www.iFourWinns.com

We finally get our 2001 298 vista tonight and I'm very excited and maybe a little nervous. We pick it up at the dealer and then we have an hour drive across the lake to our marina of choice. Then on Friday we meet up with three other boats and play it by ear for the rest of the weekend. I have a small amount of experience but this is the biggest boat I've captained. I've only driven the 298 for the water test but I did not dock her. The last boat we used was my dads old 79 26" Bayliner  Sarasota that we just used at the beginning of this season. It would have been an ok getaway if the POS hadn't had an elusive electrical problem regardless it still made it through about 12 sets of locks, in to Georgian bay and back home.   So using the 298s twins for maneuvering should be interesting. Any helpful hints? 

Also, being that its our first time out on it, what kind of pre trip checks should I look for? 
 

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2001 298 Vista
Lagoon city lake Simcoe

Regarding docking, based on your email, I would suggest when you dock you concentrate on using just one engine at a time while leaving the other engine in neutral. Think about docking as if it where a single engine boat. With experience you will enjoy having the ability to turn the bow of the boat into the wind by using both engines (one in forward and one in reverse), but for now I think using one engine for docking will be easier.

Those duoprops even with using just one engine will allow you to kick the stern over one way or the other pretty easily by just turning the wheel hard over and bumping the one engine in and out of gear as needed. Sometimes placing both engines in gear at idle will give you more speed then you need. Go slow and use the throttles gently, no need to use a bunch of power unless you really get caught in strong winds or current.

Have fun,
Mike.

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Current Boat
- 2001 Four Winns 328 Vista "Hour Decision"
- 2010 310 Mercury Inflatable

Previous Boats
- 30' Doral Prestancia
- 25' Doral Citation

I see you're just a little north of me Wildman,,,,congrats on your new boat. I agree with what Mike says about docking,,,,use 1 engine till you're used to it. If you're in Crates, you'll be fine as it's very spaciuos water there. What I did to get the hang of twins was, while out in the lake, I threw a fender overboard and used that as a make beleive dock. No stress of hitting anything this way and you'll soon be a pro.

This is my first year with twins and last week, I water tested a Doral Citation (single) for a buddy and when I docked her, I was a mess. Amazing how quick you'll lose your single screw skills. Once you get the hang of twins, you'll wonder how you ever got along without them.

If you're ever in Beaverton, look me up. I have the green and white FW 278 in the only row of covered slips and I have the only satellite dish above my boat.

Cheers,
John

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07 Azure AZ200,
Previous boat,
95 278 Vista,
And a lot of others.

Ontario, Canada

Congrats on your boat and your maiden voyage!.

Before you pull out, make sure of a few things.

1. A working VHF radio (since it sounds like you may be in open water for a good amount of time) and cell phone (is it charged?)
2. A charged fire extinguisher.
3. Plenty of fuel.
4. Some beverages and a few snacks as you may get out in the middle and decide to relax for a little bit and enjoy your new boat.
5. Make sure both bilge pumps are working.
6. Obviously, ropes/fenders/shore power ready for when you arrive at your home marina.

This is my first season on a boat with twin engines and it took a bit for me to learn how to back into my slip. Now, its pretty darn easy for me. My best suggestion is to keep your wheel straight and use the engines to spin the boat and get lined up with your slip. Use the engines to steer you as you back in. One engine at a time till you are lined up well and then maybe bump both into reverse to get you backed in. Dont try to go fast, but at the same time, dont let yourself stall in the wind and let it get you out of line.

Good luck, and be safe!

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Current Boat:
2004 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer "Nauti Luvin'"

Previous Boats:
1999 298 Vista "Seas The Day"
2008 H200SS "Nauti Luv"
2006 Tahoe Q4

Wow, great advice fellas. I'll let you all know how I make out.

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2001 298 Vista
Lagoon city lake Simcoe