www.iFourWinns.com

With a growing family, we're actively searching to move up from 24ft cruiser. The FW Vista 298 w/ 10.5 beam and large swim platform looks like the perfect stepping stone.

Apparently 2000 was the anniversary year - anyone know if there were any special appointments?

Before we pull the trigger, any + or - general/specific comments about the 298 would greatly be appreciated.

The boat we're considering, subject to sea trial, looks very clean and has dual VP 5.0gi w/ duoprops w/ approx 375 salt water hrs - new risers/manis 5yrs ago.

Thx.

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'02 V298

Time for new risers and mani's again.

Cruise is going to be right around 18-20 gallons per hour so don't forget that cost.

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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 went from a Doral 25 to my 298, seven years ago of course I like to go bigger now. I would definately want to go with inboards if were buying a new boat today, the maintenance on two sterndrives that sit in the water all season is a lot of work.

I found that the wiring in my 298 is undersized for items that require higher loads such as the fridge. Although, I would expect a 14 year old boat to have those type of things corrected by now.

The engine compartment access cover is difficult to work with, most of time I have to pull it entirely off the boat and set it on the pier.

Lastly, the paint peeling off of the Volvo fuel pumps has cost me quite a few bucks through changing out the fuel pump assemblies and cleaning my fuel injectors.

I've had a great a time on her and because of the additional spac I've spent a lot more overnighters on it than my Doral.

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2004 Vista 298
Twin 5.7L Volvo Penta GXi-E

Thanks guys.

The PO's surveyors report from last year says Idle at 800 rpm Cruise 3500rpm @ 25mph and Wot 4100/4200 @ 34.5mph w/ dual 5.0gi/Dp. It was a Spring sea trial so I'm assuming clean bottom and there were 3/4 adults on board. Was told compression test performed w/ good results but haven't seen report.

I know its a 14 yo boat w/ approx 450hrs - but these numbers seem off to me as I've seen 600 idle and 4600-5000 Wot and upwards of 40mph- anyone have numbers they can share, especially WOT?

Cruise sounds Ok but concerned w/ low WOT.

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'02 V298

You can look these numbers up on the Four Winns site under Fast Facts, and answer your own question.
You are right, the numbers on the boat you are considering are off....

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Cant speak specifically for the 298 per say, but the 248 and 268 vista went to cherry cabinets in 2001 and bathroom door cherry in 02 or 03. I really prefer the look of the cherry over white. something to check out.

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2001 Four Winns Vista 248 by rick2752, on Flickr

I pulled those numbers from Volvo.

Fast facts does not give WOT and says 46-49 top speed, which does not sound realistic.

Just looking for real life numbers/expectations from other 298 owners, thx.



Thx Rick - this one has cherry cabs, which the admiral likes!!

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'02 V298

My suggestion would be to step on a 328, just to make sure. We originally wanted a 298, but found (naturally) that the 328 had just a little more space everywhere to make it the perfect boat. I would wonder if the 5.0 engines would be a little underpowered for a 298, the 5.7's in our 328 are perfect, but I wouldn't want any less when we have a number of people on board.

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1969 Chris Craft Commander 47
1999 Four Winns 328 Vista - SOLD

Fast Facts does list WOT at 48 mph. The Volvo WOT RPM's are correct. So..... 48 mph at 5,000 RPM is correct on the boat when new and lightly loaded. I have sea trialed two 298 Vista's over the years (both 2000 model year). I almost bought one, but declined. Best WOT with same engines and drives was 45 mph @5,000 RPM. My apologies for not actually owning one, but I am familiar with the boat.

Is it the boat @ American Marine ??
tks.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

I have had my boat up to 45 mph at WOT, I typically cruise at 3000-3200 rpm which gives me about 27-29 mph. I also have 5.0l GXi engines which are 270 hp.

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2004 Vista 298
Twin 5.7L Volvo Penta GXi-E

Go bigger and an inboard.

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Current Boat: 2000 Four Winns 298 Vista
Previous Boat: 2000 Carver 406MY

Darn you weather!!
So we looked at a 328 tonight and you are right, it looks like it will better suit our needs - its number crunching time!!




Cap'n didn't mean to get off on wrong foot - truly appreciate your input and you again confirmed something is not kosher.

Not at American, its private local boat.



Nice stats and appreciate you sharing, thx.



Lol- bigger it is! I think going for the biggest you can afford is good advice especially w/ a growing family of 5.

Not sure about inboards, I grew up w/ outboards and I/Os and while I understand there is less gear in the salt, we like to trim up and beach and I truthfully do not know a thing about inboard handling, performance and above all maintenance issues - so for now going stick w/ what we know and research pros/cons of inboards.

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'02 V298

Since you are number crunching, I would agree a 328 would be an excellent choice. I would also encourage you to look at as many similar size boats as you can. You may stumble across something that you previously had not considered. That is what happened to us a few years ago. We had considered a 298 or 328, but never found the "right fit" price and condition wise. But we did find something my wife and I liked, was within our budget and offered everything we wanted in a boat. We owned it for just two years, and really enjoyed it. Yes I am a fan of Monty's as well as Four Winns boats. This is worth a look I think, and appears to be in your area. 2002 282CR.

Good luck with whatever you decide upon.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Just posted in the For Sale forum:

http://www.smwebhead.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=12747

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1996 205 Sundowner DLX
5.0FL Volvo SX Cobra
Tow Veh: 2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X

I agree go bigger you will not regret it. We went from a 248 to a 328 also have 2 young kids. I looked at a 298 and then went on a 328 and there is a lot more room in the cabin and that sold me

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2001 328 Vista "Nauta Dream 2"
AB Inflatable 10AL "Little Dreamer"
2000 248 Vista
1997 225 Sundowner


Mike