www.iFourWinns.com

Hey guys new here. Would love an opinion on the is salt water to freshwater boat. The boat was originally from NYC from 02-11 then brought to freshwater here in Buffalo. He says the previous owner was a doctor and maintained it well and has paperwork but the boat was slipped in NYC. You can tell the sea air effected it (light green corrosion on the handles and such) motor looks pretty good some rust around the waterpump. Other than that its pretty clean. Bottum of the boat and penta has fresh paint on it so that scares me a bit. Bellows look original so im sure they will need to be replaced soon. There is a small 1 inch hole under the throttle which Im assuming may have been where the windlas anchor controls were? I would love to buy this boat but the salt water factor is scaring me. I know i cant tell what the inside of the motor looks like or the drive. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Btw ive negotiated the price down pretty good already , pending a water test and inspection by my boat guy. Is this to good to be true or should i scoop it up knowing that it may need some work?. http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2002- ... 268-620847

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.

_________________
1981 Columbia 8.7
2015 Yamaha FZR - 87mph - sold
2006 Yamaha GP1300R - sold
2003 Chaparral 215 SSI - sold
2009 Stingray 195CS - sold
2000 Four Winns H180 - sold
1976 O'day Daysailer II - sold
Rick's Four Winns H180 Mods/Upgrade Thread

Only problem is i cant find any other in the area or even surrounding areas. I have him down to 23500 so far and i think i can go more.

Well, I did a super quick search in your area and yeah... slim pickings. 23500 is good just keep in mind you'll need to drop a few grand on textiles.

_________________
1981 Columbia 8.7
2015 Yamaha FZR - 87mph - sold
2006 Yamaha GP1300R - sold
2003 Chaparral 215 SSI - sold
2009 Stingray 195CS - sold
2000 Four Winns H180 - sold
1976 O'day Daysailer II - sold
Rick's Four Winns H180 Mods/Upgrade Thread

Do you mean in the cabin cushions and such? They were actually in really nice shape. Outside seating area had some sticky spots. Not sure if he used the wrong cleaner or possibly from sunscreen buildup

Never expect to buy a boat that old with perfect outside seats. The best rated vinyls in the world are only rated for 650 hours of sunlight exposure until damage starts occurring.

What I mean is the Bimini top/camper canvas. To have that re-created it's going to cost you over 4 grand.

_________________
1981 Columbia 8.7
2015 Yamaha FZR - 87mph - sold
2006 Yamaha GP1300R - sold
2003 Chaparral 215 SSI - sold
2009 Stingray 195CS - sold
2000 Four Winns H180 - sold
1976 O'day Daysailer II - sold
Rick's Four Winns H180 Mods/Upgrade Thread

I hear you. Let me ask one more questions because u seem very knowledgable. If i were to have a drive or motor problem after i buy it what are we talking $$$ for each (ballpark)

Well, have a marine mechanic inspect the boat. That's a couple hundred bucks. Drive problems? On a VP dual prop the lower unit can cost upwards of 3-5k depending were you shop. Engine? Around $2000 but another grand or two in labor to replace it.

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

_________________
1981 Columbia 8.7
2015 Yamaha FZR - 87mph - sold
2006 Yamaha GP1300R - sold
2003 Chaparral 215 SSI - sold
2009 Stingray 195CS - sold
2000 Four Winns H180 - sold
1976 O'day Daysailer II - sold
Rick's Four Winns H180 Mods/Upgrade Thread

Great advice. Thank u

Another one bites the dust......

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

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

_________________

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

_________________
1981 Columbia 8.7
2015 Yamaha FZR - 87mph - sold
2006 Yamaha GP1300R - sold
2003 Chaparral 215 SSI - sold
2009 Stingray 195CS - sold
2000 Four Winns H180 - sold
1976 O'day Daysailer II - sold
Rick's Four Winns H180 Mods/Upgrade Thread

Oh? A new forum member from the 716? Welcome! Where ya boat at, upper river/Erie or lower/Ontario? Ric is right in that Vista's rarely come up for sale here. I know of a Sundowner 285 for about 22k in the B-Lo area. Bigger than the Vista you're lookin at, and a little cheaper. But, if you're set on a cruiser, you might have to wait, I too would pass on the one you're looking at. It just isn't 23k worth of boat.

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

The boat looks pretty nice. A 268 is toward the smaller end of the range of Vista Cruisers, but the advantage is it is easily trailerable (and at 8'6" is not a wide load). I wouldn't worry about the fresh bottom paint and drive paint. Anti fouling paint looks rough after a couple years, and they would want it to look good for the sale.

The main hidden issue with salt use is that the exhaust manifolds should be changed about every 7 years (or less) in salt use. Maybe 15 years in strictly fresh use. They can look good on the outside, but be corroded inside. If they corrode through, the leak water right into the cylinders through the exhaust valve. If they cannot prove when the exhaust manifolds were changed last, then expect to change them right way. I bought a 12yo boat and I changed them within 1 year, even though my boats history was 10 years fresh water followed by 2 years salt water (they had never been changed).

The good news is that exhaust manifolds can be replaced for about $700 as a DIY project (ordering on-line). Probably $1200+ if you have a marina do it. I would not expect any other major problems with the engine or drive if proper maintenance was done.

As far as price, I would look at the book values, and deduct some for salt water usage (10-15%). Good luck.

_________________

"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

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.

Original poster: The boat you are looking at appears to be in good condition and at that price, it sounds like a good deal! It says in the ad that it includes the canvas and all of the seating, in the cabin and out, appear to be in good condition. Even if for some reason it was missing the camper canvas, you stated that you already negotiated the price down quite a bit.

Salt is/was a concern of mine when I bought my 278 and I steered mostly clear of anything with any mention of it. There are plenty of guys here that know all about salt use and proper care. Bottom paint came on my boat, but doesnt look bad. I trailer my boat and it has a few spots that need touched up, but that wont be a tough job if i find the proper color match. I still dont know why more people didnt use white colored antifouling paint?? Have the survey done for peace of mind and get the deal done! Oh, and the hole under the throttle should not be for the windlass. That is usually part of the other switches on the dash.

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2006 Vista 278
First Boat:
2005 Sundowner 205
Columbus, OH