www.iFourWinns.com

I recieved a nice present last year with a large tumor growing in my brain stem and spinal cord. After surgery I don't have the strength to pull or drop my anchor, I only go out now with friends, who are happy to do this for me.

I need to know a no B.S. assesment of how difficult it will be adding a windlass. I understand I need a roller, the factory one doesn't look difficult to make just a bit of care in the designing before making it. It would be great if anyone would be willing to make a pattern tracing of one with a thickness of the metal but if not I can play with cardboard until I achieve the desired results then figure out what gauge I need. I also need support under the deck for the windlass and wiring run. Friends I have are more than willing to do the work with me directing them. One of which is a welder and mechanic, the other two are good friends with muscle.

Has anyone actually done this on a 258 Vista 1994-1999 (I believe these are the correct years that are the same as my 1996. If I'm off a bit don't eat me alive.).

Other things I'm working on is finding someone to make two railings to put on my swim platform at the ladder like you see at a swimimg pool ladder. Currently I'm using a rope with large knots in it to help me into and out of the water. I don't have full control of my legs when trying things other than just walking. I had one company quote me $1000 for the two railings. Yes to the question I have looked at ADA railings and other types of rails and nothing meets the space constraints I have on the platform.

Thanks for any information
Eric

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1996 258 Vista 5.8L Fi Cobra SX
2007 (NBS) 2500HD Ext Cab, Long Bed

Just a thought that popped into my head, but what about the handle that they have on the tailgate of the ford pickups to help get into the bed. It folds up and down

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2001 Four Winns Vista 248 by rick2752, on Flickr

Thoughts and prayers go out to you, first off. Before we get into any modifications is your condition going to be getting better over time? Because this could matter in what you are going to have to do to make this work. Now, do you have any pictures of what kind of ladder or stairs you are going to be using? I did see as I was looking for pads for my ladder that they do make a set of stairs that are collapsable so that might be somthing for you, but it looks to me this is going to be a perminate mount.

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1990 Four Winns Horizon 200
2005 GMC Sierra

I'm afraid I can't be any help at all regarding the windlass, but as far as something on the swim platform, I'd check out a medical supply place that may have some rails that may work for you. Something like this.

http://www.medicalproductsdirect.com/firstaidkits1.html

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'99 258 Vista Cool Breeze II

I appreciate the help with the ladder railing but I have that more or less under control. It's a matter of getting a decent price.

What I'm wanting is just info on anyone having done the windlass on this design of Vista. The 238, 258 of the 1994-1999. I mostly know what needs to be done just looking for info of someone actually having done this.

Thank you for thoughts and prayers. Yes this is permanent. My spinal cord was sliced open to remove the tumor but the surgeon could not remove it because it was not like others he had done. It is intertwined with the cord and he would have done more damage getting it out than leaving it. I have a lack of motor skills, strength (20 lbs. is about all). I have constant severe nerve pain from my neck down. Drugs help a lot to keep it calm. I'm not giving up my boating I just will have to keep making changes for my current and any future disabilities.

Eric

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1996 258 Vista 5.8L Fi Cobra SX
2007 (NBS) 2500HD Ext Cab, Long Bed

I started the fabrication process of making a bow roller for my boat.. If anyone is interested in one for their boat, please let me know.
John in CT

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1996 256 Vista DLX
350-W Ford / OMC 5.8 FSI Fuel Injected
Volvo DP-S Drive