www.iFourWinns.com

I'm with Walt. Look hard for one that's pretty close to what you want, get an even better deal on it because it's been sitting, then you don't have to screw with the cats (Al can bite me), and have the dealer add whatever else you want.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Where are you located?

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

Just for kicks--I have to put a plug in for buying used. There are a lot of boats out there 1-5 years old that people either did not use because they found out boating wasn't for them--or they can't afford. I decided the FW H230/240 was the boat for me. I searched for both new and used (including 2008 holdovers). After looking at many, many boats--it came down to a new 2008 holdover for about $40K or a 2005 with 130 hours for $30K. $10K can buy a lot of gasoline, beer, lake house rentals, etc. My previous boat was a similiar situation and we were very happy with it for 5 years. It seems when you do the NADA pricing--value drops $5-10K as soon as it leaves the dealer's lot and becomes a used boat. Don't get me wrong--there is something to be said for new--and I completely understand why many go that way. If you are going to keep it for 10+ years, that can be a logical way to go. But considering used definitely has it's merits.

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Norris Lake, Stardust Marina, Andersonville, TN
2005 Four Winns 230 Horizon 5.7L Volvo Gi/DP
2001 Maxum 1900SR 5.0L V8 (Sold)
2011 Nissan Armada Platnum

I really appreciate all the good feedback. The only way I would go new is if I could get a good enough deal that the depreciation wouldn't hurt as much. As I said, I've had my current boat for 10 years, but I probably will move up to a cruiser within 5. I live in Colorado so the used market here doesn't have as much to offer as some places. I don't have a problem driving somewhere for a good deal. One factor driving my thoughts on going new is that I have had a great, 10 year relationship with my local dealer. The few times I've had problems they have got me in and back on the water in no time. Unfortunatelty, the few '08s and '09s they have right now aren't what I'm looking for. I have been doing a lot of looking online and I have to agree that there are some fantastic deals out there on boats that are 1-5 years old.

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JD
Colorado Springs, Colorado

2008 H210 SS w/6.2L, 320 HP Merc
1999 Horizon 190 w/5.0L, 220 HP Volvo Penta (Sale Pending)
2004 Dodge Cummins Turbo Diesel

If you love your dealer... then just push them for the best deal that you can get with them and everyone is happy.

There is definitely a value to having a great relationship with a local dealer.

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

Playing devil's advocate here... With more and more dealers closing their doors these days, the surviving dealers are inheriting new customers so the mom and pop shop atmosphere of knowing every person who walks in their door is slowly becoming a thing of the past. Sure, there are still some smaller dealerships out there who may know everyone by their first name, but most of them probably cannot. For instance, just last month, after the first night of sub-freezing temps, I walked into my local dealership for the 1st time ever and asked if I could get my I/O winterized as soon as possible. I was extremely friendly and polite and said I would be happy with whatever solution he came up with and low and behold, my boat was winterized the next morning. He said there was about 20 other I/O's all needing winterization, but for whatever reason, mine was placed ahead of them. It's all about how you talk to some people, not necessarily whether or not you know each other by first name.

The above paragraph may appear to contradict my earlier post of removing your emotions from boat shopping but I was not buying a new boat from this dealership, which in my mind, is completely different. One other "tip" to buying a new large item via email, NEVER buy from a local dealer because you may actually need them someday so what does it hurt to venture away from home to get a better deal?

Best of luck with your purchasing decision!

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2008 H220 Frenzy - 5.7L VP SX Drive
2013 Tahoe LTZ Tow Vehicle (admiral's ride)
2011 Ford F150 XLT Ecoboost Tow Vehicle

I got a fantastic deal on my boat. It is a 2003 H240 and only has 140 hours on it. 15K was a good price in my opinion.

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2003 Horizon 240 With 5.7 Volvo Penta

There are plenty of awesome deals out there, some even seem too good to be true. Found a brand new 278 Vista for $79,900.


http://grandsportcenter.com/images%2007 ... _278_v.htm

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JD
Colorado Springs, Colorado

2008 H210 SS w/6.2L, 320 HP Merc
1999 Horizon 190 w/5.0L, 220 HP Volvo Penta (Sale Pending)
2004 Dodge Cummins Turbo Diesel

That boat is AWESOME! I tried to get my buddy (who is in the process of buying a different 28 footer) -- to look at that. he just didn't want to deal with a trailer (although he could have sold it)... shipping was going to add a bit... he didn't love the tri-tone (but I do!). Plus, he spent 10k less... didn't get as much boat as that one is...

I sure wish someone on the board would jump on that boat... if it had Flexiteek, that would be the cats meow.

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

Well, I found what I consider to be a fantastic deal. It all started with a trip to my local FW dealer. They had a new, yellow '08 H210SS (VP 5.7 Gxi) on the floor. The only options it had were a wakeboard tower/racks and spare. They wanted $41,900. Sounded pretty good. I came across a similar model on the internet. Yellow '08 H210SS (Merc 6.2, Bravo 1) with wakeboard ARCH/racks, two batteries, stereo upgrade, swim platform mat and lighting, compass, all for $39,000. Will have to drive 10 hours to pick it up but well worth the trip.

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JD
Colorado Springs, Colorado

2008 H210 SS w/6.2L, 320 HP Merc
1999 Horizon 190 w/5.0L, 220 HP Volvo Penta (Sale Pending)
2004 Dodge Cummins Turbo Diesel

Wife and I just picked up an '08 leftover (new) H240, 300hp for $30k off MSRP and a few options thrown in to close the deal. The boat was already loaded, and all this from a dealer on our lake so dockside delivery and service will be a cinch.

I felt like I got a pretty good deal, I also realize dealers have to remain in business and maintain a good relationship in case I need their full cooperation when it really counts. All in all a pretty good late season bargain. C'mon summer!

Awesome deals on the few leftovers that are lingering! nice work guys!

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA