www.iFourWinns.com

Hello,
I've owned a 4 Winns Vista 288 since 2005, but I'm new to this site. Interested in if there is a 288 group to discuss issues with.

Welcome,

A few 288 owners on here. No specific 288 forum however.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Capt Morgan,
Thanks for your response - I'll go through the strings and see what I can turn up. Wanted to get some background on experiences of the 288 in saltwater. Originally purchased mine in NJ for brackish water, but now it's in SoCal in ocean water. Just replaced risers and manifolds and was thinking of putting in a closed cooling system to avoid raw water going through the engine. Also was interested in generators for the boat as well.

Thanks!
Captn Dan

I have a 2006 288 that I use in the saltwater. I highly recommend Salt-Away to flush out your motors and to spray down your boat after each outing. I have used Salt-Away on 3 boats used in saltwater and they look brand new. It is amazing how the product neutralizes salt. I will be curious to see how long I can go until I have to replace my risers. If you have any questions about generators, I maybe able to help. I have a Kohler 5e that I've had nothing but problems so, finally, after 4 years, one mechanic figured out what the problem.

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R Yot 2
Fairhope, AL
2006 Vista 288

Welcome to the site.

We have a 2008 288 which we use in saltwater.

We have seacore engines, which seem fine for now.
Also have the Kohler generator, living in Florida couldn't manage without it.

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2008 V288
5.0 MPI / B3 Seacore

Well, I must say this is really "cool". Thanks for all your answers. I've also used Salt away and maybe that is why the first set of risers lasted 5+ years. Was curious if you belive that a closed cooling system will help prolong the life of the engine itself. A little more background: 288 purchased in Red Bank NJ and 2 years ago, moved it to Huntington Beach. NJ was brackish (toms river) and now it's totally salt. Just prior to having the risers replaced, the port engine lost power - turned out to be oxygen deprived due to rust getting in the manifold - what luck. Boat back to normal now and doing fine, although it burns 1.6 miles/gal.

Regarding the genset, I really don't want to get a 2000i Honda, although it has benefits of being lightweight. Putting something below would be slightly more ideal.

Appreciate the warm welcome! Any tips welcome
Captn Dan

Out of curiosity, what were the problems with the Kohler 5E?

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2006 Four Winns 278 Vista.
Volvo Penta 8.1L, Duo Prop,
Kohler 5E Generator.

I know you dont want to hear about the Honda EU2000 (which is an awesome unit), but you must have a thick wallet to add a gen set to your boat. Just be prepared, $7-9k, maybe more....

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2000 248 5.7L DP
'92, '94 SXI 750, '08 STX 15F, '12 Ultra LX 300
Videos

The Honda seems nice and would handle most everything except the AC. Just concerned about it being quiet, especially if I'm in an area where other vessels are around - hate hearing noise from other boaters, so I don't want to do it to others! If you have a Honda, can you tell me if it is quiet, etc?
thanks!

I have a 2000 that I use as a backup for my Kohler 5e. The generator will run my AC unit on my 06 288. As for noise, my 2000 is nice and quiet. When I purchased my Honda, I got the 30 amp plug version of the 2000. I put it on a mat on my swim platform.

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R Yot 2
Fairhope, AL
2006 Vista 288

you can not get a quieter gen set than the Honda EU 2000! I use it to power our vista and our 5th wheel RV when Dry camping.

Benefit of a portable, can use it on or for more than one RV or around the yard. Set it away from camp or on the beach as to not feel the vibration and noise from a gen set.

Down side of a portable, must pack it around, does not/may not have remote start/stop, can be in the way on swim deck or have to pack it to the beach.

The Honda EU2000 easily runs our A/C along with other electrical demands. While it will not run everything at once, do to 2000 watt out put, it would run an efficient 8-10k btu A/C unit.
I have wired up an electrical gen set hook up at the swim deck so I am not running a cord around to the shore power plug in point, do a search on this type of set up here on this site, you will find photos and info about this.

There is no doubt that the conveniences of a built in get set are the way to go. But $10k vs $820 for occasional use?!?!?!?
My next boat will have a built in gen set, but no way will I spend the money to put one on current boat.

If you only need occasional 110v power, maybe adding a few more batteries and an inverter may be the way to go.

Do a search on this subject, it also have been covered on this forum.

Good luck and enjoy with whatever you decide to do.

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2000 248 5.7L DP
'92, '94 SXI 750, '08 STX 15F, '12 Ultra LX 300
Videos

Appreciate all your great advise!
Dan

It is my understanding that Four Winns will no longer offer the V288 in its 2010 lineup. I've been told that the
closest sizes will be the V285 which was previously the (V278) and the V335 previously the (V318). It's a shame
that this model is being discontinued. I would like to upgrade to a V288 someday. Hopefully things will
improve for FW and they will offer something in between the V285 and V335. Might I suggest FW to make
the V305 I'll keep my fingers crossed. Merry Christmas

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2011 Bennington 2075 GLi
2012 Key West 211 DC
2005 Four winns 180 Horizon LE
1997 Horizon QXsold
2000 248 Vistasold
2002 Key West 2020WA sold

There is a replacement to the 288 on the way... R&D on it is pretty much done, but the recession has kind of taken some of the budget from finishing the project.

From what I know, it won't be anything like the current 288... Think styling off the current 408.

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