www.iFourWinns.com

Can't post pics, but here's the CL posting.... Lemme know what you guys think....

http://westernmass.craigslist.org/boa/3695783216.html

Anyone have any insight on the other stuff?? I'm really curious as to how hard it would be to get off all the seats for reupholstery

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2018 Four Winns H350 Outboard

Now I understand why it needed a new outdrive. It sat in salt water never used. Probably looked like:


Those pictures are horrible, they don't show anything

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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 would pass on this one. Just too many things that raise an eyebrow. And as ric said, if your budget is 20k, there are lots O' deals out there. Where are you located? I noticed the CL listing was for the Western Mass area. You near Springfield? Do you plan on boating in salt? I know there are lots of cruisers just over the border in NY that are fresh water only. Just sayin.

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

I dont wanna let a deal like this get away... I live on the south shore of mass, and will most likely be slipping the boat in green harbor... This Vista purrs like a kitten and it wouldnt take much to get everything looking brand new. As far as other deals go I have looked and looked and cant find anything I like. I am not a fan of the way the deck is set up on the four winns, I personally think its wasting a lot of space with the U shape seat, but I like everything else, and its a sharp looking boat as well. Not a fan of the deck layout and interior cabin of a sundancer, plus theyre way overpriced. I like Rinkers but I know build quality may be a question there with a few people. Big fan of newer (2001+) Chaparrals.. I also like the style of some Crownlines and Regals but cant find anything under $20k with a trailer. Im willing to make a pretty long drive for the right boat but still havent found anything...

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2018 Four Winns H350 Outboard

I know what you mean, the search can be tough. Patience is everything though! I think if you have had the sea trial and you are sure that this is the right one for you, then the next step would be to have a survey done. I spent about $600 total for the survey on mine and they checked everything out. It was a very important process for me, at least for peace of mind. They checked the compression on the engine, drive, structure, and all electrical components for me. To me, it is cheap insurance to know that you arent going to waste $17,000+ on something that can quickly become a money pit.

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

Don't let deals get away that are deals...

I just purchased a 2003 Chaparral 215SS for $14,800. 230+/- hours. Inspection came back perfect. Beautiful aluminum trailer. Camper canvas, covers, etc. Needed nothing just a little cleaning. Worth? 21k average. That's the definition of a "deal". When I'm done with it (marine ac, etc), I could easily ask 25.

My last boat, 2009 Stingray 195CS. Purchased for $14,500. 3 years of Volvo Penta warranty left. Showroom condition. Sold for 21k. THAT was winning the lottery.

What you're describing is not what I consider a deal. By the time you're done fixing it, it's what you'd pay for one that wasn't beat up. You'll never make profit selling it. When you get a "deal" it's something you can fix up perfect and total investment still be under market average so you can resale and profit. If he sold that boat for 14k, then I'd say it's a deal if do most of the repair by yourself (not paying a shop). 17k is what the market average price is for a 268 not messed up.

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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 feel ya.. But I cant find ANYTHING haha... I have litterally extended my seach out to 1500 miles and have not found another Vista under $25k.. Maybe boat values have begun to stabilize? I am willing to spend up to $20k, and If I put $3k into this boat its going to be flawless. If anyone is selling a 268 and will take $20k with a trailer let me know!!

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2018 Four Winns H350 Outboard

As I said.. I may have made this boat sound worse than it actually is, here are some pics which I took while I went to look at the boat

http://s1328.photobucket.com/user/jmac572/slideshow/

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2018 Four Winns H350 Outboard

For a 13yo boat that's almost as good as they get. You described it like it fell off a cliff. No AC/gen will be the thorn in your heel though. I have a 20ft cuddy and purchased AC ($2500 in parts). Its hot here in FL.

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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

Haha, yea I figured that much... I posted that the next day after I decided to stay at $20k and pay cash for a boat rather than spend $50k and put $20k down so the boats I was used to seeing were nearly brand new.
Finally someone that works the midnight shift with me, im not the only one lurking around at 2:30 in the morning!

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2018 Four Winns H350 Outboard

I think they are out there, they just arent advertised heavy and patience is key. I know where one is that will probably be available this year, but not right now. He says if he doesnt use it this year its gone. He priced it around 18, i told him to call me whens hes ready to sell. Its a 2000 model 268 also. I like the 2001s alot better with the cherry interior. All the boats you see when you are searching are with dealers who are making 10 percent or more off the top. Boat that is at a dealer listed at 25k, you could buy it for maybe 22k pretty easy. Owner is getting less than 20k for the boat.

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2001 Four Winns Vista 248 by rick2752, on Flickr

My last two murderous boat deals were purchased from dealers, not private party. Cash talks.

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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've been maintaining my old boat for years and have never seen water droplets on the dipstick even after winter storage in a damp climate.
I would not say this is not a problem unless you do a full water test and check it again. Sometimes water leaks (from exhaust, gaskets, or cracks) do not show till the engine is under load. If the drive was replaced fond out why. If impact damage check the transom for cracks inside and out.
Could it be a Sandy boat? Well find out if it was stored in or out of the water and what marina. Ask the owners if they had flooding. Nearly every one on the South Shore of LI had severe flooding and damaged boats.

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II