www.iFourWinns.com

No, I live in bayville on the water, so that's why we went with a weekender
than your boat. I'm NOT a servery by any means....but these boats have
coreing in I believe deck and maybe the sides. Is that bad? Not at all, BUT
every peice of hardware, every thruhole, ect. has a potental to abosord
water and over time will delamante. I have owned 7 boats and this one is
number 8, I never had a servey before, but I did on this one and it gives me
peice of mined.

When you go to the marina, I am selling the blue polar in front of the sales office.
when I bought the boat it had nothing in it. take a look at it now. I installed everything
my self.

raymarine c120 gps/ fish finder
JRC 1800 gps/radar
icom vhf
unidan vhf / wireless remote
raython loran-c / gps
sounsystem 4 speakers
5 group 29 dule purpose
1500 watt inverter (for outlets in caben)
4000 watt inverter for microwave
notic cool ac/dc fridge
30 amp shore power
two batter chargers one 3 outputs/ one output
lee jr outriggers
winlass with remotte switches

any way if yopu need help with your boat just email me.

Great, I can use the extra help! The 268 I hear is a good boat so I'm anxious to get out on the water and lower my blood pressure a bit.

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2005 Four Winns 268 Vista

My $.02:

I didn't get one on my boat ... however ... I did call the dealer that was responsible for the former owners maintenance. They gave me enough information that I felt comfortable making the drive out of state and inspecting the boat myself. I still found problems once I got it home ... but they were minor.

For the most part, you can tell if someone has taken care of a boat. If it's clean ... especially in the bilge that's a good sign. Another indicator is the seller. If the guy is a chump, drives a beat up, dirty car then chances are he treated the boat the same way. This is where buying a used boat from a dealer works against you. They know how clean up and you don't have this insight.

That being said, if you have access to get a survey, it's probably not a bad idea if you're new to boating or not mechanically inclined.

Craig C.

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2003 Vista 248, VP 5.0 GXi-C, DP

Great advice! Thanks!

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2005 Four Winns 268 Vista

I would never buy another used boat without a survey and probably wouldn't spend big money on a brand new boat without one either (yes MFG's can screw up too).

But you need to get the survey before you sign your name on the dotted line, otherwise it's kinda too late if you have already made a purchase and it's past three business days.

Surveys find the flaws you won't find, because a S.A.M.S accredited surveyor has tools to do the job that we as consumers don't have. A good survey will go over the structure, the wiring, the mechanicals, the fuel system, make sure the boat is up to code etc.

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Brett DiMichele

Great, thanks! The Survey is scheduled for Thursday morning!!!

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2005 Four Winns 268 Vista

I thought you already bought the boat?

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Brett DiMichele

Well gave em' a deposit, just waiting for the survey to be completed tomorrow. It's pretty much a done deal. I have an 800+ credit score so the application will go through NP.

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2005 Four Winns 268 Vista

Anything in the 800's and you will be approved in 10 minutes or less. When I bought my 248 the dealer was going to run the cred app as I left and I said "You'll be calling me" I think I made it through two traffic lights when he called

You are doing the right thing with the deposit pending survey! It will give you the peace of mind that you know the "whole story" even the parts you won't see.

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Brett DiMichele

Sweet! Survey is today. Wish me luck!

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2005 Four Winns 268 Vista

Fingers crossed for ya!

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Brett DiMichele

How'd it go?

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

Don't hold out on use........did you get your survey.

Got the survey done fellas. Looks good only a few minor issues. Hull is in great shape. Engine, no worries.

Aft automatic bilge pump is not working (float switch). They will need to replace.
Compression test on the engine was perfect.
Need to replace both batteries, they're both low and original ~5years old.
There may be an issue with the A.C. It's not pumping water out of the port side. It's either been a slow trickle of water or nothing at all.

Trim gauge is not working.
Engine Riser gasket has a leak.
Mercathode system wiring on port side of out drive is corroded. Needs to be replaced.
Horn not working.

The Marina has agreed to take care of all these issues prior to the sale.

See you out on the water!!!!

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2005 Four Winns 268 Vista

You did it right man! Congrats!

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Brett DiMichele