www.iFourWinns.com

Sort of like "The grass is greener"? I have those moments all the time! In reality I don't have time to maintain and use half the stuff I have because of work, house/yard duties and a wife/5 year old. My current goal for this summer is to thin out all the excess while enjoying our new (used) pool and whatever boat I can happen to get on--whether it be mine or a buddies.

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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

Hey Cap'n, there are others looking. I just haven't had time to post. We are thinking of moving to a cruiser. 268 seems like an easy move, a 298 or 288 is in our consideration but I've never actually seen one. I'm going to start another thread with questions about moving up to a cruiser. We're planning on going over to the west side to see some boats sometime this spring. May have to wait till Tulip Festival.

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Terry
Current: 07 Crownline 255 CCR cuddy - 350 Mag MPI/B3 "Casi Cielo"

Previous:97 245 Sundowner 5.7GI/SX

Tow vehicle: 1986 GMC 2500 Camper Special 454/TH400

Glad to see you are considering a change in boats. There are some decent deals out there, you just have to stay on it, as new ones show up each day, since it is close to splash time in this area. Many do not want to pay for a slip, and want to sell the boat quickly. There are a few 268's available here on the west side, and a couple of 288's that I am aware of.

Good Luck !!!

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

My slip neighbor down here in Dallas is selling his 2007 Four Winns 318. Think it has no more than 50 hours on it. I believe asking 100k, and has been no movement. I'm sure someone can get a deal if interested. I can send a link if anyone wants more info. Just send me a message.

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2001 328 Vista

Previous Boats:
2004 Sea Ray 220 Select

Bayliner ?....... huh ??

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Your new boat?

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

Naw, just playing along with the Bayliner thing.........

But, it is a nice boat for the money. Anyway, a couple people here know what we bought, and a couple of people know what we did not buy.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Cap'n, the suspense is killing me.

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Terry
Current: 07 Crownline 255 CCR cuddy - 350 Mag MPI/B3 "Casi Cielo"

Previous:97 245 Sundowner 5.7GI/SX

Tow vehicle: 1986 GMC 2500 Camper Special 454/TH400

Cap'n you baffle me sometimes...

I'm sure I read a post on this thread recently and now it has magically disappeared "beer, salesman, deals?"

Since I came ready to play today I will revive this thread....

I'm always looking to see where the market sits as far as asking price. I check several brokers and the local kijiji and craigslist almost daily.... So far this year I am not seeing a huge jump in asking prices. It seems people are still looking to move away from their toys. Don't get me wrong I can find boats that are overpriced but most are undervalued IMO.

Most of the guys here seem to poo-poo on older boats but I enjoy the value that can be found when you do your research and are diligent. Sometimes you need to look further than the few hull scratches, faded gel or gawdy decor; these are all cosmetic and if the structure and mechanicals are good then you should see if the layout suits your needs, assess the true value to you and either walk away or move forward.
Last year when I was looking to sell my bowrider and move into a cruiser, I looked high and low for a Vista 325 in good condition. I really wanted a 315 but most had the dreaded OMC drives so I instead started the search for a 325. The models years I was looking for were 1988-1992.
This one just showed up on kijiji and if the condition is right I think it's a bargain to be had.
http://kingston.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-boats-watercraft-powerboats-motorboats-91-fourwinns-325-W0QQAdIdZ260958149

Here's an interesting runabout that billcruise might consider
http://kingston.en.craigslist.ca/boa/2165395364.html

My goal is to eventually move into a 40ish foot diesel cruiser in probably 5-7 years so I have been researching those too....
This wellcraft has alot to offer for the price but I don't like the rear access.
http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/pl_boat_detail.jsp?&units=Feet&id=2238253&lang=en&slim=broker&&hosturl=jensenyachtsales&&ywo=jensenyachtsales&

I really like this magnum but it is above my $ limit.

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/pl_boat_detail.jsp?&units=Feet&id=2165389&lang=en&slim=broker&&hosturl=jensenyachtsales&&ywo=jensenyachtsales&

Finally here's a nice one but it's also above my price range but not by much !

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/pl_boat_detail.jsp?&units=Feet&id=2184309&lang=en&slim=broker&&hosturl=jensenyachtsales&&ywo=jensenyachtsales&

I could post lots more older boats that interest me. My advice to all you guys out there shopping is to dig deep, far and wide to find the best boat that suits your needs and especially don't overlook the older units. Afterall, you'll feel alot better when the 5 year loan is paid off versus the 25 year one!

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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

Yep, you are correct. That was me. Decided not to post anything afterwards, so I poofed it. It's getting closer to spring, and yes many of us have the shopping bug. Not that I need to, but it is what it is. I'm casually investigating a couple of boats. Believe it or not, one is actually a Four Winns.

I know of about 4 people on this board (names withheld to protect the innocent) that are currently boat shopping, and a couple of daily lurkers that just can't get enough toys, so they are soaking up as much info as they can before they come out of the closet.

Great advice millhaven about considering older boats.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Happily not boat shopping
I'll always keep an eye on what's out there but, while who knows how long it will last (hopefully a loooong time), it feels really nice to not be in shopping mode for a change.

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Previously:
2008 V358/Volvo 5.7 GXi Inboards

you find the best deals when you're not looking!

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Michael Bova


"Swept Aweigh"
2003 Four Winns 328 Vista

Previous Boat
2003 Crownline 230CCR

So very true. That's how we found our 298. We were supposed to be on the water the day we found it but bad weather kept us at the docks. A spur of the moment decision on our drive back home to check out what our favorite broker had on his lot ended up with us in a new boat. Funny how things work that way.

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'01 Vista 298