www.iFourWinns.com

These look like mine just a year newer. I wonder who the proud new owners are?

http://www.winnisquammarine.com/

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2001 Sundowner 235

I know that Ryan and a couple other guys at Winnisquam occassionally chime in and surf the forums... hopefully, they will comment.

From what I understand (and trust me, I've talked to Ryan alot due to the 278,288,318 discussions I have had) --- both of those 288's are bound for Winnisquam! Big boats for the lake, but will be awesome!

I think they are marina-residents and they both traded up smaller Vista cruisers to go to these. The 2 families are good friends.

An interesting note - they had to delete the arch from those boats because they wouldn't fit under the bridge by the marina! And there was some crazy stuff with the canvas that has to be done.

It's really going to be a long winter for those folks. When is ice-out? End of April or so?

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

Cougarcruiser,
I did think they looked different. That is too bad that they had to take them off. I think the arch and canvas set up make the look. That is a big boat for the lake, but it wil be great for overnight. I was curious, because my boat is the only 288 I have seen on Winnipesaukee with the while with blue. There may be another one, but I havn't seen it.

By the way I remember the feeling you have now. It was just about a year ago that mine was delivered to the dealer. It made for a long winter.

Take care Bill

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2001 Sundowner 235

I missed your question about ice out. My guess is always April 21. It is usually within a week of that.

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2001 Sundowner 235

bhurley,

Both these V288s are going to be right here at Winnisquam Yacht Club. They traded in their 2004 268 Vista and 2008 V278 for these beautiful new boats. We ordered both of them with the arch delete and custom windshields that look great. Village Canvas is going to custom build the camper canvas and cockpit cover exactly how the customers want it. I have offered to transport the boats to Winnipesaukee if they want to rent a slip for a week over there so you just may end up seeing these boats over there at some point. The V288 is an unreal value for the dollar, I'm sure that in better times I will stock V288s again and you will see more of them on Winnipesaukee. It's too bad your not one of the Winnisquam Marine loyal customers, but if you ever need anything for service or accessories just let me know and we can figure something out.

Ryan -Winnisquam Marine

Hey BHurley --- Are you starting to see some Four Winns "big boats" out at the lakes in NH? I know there is yours... and the 358... but does Four Winns have much representation?

From my conversations with Ryan - they are starting to see more out that way, but it sounded like Sea Ray was the dominant player out there.

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

cougarcruiser,
Sea Ray has a big market share on Winni. Four Winns is doing much better lately. I would say the most popular sizes would be the bow riders and cuddys as well as the smaller cruisers. I don't see many bigger four winns cruisers. Except for jrcinnh's 358 of course.

I would love to see more. I think the Sea Rays end up being the trendy pick. The Sea Ray Dealer has quite a few big boats in stock at all times. I think that also helps him sell more. I looked at both when we bought ours. I just don't think the Sea Rays is as well laid out. I like mine much better than the SD280, but that is my opinion.

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2001 Sundowner 235

Ryan,
Thanks for the update. I didn't see your post at first I skipped right down to Cougars. I was just being nosey. I drive by you guys most weekends on my way up.

I appreciate the offer. I stop in from time to time, and look around at the accessories. You never know what the future will bring. Thanks

I hope my comments about the arch weren’t too strong. I am sure it will look great. I just love the look of the arch, and the canvas set up is great. I will be looking for those boats in the spring.

Take care
Bill

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2001 Sundowner 235

Hmm .... I didn't initially pick up on the "arch delete" in the photos, since I'm used to seeing ours without the arch. Without the arch ...... the 288V makes a good trailer boat!!!

Now that you mention it, Cougar, I had not really taken note of the lack of larger FW boats on Winni. Aside from the older boats, most of the larger boats are Sea Ray, Regal, Rinker and Larson. And, each of the dealers for these boats has larger marinas to support them. Winnisquam is, obviously, not even on Winni and Melvin Village is a small operation as well.

Ryan,
I would like to thank you for your assistance with my wife & I (and the kids), early this spring. You gave us a test ride on the tan 258V and then we looked at the used black 248V (with the damaged trailer axle). We decided that we needed more size than the 248V and ended up with a 268V. You and the store will have my positive recommendations (and potential future business) to anyone that I speak with.

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Gordon Arnold
New Hampshire

2003 268 Vista ..................................................................Prior: 97 245 Sundowner

Gordan,

I remember you guys and have seen your posts on ifourwinns. Thanks for the positive comments you have made about Winnisquam Marine, we try very hard. I also saw your boat on Craigslist, I hope that works out and let me know if you need help finding a replacement. A custom V288 with the arch delete and tri-axle trailer might be just right.

There is definently a lack of larger Four Winns on Lake Winnipesaukee, and I hope to help change that. We have a hydraulic trailer that can easily handle up to a 33 foot cruiser and we use Miles Marine for transport of anything larger like jrcinnh's V358. We currently employ 7 full time technicians which is more than the "larger" dealers on Winnipesaukee. We are actually in Four Winns "Top 20" dealers in the world based on volume of sales. We can handle any cruiser on Winnipesaukee that Four Winns sells. The only scary thing is keeping inventory of boats that are so expensive. In years like this those big boat stocking dealers like the local Sea Ray guys are hurting from the interest that they are paying on their big leftovers.

The only thing I have a hard time with sometimes is that since we are not physically on Winnipesaukee, people have a hard time believing that we can provide better service than anyone on that lake. Since we have more technicians, a larger yard crew and more sales/service guys I have the resources and can provide better service. Service is everything, happy customers tell their friends and you make out better...

bhurley, be sure to say hi to me next time your in. I think you had worked with Jake at our marina before so I wouldn't recognize you. You drive by us all the time, I'm serious about letting me know if you need anything. I will give you a discount on whatever it may be. That offer stands for anyone on ifourwinns. Advice, parts or questions anyone can feel free to give me a call. I have grown up with Four Winns and been out to the factory many times since I was very young. I know sales, service and parts on any Four Winns. If I don't know it I will find out the right answer.

Ryan Crawford -Winnisquam Marine

2 posts in one day from Ryan! Keep going at that pace, and he won't be a guppy anymore!


Hey Ryan - we're still waiting for more pics of those 288's!

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

Ryan,
Thanks for the offer. I will make sure I stop in and say hi next spring. I did work with Jake. He was great.

By the way I bought an 1994 leftover 195 sundowner from your dad in 1995 and that was one of the best boats we have ever owned. We were always treated great.

Take care Bill

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2001 Sundowner 235

I will have to get some pictures and post them. I just wrapped the boats to protect them until they go to the canvas shop in a few weeks. I'm not sure if we got interior pictures but I will keep you posted...

They are both very nice boats, it had been a few years since we sold a V288 and I'm impressed... All I could say was "WOW" when I saw the boats un-wrapped.

Of course it won't be long until your sitting in your new V318. That's one heck of a nice boat...

Ryan -Winnisquam Marine

Hi Guys,

Ryan gave me a heads-up. I'm one of the proud owners of those 288V's. Man, it's going to be a long winter! That's my 6th Four Winns and just traded my 2008 278V for it. What a difference a wide body makes, and that's on blocks Can't wait to get it in the water!

Yes, there are 3 families that are really close at the Yacht Club and we enjoy each others company boating, touring on bikes, vacationing, etc...

Our other friends traded their 268V for the other 288V.

The arch was a deal breaker for us because of the bridge but Ryan worked his magic to make things happen. The custom windshields came out great and the canvas is next. Ryan facilitated us being able to order the cabinet wood, counter tops, shams, etc, from both the '08 and '09 selectons. Thus we were ablr to mix/match what we liked from one model year and the other.

You Winni guys are always welcome to stop by for a drink any time.

Regards,
Alberto

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You can't have everything...where would you put it?
Crownline 285 SS
288 V -- sold
278 V -- sold
268 V -- sold
245 S -- sold
214 F -- sold
190 H -- sold

Welcome Alberto!

Maybe we should start pressuring you to post pictures of your new boat! Welcome to the forum!

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