :roll:

LouC · **Posted:** Wed Jul 16, 2014 8:21 am

A couple of more points here:
NYC harbor, is salt but the upper parts of it, are more brackish, it depends on where it was moored. Keep in mind that the Hudson River from upstate NY is mostly fresh till it gets down to the George Washington bridge in upper Manhattan, and that empties into NY harbor.
Yes the engine and manifolds will corrode internally faster in salt water. But mine has been in salt at least 15 years and is still running fine. I have changed the manifolds 2x.
Here's what I would do:
ask the owner if they would let you have a mechanic remove the risers and look down the center exhaust port, if you see rust stains in there, that might lead to rusted exhaust valve stems and rough running. If not then that's not a concern. Still you should replace the exhaust manifolds, risers, gaskets and also most likely the thermostat housing itself as well with a new stat.
Take a good look at the outdrive and transom mount, look for corrosion under that new paint. See if the owner will allow a mechanic to pull the drive and check the bellows for water. That will tell you a lot as well as taking a gear oil sample. These 3 checks will help you rule out problems that would cost a lot to correct.
On the other hand salt water does not rot transoms like fresh water does. I'd rather replace a pair of manifolds than do any more fiberglass work in my life time, LOL....
All the worst damage to my boat (rotted deck) was from fresh water (rain water) not salt water. So don't fear salt boats. Just be an informed consumer.

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Wed Jul 16, 2014 8:32 am

Quote:

ask the owner if they would let you have a mechanic remove the risers and look down the center exhaust port, if you see rust stains in there, that might lead to rusted exhaust valve stems and rough running. If not then that's not a concern. Still you should replace the exhaust manifolds, risers, gaskets and also most likely the thermostat housing itself as well with a new stat.
Take a good look at the outdrive and transom mount, look for corrosion under that new paint. See if the owner will allow a mechanic to pull the drive and check the bellows for water. That will tell you a lot as well as taking a gear oil sample. These 3 checks will help you rule out problems that would cost a lot to correct.

All good advice, but way too much "if" here to even bother concerning this particular boat. Likely you would have to pay dearly to have all that done pre-purchase. And unless there is "no other boat on earth for me , but this one" Scratch the idea completely and look for another boat that has all the amenities, not salty, and priced right. This particular boat fits none of these categories.

drewsupon · **Joined:** Tue Jul 15, 2014 8:10 am **Posts:** 7

All great points. Thanks guys. Im glad I did this post. The fact that he broke a prop 2 nights ago sealed the deal for me. Im out

NiagaraChillin · **Posted:** Wed Jul 16, 2014 9:40 am

drewsupon wrote:

All great points. Thanks guys. Im glad I did this post. The fact that he broke a prop 2 nights ago sealed the deal for me. Im out

So, are you dead set on getting a Vista? There are a few nice Sundowners for sale around here, and like I said in my earlier comment, that SD 285 looks in great shape, and less $$$. If I was looking to move up right now, I would prob consider that over a Vista.

www.iFourWinns.com

Help buying this 268 vista

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