First time boater looking at smaller Vistas...

lootcorp · **Joined:** Thu Jun 20, 2013 11:07 am **Posts:** 1

Hi, everyone -

My wife and I are starting to think about buying our first boat. I have been researching small cruisers around 24-26' in length, and I've seen Vistas mentioned as a great boat.

Some considerations:

-Right now we don't have kids -- we'd like the boat to be big enough to hang out on comfortably with friends, whether at a slip or anchored off one of the nearby islands (Norwalk, CT). We'd like to be able to have at least 6 people on the boat (including us) and a dog.

-I'd love for the boat to be able to make it across the LI Sound once in awhile, to head over to Port Jefferson or some of the other harbors on that side of the sound.

-Boat would likely not be trailered - we don't have a tow vehicle and wouldn't want to buy one unless I found a really good deal. We would likely keep it locally in either a marina or rack storage.

-Would love A/C, good head for the ladies is a must, galley where we could prep some food and keep the drinks cold is a must.

-I know cruisers aren't fishing boats, but my dad loves to fish and it would be cool to take him out once in awhile. Is this even possible on one of these boats? This isn't a huge deal -- I'd much rather have the overnight ability than be able to fish, but if I could do both that would be a bonus.

Based on the above, and my location (Norwalk CT) do you think the Vistas would be a good match? Any particular model years to look at? Not sure of budget yet, but thinking I'd like to keep it somewhere in the $20's - possible? I've seen some posts here with people getting amazing deals! I'm not opposed to putting some work in the boat, but I'm not looking for a huge project boat...

Any advice/stories/info you guys could provide to a wide-eyed noob who is feeling rather intimidated by the sheer number of choices out there?

thanks a bunch!

Jim

wkearney99 · **Posted:** Thu Jun 20, 2013 11:34 am

The type of water you'd be on is an important factor. Once you start getting out onto bigger water you need a bigger boat. Our here on the Chesapeake that's at least 26', if not more. Otherwise it's a constant up & down pounding ride. The larger and heavier the boat the less likely you'll have issues with that.

6 adults and a dog gets tight on a smaller boat. Especially for longer journeys (more than a half-hour or so). On our 348 it's OK, but having been out on a friend's 28' chapparal and a 26' searay it's less than ideal.

ric · **Posted:** Thu Jun 20, 2013 11:40 am

Our styles are almost identical. A 248 Vista would suit you nicely, but the best years (2005ish) are out of your budget. There's a repowered 1996 258 Vista with AC locally for 18k. Id say that's the best deal in the US right now.

At least 75% of Vistas have AC. Don't buy one without.

jayjay4735 · **Posted:** Thu Jun 20, 2013 11:59 am

I just looked on boattrader.com and there are a few 01-03 vistas from 248s to 268s with asking prices of mid to high 20s here in the northeast (did a search of 100 miles from long beach, ny). I have a 258 and I get 6 people on it regularly to anchor and hang out. I guess it depends on what you're looking to do with the boat.

rpengr · **Posted:** Thu Jun 20, 2013 12:45 pm

The 248's were often referred to as "baby vista" and have the advantage of being trailer-able (both by weight, and by being only 8'6" wide. Since you do not plan on trailering, I would try to jump up to the 26-28 foot range for what you are looking to do. 4 ft longer and 1 foot wider would make a huge difference in the amount of room you have.

babbot1 · **Joined:** Tue Mar 12, 2013 3:46 pm **Posts:** 570

Cockpit layout is probably the most important for the 6 passengers if that is a must. 6 people on a 24-26 is no problem but all in one spot is the trouble. look for the best cockpit layout to fit 5 comfortably plus the driver seat for you.
LI sound is a short frequency wave which is annoying but a 26' is no problem on normal days but it does get nasty quick. Trim tabs will be your friend. I have a new to me 258 and does well in LI sound but I have been out there in my 17' bow rider with no problems even when the nasty stuff has kicked up you just have to go slower. Port Jeff is not a far ride across, relatively speaking, but you still have to pick your days no matter what size boat.

Good luck on your search. It is fun and difficult at the same time.... Go to some boat shows to get an idea of layouts even if you want a Four Winns it is good to compare between models. It is better to have a general idea of what you want before you go looking. I know you are looking used but you can rule out certain things you don't like.

weather · **Posted:** Thu Jun 20, 2013 1:31 pm

Boats do not age like cars, a 10-12 year old boat is still young - if it's been treated right and has reasonable hours. I would start the search in the 1999-2003 range and buy the largest, well maintained boat your $ will get you. I found the older model Vista styling very 'modern' compared to other brands. For instance, our 1999 is very similar to the newer 328's, all the way to 2006 - so why pay 2006 prices?

babbot1 · **Joined:** Tue Mar 12, 2013 3:46 pm **Posts:** 570

OH and one other very important thing.
A marine survey is a MUST!! you will not regret spending the $$. You do not want a rotted transom or something you never thought of looking at costing thousands to repair.

ric · **Posted:** Thu Jun 20, 2013 5:16 pm

4 people is comfortable on a 248/258. There's no room for 6 inside. If you want to host 6 people in the cabin sitting down you really need at least 30ft. Everything is out of your price range though.

Best bet is to get a late 90's 278. That will give you the seating inside for a low 20's price range.

taz42169 · **Posted:** Thu Jun 20, 2013 7:02 pm

I'd START with a 248. We have a 24 and love it. I do think jumping into a 268 is a bit much for a novice. Just my opinion.

Ours stays in a slip, but is on a trailer when out of the water. Nice size, A/C, TV, etc. we spend every weekend on her and love it.

saltlife · **Joined:** Sun Oct 07, 2012 1:53 pm **Posts:** 59

get a 248 and you'll want a 278
get a 278 and you'll want a 328
get a 328 and you'll want a 358

babbot1 · **Joined:** Tue Mar 12, 2013 3:46 pm **Posts:** 570

saltlife wrote:

get a 248 and you'll want a 278
get a 278 and you'll want a 328
get a 328 and you'll want a 358

Sounds like the symptoms for two-foot-itis and he hasn't bought anything yet.

boater50 · **Posted:** Thu Jun 20, 2013 8:36 pm

The Vista is a great boat, for sure...I have a 96 238 w/ 5.7 DP and it goes just great! Six people on board and it'll get up onto plain in no time. I, too am in CT.-- Fairfield...I have a slip at South Benson. This size boat is great for the sound....we've been across the sound to Port Jeff several times-- even overnighted at Danford's Marina- my wife and 2 kids- young teens. The 238 may be a bit cramped for 4 overnight, but is doable. We've also gone to Northport- right across from Norwalk stayed at Brittannia Yacht club- nice marina! You're probably thinking of storing it at Rex, correct? They have rack storage. I love Rex-- the store is just great...very knowledgable staff. I would love to go to a 26' some day.....
If you're looking to spend in the 20's, you can find a nice early 2000's 248 Vista for that much. Check it out thouroughly first before you buy! Someone here said that AC is a must....I don;t think so-- not up north.....doesn't get as hot here as down south or AZ for example....plus on a small cruiser AC takes up too much space in a smaller cruiser, more to break down and fix, and if you're going to rack-store, you won't be able to use the ac anyway if you don't have a slip with shore power! You would need a generator onboard-- more $$, more trouble to fix...not worth it, don't bother for now. You cruise out into the middle of the sound and it cools down a lot from the beach....LI SOUND isn't some little puddle of a lake....you'll be fine. If you want to know more, just let me know......

Good luck!

STeve

LouC · **Posted:** Thu Jun 20, 2013 10:18 pm

How much boating experience do you have? A 24-26 footer is ok if you have run boats before but if it's your first boat that size may be a bit of a challenge to handle. Docking in the wind for instance. LI Sound is a great boating area. Summer mornings it can very calm but it can kick up In the afternoon. Huntington, Northport and Pt Jeff are all nice places to visit on my side. The CG station is nearby in Eatons Neck if you ever need help. Don't forget to get towing insurance.

ric · **Posted:** Thu Jun 20, 2013 10:21 pm

Ya'll are giving me 2footitus. There's quite a few 238 Vista's out on the market. There's one nice one for 20k with AC, DP, etc. I want it.

www.iFourWinns.com

First time boater looking at smaller Vistas...

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