www.iFourWinns.com

I've bought another Four Winns, a 2009 one. It has an electrical problem with the forward bilge pump; it's always running, albeit at a slow speed ( 11.6V) until the auto or manual switch is energised (12.6V). . The (factory fitted) wiring harness to the forward bilge pump bears no resemblance to the wiring schematic in the owners manual ! The actual wiring also bears no resemblance to any auto/ manual bilge pump wiring I have come across before either I The dealer has no more information than what's in the manual. The "customer service" tab on the website only contacts the dealer !

The auto switch does not connect 12V directly to the bilge pump; it goes somewhere else first. The auto supply to the pump is always live ( 11.6V) at both ends of the wire ( at pump and at the manual switch). There must be an unknown, un-documented connection somewhere, either by design or fault

How do I contact the Four Winns factory to find out what they have done with the wiring to make it so different to that in the schematics ?

If all else fails, I'll rewire it properly ( that one wire will still be live though, as I don't know where it's getting it's power from !

First off, what did ya get?? I call foul for not letting us know! Forward bilge must mean a Vista?

Several people have asked here about contacting FW's direct, but they don't usually deal direct with the public, mostly through the dealer. I seem to remember someone posting their contact info a while back. I'll search. Can't help much with your wiring question, I'm all thumbs when it comes to electrical stuff

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1996 205 Sundowner DLX
5.0FL Volvo SX Cobra
Tow Veh: 2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X

Sorry can't help you on the contact info but I do know that if the breaker is turned on in our panel for the forward bilge it runs. I also know that with the breaker off and water present our forward bilge will come on due to the float switch. I tested it to make sure.

Oh ya what did you end up buying????

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2001 328 Vista "Nauta Dream 2"
AB Inflatable 10AL "Little Dreamer"
2000 248 Vista
1997 225 Sundowner


Mike

Found it (from another thread):

Four Winns
925 Frisbie St, Cadillac, MI 49601
(231) 775-1351

Contact, Bill Kruger

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1996 205 Sundowner DLX
5.0FL Volvo SX Cobra
Tow Veh: 2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X

Correct, ask for Bill or someone in the warranty department, they have been around for many many years and can help with just about anything.

What did you get??

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

Thanks for the contact details.

Sorry I didn't actually mention what it is that I have bought, I thought I had ! It's a 2009 278 Vista with a VP D4 diesel; only around 7 engine hours from new, a dealer stock boat that was never sold to anyone before me so it's all in "brand new" condition ! It's a shame about the bilge pump problem but I'm not that worried about it as the auto switch and pump itself is OK and I can rewire them if necessary.

So, no more refuelling the boat from 20 litre jerry cans of gasoline and diesel fuel from the marina fuel pontoon at £1.00 a litre rather than £1.30 + for the gasoline.

Quite a change from your last choice. Enjoy the 278.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Thanks. Yes, we decided that for the use we make of our boats with only the occasional overnight stay on them, the running costs/ maintenance costs of having twin ( older) engines wasn't justified. Now if the EVC starts to play up with this D4 engine or the steering cylinders start to leak and screw up the helm pump, I may be regretting my words ! I can also afford an interesting car now !

The thing I found strange about this D4 engined 278 is that there is no helm kill cord fitted. This is normal apparently according to the dealer. Gasoline engined 258s/ 278s seem to have one !

Your choice makes sense, the Fairline is a beautiful express cruiser, but you should have easier maintenance, as well as being a more manageable size boat for your use.

I do like the looks of the Fairline over a 278 though.....

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

I have to agree with you on that point; I have always liked them !