www.iFourWinns.com

Very nice forum ! I just registered, but I've been reading here for few years. (I read English better than I can write it, it's my second language).

I have a 2002 Vista 248 I really like but I'm thinking about trading it for a new 2013 V275. I must have read every word about the V275, view all videos and see all pictures available on the internet . But in fact, there is not that much discussions about this boat. I didn't find an "objective" review yet. I really like the layout and the finish is ok. I saw one in person at a boat show last week.

I'm playing with the options and I'm scratching my head with the arch option. I found some pictures without the arch, mostly when the boat was launched in 2011 with (IMHO) an horrible color scheme. Obviously I don't like the look as much as the one I see on later pictures, but later pictures have two things: nicer color scheme and the arch ! What could be the look of a nice color scheme without the arch. It's a 6K option and I won't use it as radar support or for anything else. Any input for me ?

Have you ever see a picture without arch and canvas on ? I saw some with just the bimini, but I have no idea of what a complete camper canvas would look.

EDIT: As you will see (page 2), I finally bought a 2012 Sea Ray 280. This thread could be now used to talk about FW V275 versus other boats in that class. I really like the FW V275, its wider beam, nice bathroom, great interior, port lounge, not many can offer that much in a 24'- 25' boat.

Here is the scheme I like:







Thanks to share your opinion,
Dominic

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Dominic
2002 Four Winns Vista 248

"The look" without the arch would be the same as the look of the 2011 pictured below, but with the hull colors you choose. No real difference in design. The full bimini top you saw, would just have side curtains attached to the hull with snaps to make the full camper canvas.


The boat you are looking for would likely be a special order, as most dealers order them with the arch. So any pictures you might find of a V275 without arch, showing the full camper canvas probably would be from a current owner. And to my knowledge, not many were made that way, and there is knowone on this board yet to buy a V275.

Some comments on the original V275 thread (you have likely already seen)
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=8660

Our 268 Vista did not have an arch, and we liked it that way. Camper Canvas was easy to install and take down.

The boat looked more "sporty" without an arch IMO.


I miss this old boat, we sure had some good times with it.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Personally I prefer those 268 Vista without an arch. My first idea was to choose a V275 without arch. The reason why I'm no more sure it's because everybody seems to prefer the arch. There must be a reason !

You're right Cap'n, every V275 in stock has an arch. No big deal for me as I will (would) order mine. My local dealer sold the only one they had in stock last week. Estimate delivery mid-April. If the arch was free, I would probably order mine with one, resale value should be better if everybody wants one ! But it's a 6K dollars option...

Without Canvas I prefer the look without arch, but with camper canvas installed the arch is nice.

Dominic

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Dominic
2002 Four Winns Vista 248

I wish they made it in diesel. Last time I looked i didn't see it.

I would opt for a 5.7 Volvo DP 300 hp. Diesel would be nice, but I put about 50 hours only every years on the engine. We spend a lot more time than that on the boat, but 50 hours isn't enough to justify a diesel I think.

320 hp with EVC (electronic vessel control) or a big block 380 hp would be nice, but for the cost I will go for the base engine. My 248 has a 280 hp 5.7 Volvo. The boat has enough power to plane without problem. I hope the V275 with 300 hp will give me about the same satisfaction.

Does a wider beam boat is easier to get on plane (if everything else is equal) ?

Dominic

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Dominic
2002 Four Winns Vista 248

I hope you know the new V275 is the same size as your older 248...

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1981 Columbia 8.7
2015 Yamaha FZR - 87mph - sold
2006 Yamaha GP1300R - sold
2003 Chaparral 215 SSI - sold
2009 Stingray 195CS - sold
2000 Four Winns H180 - sold
1976 O'day Daysailer II - sold
Rick's Four Winns H180 Mods/Upgrade Thread

I do just a lttle bit more, like 60hrs if that. I want the lower maintenance and the lower GPH.

Ric, yes I know that the new 275 is just a bit longer than mine and I don't change because I need a bigger boat. When I was in the V275 last week I didn't feel the difference in length but I appreciated for sure the wider beam. However, I don't know what to expect with this hull. My 248 is really good for a 24' boat, how will be this new V275 with its 9'2" beam ?

Dominic

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Dominic
2002 Four Winns Vista 248

Hi dvoyer, welcome to the forum. Where are you located. You can add you city/country in the User Control Panel.

Regarding the arch, consider if you have any bridges in you area that you could fit under without the arch, but would not fit under with the arch. Personally, I don't see the appeal of the arches, except for wakeboarding boats.

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"Knot Easy" 2000 Horizon 240 Volvo 5.7GS /SX
tow: 2017 Honda PILOT EXL-AWD
prev. boats:
'87 Chaparral 198CXL 4.3 OMC Cobra
'69 Jetstar 16ft Ski Boat, 115hp Yamaha
'68 Aluminum Jon Boat, 3hp Sears
'64 Water Wings

I personally would go with an arch, because you have overhead lighting and options for speaker higher than down low

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"Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes "

1996 238 Vista dlx "Casper's Toy Too"
2006 5.0GXI w/closed cooling, DP-sm 1.95 drive
Previous boat:
1998 Sundowner 205

The v275 is only a 24.5ft boat, but it is wider. Expect worse fuel consumption but a more stable ride. Oh, and expect panties to drop. Thst boat is seriously hot.

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1981 Columbia 8.7
2015 Yamaha FZR - 87mph - sold
2006 Yamaha GP1300R - sold
2003 Chaparral 215 SSI - sold
2009 Stingray 195CS - sold
2000 Four Winns H180 - sold
1976 O'day Daysailer II - sold
Rick's Four Winns H180 Mods/Upgrade Thread

Dominic,
For whatever reason there is so little info on the 275. If you go to Boattest.com they only info for 1 newer Four Winns and all the rest are archived. FW must not be paying them $$ or something because if you look at Sea Ray you can find info from all current to going back 10 years.

I would assume the hull would be rather stable with those dimensions. Have you considered going to Florida to test drive one? I don't see where you are located in your signature to know if that's an option or not but it would be a neat experience! EDIT: Quebec wouldn't be bad at all, and I'm sure it would be nice to warm up a little
http://www.fourwinns.com/content/assets/videos/news/BuyingExperience.mov

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Our Boating Blog: http://ben-dana.blogspot.com/

2005 268 Vista "Sea Pickle II"
1979 AMF Alcort Puffer
Previous:
2003 FW190 Horizon
1973 Startcraft 18ft "Sea Pickle"

It's going to be in the 80's for at least 2 weeks... just sayin'

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1981 Columbia 8.7
2015 Yamaha FZR - 87mph - sold
2006 Yamaha GP1300R - sold
2003 Chaparral 215 SSI - sold
2009 Stingray 195CS - sold
2000 Four Winns H180 - sold
1976 O'day Daysailer II - sold
Rick's Four Winns H180 Mods/Upgrade Thread

ha ha ha... I wish I could do that !!!

I think I'm made to live in Florida, I've been there for three weeks during the holidays and I'm going South (Myrtle Beach) again during the Spring Break... but the rest of the time I still have to work here to pay for my hobbies

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Dominic
2002 Four Winns Vista 248

Sucks don't it!.......

_________________
"Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes "

1996 238 Vista dlx "Casper's Toy Too"
2006 5.0GXI w/closed cooling, DP-sm 1.95 drive
Previous boat:
1998 Sundowner 205