www.iFourWinns.com

Greetings from a prospective Four Winns boat owner. Currently own a Maxum 2400SE of which I am very pleased with, but want to move up (of course...). Had been primarily looking at Maxums, from 3000 SCR to the 3300..THEN saw a 328 and got distracted.

This particular 2001 boat is well-equipped, and looks to be in good overall condition. I will actually see it next week. So some questions for you current owners, most particularly, 328 owners:

Is the overall quality of a FW pretty good...or better?
What about the Volvo engines and outdrives? I have heard over the years that in salt water, they are
not holding up well...this one is,...and will be a fresh water boar.
Overall performance ?

I look at how this is equipped and I am very impressed, have always been a fan of maxums, and know thare are many who don't share my sentiments. The 328 rivals and in some ways appears to outshine the Maxum 3300.

Anyway, any feedback, advice or perspectives are greatly appreciated. Whether I buy her or not, I;ll report back on my impressions.

I am sure this is a sentiment shared by all who visit this forum...there is really nothing quite like a boating experience...the best thing my wife and I ever discovered.

Thank you,

LanikaiMike

I currently have a 2001 328. We really enjoy our boat and I think you will find that these have one of the best floor plans out there.
I have only ever owned volvos and we are on our 3rd FW. Do you know which drive configuration is on the boat. I know volvo had issues with the xdp but the volvo duo prop DPS drives are fine. As far as the engine it you are more than likely looking at chevy blocks with volvo parts. I would like to think that the Four Winns is a better quality than the Maxum but can't confirm that but I do know that Maxum is out of business.
How does the Maxum co

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2001 328 Vista "Nauta Dream 2"
AB Inflatable 10AL "Little Dreamer"
2000 248 Vista
1997 225 Sundowner


Mike

We are just discovering how nice the 328 is, bought our new to us one last Sept. (its also our third FW) and only boated for a few weeks before we had to put it away. But we just returned from an 800 mile trip from Erie Pa to Lake Huron, spent 3 weeks on the boat an we really loved it, I cant say enuff about these boats other than great. I'm 6' 2" and about 230lbs and i feel we had lots of room, could easily have spent a few months on it (if only the cash flow would allow). I also have the Volvos and they ran great, used little oil, but used lots of gas (figure about 1 mile to the gallon). If you have other questions dont hesitate to ask.

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Current Boat - '04 328 Vista "Be As You Are"

Previous Boats
'04 268 Vista
'97 238 Vista
'94 210 Marada
'88 175 Sunbird

LanikaiMike - I think if the 328 meets your budget and satisfies your wants in terms of boat size and layout that you will find the 328 Vista to be an overall great boat.

Due your due diligence though before handing over your hard earned cash by hiring a competent marine surveyor for both the boat hull and mechanics. If there is an issue with the hull, engines, genny, drives etc., better to find out before purchasing as opposed to afterward.

I have been quite happy with our 2001 328 Vista and would not hesitate to recommend a 328 to anyone else who is looking for an express style cruiser in this size and year range.

You asked about performance - we cruise in reasonable weather conditions at about 28 - 30 MPH turning about 3300 - 3400 RPM. WOT is around 44 - 45 MPH.

As mentioned above, any specific questions, please feel free to ask.

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 really can't say enough about the 328 V. If the money is even close, I think I would choose the FW again. Not necessarily becasue it's a Four Winns, I just think they did a really good job with this layout.
As far as performance I'm a big fan of the dps duo-props. As long as regular maintenance is performed, these drives are just about bullet proof. We have the 5.7s with duoprops and I very seldom even use the trim tabs. If I have more than 8 people or unbalanced then I will, but the boat planes out extemely well for it's size. It's a soft ride with overall good visibilty.
Our 99 328 I thought the interior is dated a bit with the white cabinets, but that quickly changes with later model boats.
I wasn't a big fan of the way the bimini goes under the arch, I think this was changed on the 03s, maybe late 02s? We actually changed out all of our canvas to the 03 model so that it attaches directly to the arch. I just thought it looked cleaner and made the boat look 5 years newer.
We plan to keep the boat for probably at least 5 more years, but I have had a few friends pull me aside and make serious offers to buy.
Like everyone else has said, do your homework with any boat purchase. Summer is short enough, you don't want to waste it waiting on repairs.
Good Luck!

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Lakebum
2006 378 Vista
Nashville, TN
Current
04 Hustler Cheetah
06 Seadoo sportster 150
Past
06 378 vista
328 vista
240 horizon
21' glastron
20' celebrity

Thanks to all of you for your input. Here is the short version of a disappointing outcome...

Looked the boat over, (looked good on most counts). Hired a surveyor and then the fun began. The broker about had kittens when I gave him the surveyor's name. he had a handwritten list of local brokers he recommended...did everything short of insult me directly for my choice.

MY choice turned out to be the right one. The guy was thorough, accessible and spotted enough things that I got cold feet and pulled out of the deal. WEEKS later, I got my deposit back (had been contemplating the joys of legal action against the broker to get my money back. A real drag. The owner seemed straight enough...was disappointed in the survey findings and I presume repriced to reflect the issues the surveyor found.

Bad news: Back in the hunt. Good news: STILL love the 328 and will find the right one and get her out on the lake next Spring. Meanwhile, I will continue to learn from this great website!

Thank you all,
Mike

PS: This rule holds true for me..NEVER use the broker's surveyor!

Hey Mike, I'll ask as I bet the other 328 Four Winns owners of this forum would also be curious as to what the isssues were with the survey completed on the 328 you had an offer in on?

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

It sure was a good thing that you had a survey done, these boats are complex and expensive with many systems that small boats do not have, all of which can be expensive to repair if there are problems.
Broker recommended surveyor = conflict of interest!!!!!

This is just as bad, as a real estate broker telling you which engineer you should use to check out the house they are selling you. Same deal, conflict of interest.

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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