www.iFourWinns.com

Alright all, Lets here what you have planned for your Vista this off season.

I plan on installing the windlass on my 248. Looks like I am going to go with the Lewmar 700. Biggest challenge I am gonna have here is a hard time convincing the admiral of this since I got her to agree on getting the eu2000i.

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Walter

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

I hear you! I am thinking of upgrading my older and separate fishfinder and Handheld GPS units to a Garmin 545 combo Chartplotter/Fishfinder! Pretty easy job. Just need to replace the old transducer with the new one. Shouldn't be too bad. ALso, may install a 3rd deep cycle battery connected to a small inverter!

BTW, I didn't think there was an off season in Miami??

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'04 FW 268Vista "Andiamo"

Well your right not an off season per say but the use definitely is less during the "winter" months here. Typically our water gets rough and uncomfortable at times so we don't use it as often.

I like the third battery with inverter idea!!! What are u planning to run off the inverter?

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Walter

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

We use the inverter for all the really important stuff, while on the hook either for the day or for an overnight, and we do not want to run the portable generator or use the house battery.
I'll try to prioritize:
>To run the blender (Magic Bullet) for mixed drinks!!
>To make coffee in the morning!!
> To run my CPAP machine while overnighting on the hook!!
> To inflate the water toys!
> To charge up the laptop computer!
> To charge up the cell phones!

Using the 3rd battery, which I now keep under the stern bench, with the inverter, that I have not yet mounted, keeps my original house battery in great shape, especially when we are anchored out for a few days. I wanted to try it this year without a permanent installation, to see how it worked out, and since it actually worked out good for us, I will do the install after I take it out for the season. I plan to install the battery on the opposite side (starboard) from the existing battery bank just in front of the fresh water tank with an inline fuse, and pobably install the inverter above deck on the starboard side, just behind the helm seat so it is easy to access from anyplace in the boat and has plenty of airflow so as not to overheat.

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'04 FW 268Vista "Andiamo"