www.iFourWinns.com

Tomorrow night I think

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Brett DiMichele

Brett- keep us posted when you post it.

Ask the broker down for more pictures of that Doral!

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

Cougar,

Will do! I did ask the broker for high resolution photos I am waiting to hear back.

I also have a call into a dealer in NY who has a dark blue 09 with a 375 horse big block, they claim they "will deal" so I am talking to them as welll, I don't like blue, but it's a dark enough blue that I could live with it.. The fact it has a 8.1 is a MAJOR plus (since I've already owned one 496 and I miss it, tremendously!)

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Brett DiMichele

The dealer in NY claims he has a buyer for my 248, I will have more details tomorrow, I am curious to see what kind of numbers I can work out. The fact that it's blue and I am not a fan of blue and it does not have the Cabriolet leather interior nor a GPS are three strikes, but the Big Block is a major check mark! I can actually install my own E80 for less than the factory optioned GPS anyway!

I really would like the cabrio cockpit interior, but at the same time have fears about stains, tears, marks etc.. Not sure how "leather feel" vinyl will hold up.


Here's the one in NY:












Trying to find good info on Doral on the net is like pulling teeth. I read some horror stories that almost make me want to run away, but there just isn't anything in this size range that appeals to me and I would certainly have to go the 29' 30' range if the Venezia thing didn't work out!

One fear is no local dealers.. If I have any issues other than engine and outdrive or generator, then I will most likely wind up fixing it myself because the nearest dealer is this one in New York!

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Brett DiMichele

Looks nice! Sure is different than a FW though!

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

How refreshing to see a boat in this class with so much appropriately positioned space for electronics.

Brett - I didn't even think there was a Doral dealer in NY. If you want to post or PM me the dealership name, I'll let you know if it's nearby enough that I can take a closer look for you if it comes to that.

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Previously:
2008 V358/Volvo 5.7 GXi Inboards

Sierra,

Yep that would be sweet if it's near by.

Shoreline Boat Sales Lake George NY.


There is room for electronics but like Cadet said "it sure is different" some of it is "different good" some of it is "different not sure". The Helm doesn't seem to flow as well as a Four Winns Helm. The layout of the cabinetry in the cabin seems odd, but there is storage space at least (something the 248 sorely lacks!

If anyone is close by this dealer and we can work numbers, it would be great if someone could drive by and see the boat (even take photos for me) otherwise I am going to have to drive up.

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Brett DiMichele

Nice boat!!

Unfortunately you are also not going to find such a cool forum with such a great group of guys such as this one.

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Walter

2003 248 Vista - VP 5.0 GXi
2009 Toyota Tundra SR5 5.7L 4x4

Walt,

Tru dat! And that's why I will be staying here with all the cool cats, even if I do get a Brand-X boat

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Brett DiMichele

Brett:

I would check into the viability of the company. It would suck if Doral folded leaving you without a warranty and parts. There is a lot custom stuff on these boats. Good thing about FW is that Genmars exposure is spread across multiple brands and types... not so with Doral. Things economy-wise i fear are going to get worst especially after the tax talk out of Washington. I fear increasing Cap gains and increasing the taxes on those over $250K is going to shrink the economy... We you can always use your $13/week tax break!

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Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

Since John mentioned it, this is an article from last March that most have seen already.

http://www.ibimagazine.com/ibinews/news ... inews.html

Have not heard much good or bad about the company recently, but most of the boats that are out there, were boats that were in process at the factory when this news was published.
Service, Dealer Network and Parts availability would be a big concern for me when spending near $100K on a depreciating asset like a boat.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Cap'n,

I actually was not aware that Doral was that far in diar straights. I appreciate this info! Now the question is, do I work this angle and see if I can steal the boat and live with the fact I won't have a hull warranty or do I just move on. If I cross this off the list then I am back to looking at non trailerable 30 footers.

At what point do I just say screw it and keep what I have, because it seems nothing else fits what I am looking for. (The Venezia could make me very happy if its not a piece of junk) and AFAIC, all boats are depriciating assets!

(Posted from my Blackberry)

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Brett DiMichele

Use the angle to get a deal. Although - the dealer may not bite.

Doral is not Bayliner. Quality is good and you can work through any issues very quickly. If you do buy this boat - take it for a shakedown run at the dealer. Identify the punch list, and go.

Brett is correct that major items like the generator, engine, etc - those all have their own warranty. Even my windlass has it's own warranty. Anyone authorized to work on a Maxwell windlass can handle warranty work. You may just have to get more creative than going to a Doral dealer.

If you are worried about possible structural defects - use the crap out of the boat this summer. Put it through it's paces and then have a marine survey done on it.

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

Brett

Call these guys....
http://www.piratecovemarina.com

They are Canadian dealers for Doral and are less than an hour from the border at Ogdensburg, NY. Your money is worth 18 -20% more up here and they should be able to tap in to the Canadian Dealer Network. I have never dealt with them but thought this may be another avenue you might want to explore. Four Winns are very popular in this area since we have the World's largest dealer here in Kingston so they may be interested in your trade.

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Marc, Kathlin & Nathalie


'89 Chaparral Laser 32

'93 Vista 245, 5.8L w/ King Cobra

Former Boats
'01 H260, 7.4 VP Duoprop
'98 H200, 5.0 GL w/VP SX drive

I was wondering if anyone else noticed the slight resemblance.





But seriously Brett, you did ask if anyone else made a 27' 9'5" beam boat with a single.
The Bayliner 275 does offer that. Last year was 2008 for this model. I know, I know, it's a Bayliner, but it does have alot of the features you are looking for, except no gen set.

Back to your regularly scheduled thread........

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy