www.iFourWinns.com

Hi guys ,From looking around I have noticed the radar arches on the 268 vistas seem a little different from 2000-2006 models or so,My 2001 model has the bimini that when erected goes under the arch ,I have noticed some appear to go over the arch with what looks like a strap of somekind,I have also ssen some that appear to be domed onto the arch at the front and rear also(I mean widsheild to arch ,the arch to rear of bimini) perhaps these are biminis that have been replaced? or are they factory fitted?maybe they give extra headroom? does anyone know,the arch itself also looks to be different shape on later models,love to know the go ,cheers guys ,this site is really good and been interesting reading many of the forums and helpful info ,keep up the great work guys! Mike

if i'm not wrong they changed in year 2003, since 2003 bimini if fixed onto the arch before was under the arch.

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2006-288 Vista
"Drogue One" - a starboard story -
2 x Volvo Penta D3 - 160 HP

previous boats:
2001 -FW 268 Vista
1998 FW 258 Vista
2003 Saver 690 Cabin Sport

Thanks ,I dont supose you would have any idea whay they changed? is your 268 a 2001 model?(same as my one) If you have any suggestions on changes or things to watch out for that would be great ,My boat is still on its way here(new zealand) and wont be arriving for another 4 or 5 weeks and I cant wait! By looking at your profile picture your boat looks like my one,do you have any more pictures you can add please,also wondering how you find the boat overall? do you overnight on her often? how does you wife/gf, kids and family find it,I have owned several noats in the past but never a cruiser so its all new to me in this way,look forward to hearing from you soon ,cheers ,Mike

I don't know why they changed but one reason could be that having the bimini fixed outside you can have a light under the arch to enlight cockpit after sunset or to place more stereo/TV speakers or to place a further LCD TV for cockpit.
The enlighting issue I had to solve with a 30 LEDs lamp that I hang under the bimini.
The boat is good, no special issue about her a part few things: e.g. at very low speed she goes wherever she wants and you have to work continuosly on the wheel; the docking procedure as we do in italy - without catwalk at the dock and in very narrow docking spaces - becomes difficult even with a light shear wind 'cause the boat is "tall", the mid cabin is hot and the fridge noisy during night. Nothing else. But these are small things, the overnight stay is anyway comfortable for 4 persons as my family is. We overnight every week also with rain if in summer season.
A gadget that i found usefull and I installed by myself is a voltmeter to check the state of the charge of the service battery when not connected to dock electricity supply.

I have tons of pictures, is there any detail you prefer?

Oscar

_________________
2006-288 Vista
"Drogue One" - a starboard story -
2 x Volvo Penta D3 - 160 HP

previous boats:
2001 -FW 268 Vista
1998 FW 258 Vista
2003 Saver 690 Cabin Sport

Thanks for the reply Oscar ,I appreicate your help ,Im not really fussy when it comes to pictures ,probably the best ones would be pictures with people on board which will help to paint a cleare picture of the space on and in the boats cabin (and the bow area for my wife to get some sun)Im sure any pictures like that would be very useful,I was also wondering how you find the boat in rough water and poor weather conditions in general>? thanks again ,Ill look forward to your pictures ,Mike

Mike,
We bought our 268 early last year and absolutely love it! The boat handles small chop just fine, but anything over 3-4ft waves and we usually slow down to hull speed of 8knots just so we don't get beat up. I don't think this is out of normal expectations for a 8'6 beam/26ft single engine express cruiser. This boat does have a high freeboard, and with the canvas up it can be a real handful in the wind at low speed.

I don't want to just dwell on the low points because this boat does a lot of things very well. I think you will find the layout perfect for 2 couples or a small family. We have another couple stay overnight with us all the time and it works just fine. If you click on the link by my signature you can see a ton of pics and video of us on our 268 including a 16 day trip we took. I also have fuel burn numbers for ours which has a 280hp Volvo DP. I'm sure you will love your 268 and if you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask. Ben

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Our Boating Blog: http://ben-dana.blogspot.com/

2005 268 Vista "Sea Pickle II"
1979 AMF Alcort Puffer
Previous:
2003 FW190 Horizon
1973 Startcraft 18ft "Sea Pickle"

i agree on everything Ben wrote, the boat fills the expectations for a 8.5 meters LOA express cruiser, in rough waters at cruiser speed she could be not highly comfortable but overal performances are fine. A lot of space inside and outside living space is good. We only changed the Jabsco hand operated toilet into electric one, but it sucks a lot of battery (or maybe the service battery is going to die...)

Surely you will love her.

Nice pictures Ben!

Oscar

_________________
2006-288 Vista
"Drogue One" - a starboard story -
2 x Volvo Penta D3 - 160 HP

previous boats:
2001 -FW 268 Vista
1998 FW 258 Vista
2003 Saver 690 Cabin Sport