Staying in the Four Winns family.

JeffLW · **Posted:** Mon Jan 27, 2014 7:23 pm

The admiral made the comment last summer that we need a bigger boat.

You can imagine how happy this made me. :mrgreen:

It won't happen this year but maybe 2015/16, and since the last search took a couple years, I'm getting started now.

We are thinking the 28 to 34ft range. 2006 or newer. Her wants are more room, a more comfortable bed, and head big enough to shower in. I'd love to have twin engines as it would make me more comfortable taking some longer trips. (Been showing her pics of the North Channel :wink:

) I'm also looking forward to a comfy mattress in the V berth.

Right now I'm trying to get a list of boats I'd like to look at in person this summer. Been looking online and I keep coming back to Four Winns as my favorites. I love the 348. This one has me drooling http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2006- ... -102102069 It has everything we want but I'm thinking that may be too big of a jump in size from a 248. The 318 is really starting to stand out from the rest as a possibility. The 288 looks like a slightly wider version of what we have now so that is out.
The Sea Rays are nice but I hate that most don't have a walkthrough windshield and the ones that do have the steps as part of the cabin door.
Don't want a Rinker.
Don't want a Bayliner.
Cruisers are nice but the styling just looks dated to me. Even on the newer models.
Chaparrel 310 is one I'd like to look at.
Tiara is really nice but my wallet is not anywhere near that fat.
Formula 31 is another one to look at.
The Regal window express. :roll:

What the hell where they smoking when they designed this?

Any others I should consider?

ric · **Posted:** Mon Jan 27, 2014 7:40 pm

I will say this about a Chaparral, they are not as stylish. Four Winns LOOK better without a doubt. Build quality wise? Chaparral is on another level. Every connector is waterproof automotive style. There's access ports for things. Wire sizes are correct. No fuses, resetable breakers for all 12/120v systems. Hull design is more suited for rough water/smoother rides but that means they do have a slower top speed/and consume a touch more fuel. They are built by design engineers who actually might have worked on a boat in their life. Four Winns are designed by a guy who doesn't even untie his own dock lines.

In the end, my dream boat is a 248/268 Vista from the mid 2000's. The only reason is due to style. I know I'd be buying a lesser boat for probably more money, but hey... looks do play a big part in decisions.

firecadet613 · **Posted:** Mon Jan 27, 2014 7:47 pm

I'm partial to the 318, but Regal has a new 32 Express that looks nice.

LouC · **Posted:** Mon Jan 27, 2014 8:11 pm

If I was going that big I'd want to get away from outdrives if at all possible. I can put up with one of them. But on a bigger boat that could take inboards, put up with the work of 2 outdrives. No way.

JeffLW · **Posted:** Mon Jan 27, 2014 8:24 pm

firecadet613 wrote:

I'm partial to the 318, but Regal has a new 32 Express that looks nice.

I'd love yours with the mercs in it. You looking to move up any time soon? :lol:

On your boat does that seat on the starboard side come off to get access to the starboard engine? It looks a little tight with just the hatch open.

firecadet613 · **Posted:** Mon Jan 27, 2014 8:27 pm

JeffLW wrote:

firecadet613 wrote:

I'm partial to the 318, but Regal has a new 32 Express that looks nice.

I'd love yours with the mercs in it. You looking to move up any time soon? :lol:

On your boat does that seat on the starboard side come off to get access to the starboard engine? It looks a little tight with just the hatch open.

The same two handles you have to turn to remove your engine hatch, I have two of those under the seat. Entire compartment comes right out, or can slide over. There is also an access panel in there to do a quick oil check.

JeffLW · **Posted:** Mon Jan 27, 2014 8:32 pm

LouC wrote:

If I was going that big I'd want to get away from outdrives if at all possible. I can put up with one of them. But on a bigger boat that could take inboards, put up with the work of 2 outdrives. No way.

I see that happening someday. If I was a salt water boater I wouldn't even be considering outdrives. We like to be able to anchor in the shallows and for that the outdrives are great.

JeffLW · **Posted:** Mon Jan 27, 2014 8:37 pm

firecadet613 wrote:

There is also an access panel in there to do a quick oil check.

That would be nice. One thing I really hate about my boat is the engine access. Just getting in to check the oil involves moving the table, carpet and a small section of seat.

ric · **Posted:** Mon Jan 27, 2014 8:49 pm

I'll trade ya the 215 Chap for the 248.

JeffLW · **Posted:** Mon Jan 27, 2014 8:54 pm

ric wrote:

I'll trade ya the 215 Chap for the 248.

I don't want your stabbin cabin. I've seen your pictures. There would be far too much cleaning involved to get all that stank off the boat. :lol:

firecadet613 · **Posted:** Mon Jan 27, 2014 8:55 pm

JeffLW wrote:

firecadet613 wrote:

There is also an access panel in there to do a quick oil check.

That would be nice. One thing I really hate about my boat is the engine access. Just getting in to check the oil involves moving the table, carpet and a small section of seat.

On my 268 I was able to lift up the hatch a bit, and check the oil. Cut a piece of 2x4 to help prop it open. I'm pretty religious about checking the fluids each time we head out.

acguy · **Posted:** Mon Jan 27, 2014 8:59 pm

I would look at the cruisers 340. If looking for 2006 or newer they are a nice vessel. I find all boats minus the four winns to be dated pre 2003. At least four winns started putting the cherry cabinets in in 2000/2001

ric · **Posted:** Mon Jan 27, 2014 9:13 pm

JeffLW wrote:

ric wrote:

I'll trade ya the 215 Chap for the 248.

I don't want your stabbin cabin. I've seen your pictures. There would be far too much cleaning involved to get all that stank off the boat. :lol:

I just had the inside seats recovered less than a year ago!

JeffLW · **Posted:** Mon Jan 27, 2014 9:18 pm

acguy wrote:

I would look at the cruisers 340. If looking for 2006 or newer they are a nice vessel. I find all boats minus the four winns to be dated pre 2003. At least four winns started putting the cherry cabinets in in 2000/2001

How was the jump from a 248 to a 328? Besides the fuel, storage and maintenance costs. :shock:

Did you have any issues getting used to the bigger boat?

ric · **Posted:** Mon Jan 27, 2014 9:34 pm

Having never been in a 248, how do you feel it is for a couple overnight coming from a cuddy that's the size to a 225 Sundowner? Do you sleep in the v-berth or use the mid cabin? As my want to keep a trailerable vessel would it be wise to just go for the 268 as the 248 wouldn't be much of an upgrade?

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Staying in the Four Winns family.

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