Picking up a Vista 248!! Tomorrow :-)

Rick2752 · **Posted:** Fri Jun 14, 2013 7:47 am

Might as well open a flickr account, its free and about the best way to post pictures. We are waiting you know on pictures.....lol. read a few of the other posts about getting a new vista and there are instructions on how to post. Im a newbie to so we can struggle through together.

taz42169 · **Posted:** Fri Jun 14, 2013 11:54 am

Awesome..for both of you! :mrgreen:

jayjay4735 · **Posted:** Fri Jun 14, 2013 12:09 pm

Congrats on the new boat. I was in the same spot last year, picked up a 99 258 for 10k (there are definitely deals to be had these days if you can jump on them right away). A few minor things wrong with it, but at that price it was definitely worth it. As far as the speedo goes, I wouldn't even worry about that if you're going to put a GPS on it as they all have speed displays.

If you're having a pro look at it I'm sure he'll know what to check for, but two things that come to mind for me would be the fridge, the water heater (make sure there is water in the tank first), and check all the zippers on the bimini, bimini boot, camper canvas, etc ... these can be expensive to fix if the whole zipper has to be replaced.

henryt111 · **Posted:** Fri Jun 14, 2013 10:15 pm

As requested here are some pictures taken whe picked up today

More coming as I get to know her intimately ...

henryt111 · **Posted:** Sat Jun 15, 2013 1:48 pm

Guys, any ideas on how much to detail inside and out ?
Buff and wax ...

ric · **Posted:** Sat Jun 15, 2013 2:40 pm

Well if you pay someone the going rate around here (Florida) would be around $500 for that sized boat just to buff/wax. If you want the whole shebang I'd expect at least $1000 to pay someone.

It looks fairly basic no options. That boat looks covered so you'll get the vinyl looking close to 80% perfect. Does it have A/C, water heater, vacuflush? If it does have AC want to trade for a 2003 22ft Chaparral Cuddy cabin with AC? If it doesn't want to trade for a 2003 22ft Chaparral Cuddy cabin without AC?

JeffLW · **Posted:** Sat Jun 15, 2013 6:09 pm

Welcome to the Vista club!
You guys are getting some good deals on 248s lately.

I got a quote to buff and wax mine from the rub rail to the water line for about $500. That included fixing some shrink wrap abrasions, a couple small dock-rash spots and replacing some bad spots in the boot stripe.

I agree with going over it with a fine toothed comb. I took almost everything apart I could to look behind and under everything. I learned a lot about where all the wiring and plumbing is by doing this. Also found out where all the darn spiders were hiding. :shock:

Good luck with the new boat.

beyond the blue · **Posted:** Sun Jun 16, 2013 2:03 pm

There's nothing beats cleaning her yourself to get to know her.

henryt111 · **Posted:** Tue Jun 18, 2013 7:21 pm

Well I have started going over the "new to me" boat.. The upholstery in need of being re-done, several gauges are non-functional ...front spot light bulb is out .. As well as several bulbs throughout.

Could I use led bulbs as replacements?

I also noticed the base of the handle for the toilet has a crack ( looks like a stress crack)

:cry:

Any suggestions ...

Thanks

ric · **Posted:** Tue Jun 18, 2013 8:57 pm

henryt111 wrote:

Any suggestions ...

You can invest $10,000 dollars in that boat in repair, and still make almost 10k profit in resale.

Do whatever you need to do.

henryt111 · **Posted:** Tue Jun 18, 2013 9:46 pm

Excellent ! I am planning on restoring her....

Thanks

Rick2752 · **Posted:** Wed Jun 19, 2013 6:36 am

Easy now ric. They are nice boats, but neither his nor mine us a 30k boat. I'm not saying dont restore it, but early 2000 model vistas are all over in the low 20k range. Restore away for your own personal satisfaction, but if your out to make money on it. Sell it now. Lol. Have you tried magic eraser on the seats. How rough are they?

henryt111 · **Posted:** Wed Jun 19, 2013 6:56 am

Looks like the previous owner made a lousy effort on painting them ...

I am looking on either replacing them with a gently used set or just re-upholster them...during winter
The captain's bench has a round tear pattern like someone had been standing on it...

Drives me crazy....

The bones on the boat are good ....but she is suffering from lack of being covered and not being washed regularly.

She is being detailed today 750$ inside and out

Suggestions welcomed...

Thanks

ric · **Posted:** Wed Jun 19, 2013 10:30 am

For some reason I thought it was a 2004+. Still worth 25. Get some interlux and stripe it like a modern vista, install A/C, new vinyl, pop up cleats, little things. Will make a beautiful boat you can still sell for profit

The 248 is the perfect sized trailer cruiser. I'd enjoy it for a few years.

henryt111 · **Posted:** Wed Jun 19, 2013 6:00 pm

Ric,

You and I need to chat, I would love some guidance on where and how to do all that!
since I am newbie to boating I do want to take my time so that I can absorb everything
and be able to put it to good use, I don't want to the guy that has a million dollar boat
and can't dock the thing!!

how hard would it be to put AC in ?

Is it an option at this class level ?

Thanks!

www.iFourWinns.com

Picking up a Vista 248!! Tomorrow :-)

Who is online