www.iFourWinns.com

Wow, 14 responses in just over 24 hours. This is certainly a useful and active forum. Thanks very much to all of you who have given an opinion.
- inflatable kayak, I hadn't thought of that. I'm sure it would work just fine but I was thinking of something that could perhaps move 4 people. I suppose I could go with 2 of them.
- towing on the swim platform, I hadn't thought of that either. I don't mind that idea. If the motor fits in the storage area on the swim platform, I could see that working not too badly.
- very good points about staying dry in the tender and definitely something to keep in mind.
- Cap'n Morgan, where do you transport your 2 non-inflatable kayaks?
- some great links for potential tenders with what looks like some very reasonable pricing.
- Davits - those look close to awesome. Keeps swim platform open and looks like they're easy to use.
- does it need to plane? I hadn't thought of that either. Probably not, but I'm guessing the kids would feel differently, maybe it would be a good thing if it didn't but certainly something to keep in mind.

You've all certainly given me lots to think about. I live near Toronto and their is a large boat show there in January. I'll be attending it keeping all of this information in mind and looking at what is available.

Thanks again.
Thanks again.

I bought a Zodiak last year to use with my 248. I will say for me towing it behind the boat sucks unless you don't mind not getting on plane. Mine has an inflatable keel I have an 8 hp on it. It will get up and go with 2 adults and 2 kids!!!
I will be adding weaver davits to my 328 this year to get more use out of it. I see you are up in Listowel.
You can check out http://www.bridgeyachts.com/ http://www.bridgeyachts.com/index.php?c=993 they are somewhat close to you and have a great selection of inflatables and they also stock the weaver davits for the swim platform. In my opinion the best way to carry them and get them out of the way is using a weaver davit system!
Toronto Boat Show is in 65 days can't wait. Enjoy and Congrats on the new boat
http://www.torontoboatshow.com/

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


Mike

We don't on our current boat. When we had our 2000 268 Vista, we strapped it to the swim platform
with bungee cords. Worked well for most excursions, but probably not the best way if you plan on
a week long boat trip. We have also towed a kayak behind our boat a few times, but that was at very
slow speeds.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

I hadn't seen the Baltik. Looks nice, and the floor seems a lot better than the slat floor. Thanks for the link.

_________________
2004 248 Vista "Amante"
MC 5.0MPI/B3

I bought the same one. So far so good. The warranty on the Merc's, Avons are better, but this is about 30 to 40% less.

The only thing I did not like about it, is that it came with a single action pump. For $18, I bought a dual action. On the up & down stroke air is bing pumped in. NOT just the down stoke as with the pump it came with.

The other thing I did, I took off the cheap polypropylene line that run down the side & used a good three strand nylon line. You may want to make up a 3 point bridle (did I spell it right) to tow it or just to have a line on it.

I have one of those West Marine (by Zodiac) little roll up jobbies, with a 2 hp Honda. It gets me from shore to the mooring...and that's about it. Mine is very tiny, I think 6'. Too small IMO, but light and easy to transport. It can actually be put in the bed of my truck without deflating. I agree with the turning comments by others though. I can simply touch the tiller, and be doing a 360.



Unless you just want to get to shore and back to your boar, then go with at least an 8'er.

_________________

2002 Vista 248
"Sunny Dayz"

From Capt. Morgan, "None of them have a keel, and knowone but Paul seems to think you need one. They steer just fine in most conditions except gale force winds" Acording to him, you and I must be doing something wrong than.

Thanks again for all the comments and suggestions. They're greatly appreciated.

No problem.

Do you need to get on plane? If you do, roll-ups have no V-hull so they can't plane out.

If you go with davits. The bigger the engine, the harder it will be to take it off & on the inflatable.

I have a 3.5hp on a 8 footer. It gets me were I want to go, but the next one will be a 5 or a 6hp. Which means, going from a internal tank to a external.

All things to think about.