Upgrade Considerations

zelena · **Joined:** Mon Mar 30, 2009 10:22 pm **Posts:** 58

OK this is very theoretical and not practical (but when is it?), but my wife and I are in our third season with a 2001 248 Vista. We love it. As of right now we are not expecting youngsters for a bit, so I had a design question for you. I am about 6'1" and if we upgrade my request would be for a bigger head (i.e. one I could fit in), and a larger bed. We do not need multiple sleeping areas because it is just me and my wife. Any thoughts re potential boats or at what size I would feel a real difference? Thanks for the advise.

Winter Sux · **Posted:** Mon Jun 06, 2011 6:50 pm

I stand as tall as you. We have a 95 278 Vista and no brats either. Lots of head room everywhere. For 2 people and we entertain a lot, we find it the perfect size.

John

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Mon Jun 06, 2011 8:13 pm

Lots of choices I could suggest. I don't know enough about what you are looking for to give specific examples. To really notice any difference, I think you need to go at least 30'LOA and a 10 foot beam. That will give you about 4 dozen possibilities, depending on year, and your budget.
2 or 3 feet in length and an 8'6" beam is just not enough of a jump to make much of a difference from your 248.

aguyindallas · **Posted:** Mon Jun 06, 2011 9:00 pm

Capn is right. To accomdate what you are asking for, it's most likely going to need to be at least a 10' beam or really more. That's when you really start to gain headroom and in many cases if you get closer to 35' in length....you find yourself with a true queen size bed.

Bob2135 · **Posted:** Tue Jun 07, 2011 9:01 am

Well...I have had a 258, 318, and now 378 Vista. Since I have 2 rug rats to haul around with us, the 378 V is finally the right size. I wish I would have skipped the 318 and just made the jump. But for the two of you, I think the 318 or 338 are the best boats for a couple. Nice V Berth for two adults, I am 6'2" and 200lbs, and fit well up there. Big enough to entertain on, but small enough for easy maneuvering. The plus sides are the 318 and 338V both have generator, AC, Heat, which makes for great extended stays. Just my 2 cents...
Bob

zelena · **Joined:** Mon Mar 30, 2009 10:22 pm **Posts:** 58

Thanks everyone. Captain. We would enjoy staying overnight more. Having a genny with AC (something I currently lack) would be nice. My wife is a Dr. and can sleep anywhere. I am a bit cramped and hot at night so looking for a nice size bed probably in the V-berth would be an upgrade (and a bigger head (I barely shut the door now). As I said, I don't see the second bed as being as important (mostly use for storage). We also would like to be a little more comfortable in the Big lake when we get some chop. We entertain mostly up top and frankly I think we don't need a ton more space there. Is there a website that has some basic layouts and dimensions? I think Bob's suggestion of looking at 318Vs may be good, but Capt'n feel free to chime in. Obviously right now I drive a single screw so not sure how much re-learning I'd need to handle a second engine, but I have heard double the engine double the trouble, but that makes it fun right?

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Tue Jun 07, 2011 11:57 am

That helps clear up a few questions. The one I really need to know, is your budget. That will help narrow down the field. Also, if you are set only on a Four Winns boat as an upgrade, or open to other's as a possibility. I seem to recall you are in the Chicago area ? So I figured the "Big Lake" reference was Lake Michigan.

Don't let the twin engines worry you. I made the jump last spring to twins without even a second thought. I'm glad I did. When we bought our boat, we had every intention of sleeping in the V-berth. I'm also 6'1" and it is long enough with it's layout to fit a 6'8" person easily. But, we have found we like the mid cabin better for sleeping. It's darker, A/C vents in there and it's 6'3" in length, plus you can actually sit up in there, unlike the 238/248/268/278 Vista's. When the time comes to start looking, I encourage you to lay down in the mid cabin, and v-berth of any boat you consider. It's best to do that right away, to make sure it fits your needs. Too many people just skip that part, and buy the boat. And they find out the hard way, that it's not as comfortable as they thought.

zelena · **Joined:** Mon Mar 30, 2009 10:22 pm **Posts:** 58

Good memory, Cap't. When I bought the boat I seem to recall asking questions re navigating the Lake Michigan locks. As for budget, since none of this quite has the admiral's approval, I'd keep it abstract to try to understand what the extra dollars would buy. My thought is I don't need to make a huge leap to a 40" just trying to see if there are some 30 fters or so that have a particular layout that I might want to consider based on my needs and wants. I love my FW and this forum so will definitely check out a 318 V (I think I was in one -- JNIZI in Heritage Harbor was a great host a few years back on a very cold October day). That said I would consider jumping ship if it made sense! THanks.

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Tue Jun 07, 2011 1:36 pm

Fire will know every Four Wins over 30ft. for sale on the planet, I'll let him link those for you. :wink:

Here are a few quick links to get you looking and comparing boats.

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2007- ... r-96783063

http://www.boats.com/boat-details/Cruis ... /117510231

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/ ... =1415&url=

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2001- ... n-97526362 :mrgreen:

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/ ... 70912&url=

aguyindallas · **Posted:** Tue Jun 07, 2011 4:30 pm

Like Capn, I recently moved two a twin screw and am glad I did. I have a lot to learn but I am getting there.

We too like sleeping in the mid cabin....it's darker, cooler and you hear/feel the waves much less.

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Wed Jun 08, 2011 11:47 am

Or if you want to go bigger yet. I looked at this boat last year. It's very nice, but his price is the same as last year, a bit high.
Probably could get it for mid to high 80's with proper negotiations.

2003 348 Vista

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Fri Jun 10, 2011 2:53 pm

I hope I didn't scare you away, it has happened before.... :wink:

Anyway, how about a lift kept, not bottom painted, salty 2001 328 Vista for $53K ??

:mrgreen:

EvilZ · **Posted:** Fri Jun 10, 2011 3:52 pm

Not to derail the thread, but just out of interest...what kind of speed do you get out of the twin screw boats - especially in open water?
My only point of reference is my buddy's 36' Grand Banks, which is a displacement hull with twin deisels. It does about 8 knots (9 if you push it

).

ric · **Posted:** Fri Jun 10, 2011 3:57 pm

EvilZ wrote:

Not to derail the thread, but just out of interest...what kind of speed do you get out of the twin screw boats - especially in open water?
My only point of reference is my buddy's 36' Grand Banks, which is a displacement hull with twin deisels. It does about 8 knots (9 if you push it

).

my father's 32ft sailboat can do better then that....... for free

EvilZ · **Posted:** Fri Jun 10, 2011 4:04 pm

Sure, but then you miss out on the smell of diesel rolling back over you when you are sitting on the stern.....

www.iFourWinns.com

Upgrade Considerations

Who is online