www.iFourWinns.com

Looking at upgrading. I currently have a 2004 205 Sundowner and looking to make the jump to the Vista. We are getting into some over night trips along the Lake Michigan coast and the small cuddy of the SD doesnt quite cut it with two small kids. My main complaints of my SD is a rough ride with all the weight being in the back, the boats bow bounces something terrible. I have to have the trim all the way in and that doesnt always help (also added smart tabs). My second issue is I only have a 35 gal tank and cant get too far on that. I found a 00 248 on craigslist that is close by. It has a 7.4 volvo penta engine and low hours. Any advice on this model? I like the galley and sleeping options, larger fuel tank, its trailerable, and in my price range. My concerns are that its a 15 year old boat and that it still would ride rough in the Lake Mich chop. According to the ad, no trim tabs on it.

Thanks

A 15 year old boat wouldnt concern me as long as it was maintained. Im almost certain trib tabs are standard on the 248 and with a big block, air conditioning, and trailer for that price it might be hard to beat. I think you would enjoy a drastic difference in cuising ability on Lake Michigan over the Sundowner. You will still feel the chop as it would take a much much bigger boat and budget to overcome that. Good luck and welcome to the forum ( I see you've been here for a bit but your screen name threw me off) Lol

Edit: Just checked the 2000 catalog and it shows hydraulic trim tabs as a standard feature on the 248
http://www.fourwinns.com/customer-service-catalogs.aspx

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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"

As an owner of a 2000 FW (Horizon 240), I can say that a 15yo boat can still be in very good condition if well cared for and maintained. I have never owned a Vista, but I know that 7.4L engine adds a lot of resale value over the 5.7L (FW buyers put a premium on horsepower).

The need for trim tabs seems to vary by model (including year). In the H240s, the 1996-2000 had no need for trim tabs. With the 2000-1/2 to 2005? H240, many users did find a need for trim tabs. Look at Vistas of the same generation to research trim tabs. A Vista made 5 years later may have a different ride.

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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

Alot depends on condition. I have a 2001 248 with 5.7, I can imagine that boat would have tons of power with that motor. I don't know what you are giving for it, but its value will vary alot. Is there a trailer? If the trim tabs are missing, it makes me think the previous owner was a get by kinda guy and you might have alot of little maintenance things to take care of. I could give you a list of all the things Ive replaced on mine, it would scare you if you had to do it all at once. I would also consider shopping for a 268, very similar boat but a smidge more room. In the 2001 model year maybe some of the 2000s they went to the cherry cabinets vs the white. I have seen some 268s that had cherry in 2000. Is it a fresh or saltwater boat? Generator? AC? I would without a doubt have a survey done on the boat. When were the manifolds done? Bellows, impeller? Feel free to bounce any questions off me, I think you will be happy with the ride, I have had mine on erie and I felt it cut through the waves pretty well.

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2001 Four Winns Vista 248 by rick2752, on Flickr

My Vista s 19 years old, and I think she still has 20 more in her. She has held up well over the years. We went from a 19 ft cuddy to the 24 ft vista for similar reasons, 2 small kids, really rough lake. I think it was a great decision. The Vista has handled the rough waters of lake mead with no problems.

When loaded the water tank, the engine and all of the people sit generally in the back of the boat...very little weight in the front. So when loaded I typically need the trim tabs to get on plane, and if unbalanced (since on my model most of the seating is on the starboard side?) I can fix the list quite easily with the tabs.

Of course the one you are describing has more horsepower and is a bit newer so it may not matter, the only way to really know is a sea trial.

Good Luck!

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Chris and Alicia
Las Vegas, NV
ALTIVA
1996 Four Winns 238 Vista Dlx 5.8Fi

Welcome back, nice Sundowner.


Harder to find a 205 with Merc power.
I considered two older 215 SD, but both have Volvo power, not doing that again.
It's equipped just right. my wife would love it. But, I am not going to show her.
You should sell the boat quickly, it looks well cared for.

Years ago, we looked at a 248 and a 258. Almost bought the 258, as the 248 was a little too small
for our needs. Ended up getting a 268 Vista instead. More room for a family of 4. In fact, I saw
our old 268 Vista for sale here locally the other day. You might want to consider a 268, they are also
trailerable, and we loved our's on Lake Michigan, where it spent 90% of it's time.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Just like my old boat and a similar step up for me! I had my sundowner for about 4 seasons i think. I loved the Merc and wish my new boat had one. I find the 320 HP to be adequate and I get on plane with the five of us without using tabs. If I get a few more people on my boat, i need to use them to get on plane. After a few seasons with my 278, I could not have imagined going any smaller. I was initially looking at 248's because I thought that would be enough. The size of my boat is perfect for us and the fact that we like to trailer to new places. I do think you will enjoy the step up!

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2006 Vista 278
First Boat:
2005 Sundowner 205
Columbus, OH

I find our 278 with the D4, a heavy lump, quite tail heavy especially now the fuel tank is full, So much so that in any sort of rough water I need to keep the trim tabs fully down to keep the bow down and to stop it slamming

Thanks for the input, going to check one out today. What is a boat survey that you guys are talking about? Is it someone that inspects the boat?

We love our 248. Have it out on Lake MI almost every weekend. It handles 2-3ft chop no problem. We've gotten in some 4-6ft with the occasional 8 footer and it didn't do too bad. Just have to take it slow. I use the trim tabs mostly to level when cruising. Only if I have a lot of weight on board have I had to use them to get on plain.

The only things I would change on it would be a bigger motor and the engine hatch. Sounds like the one you are looking at has the bigger motor.

The surveyer will give you a detailed report of the boats condition and estimated value. Well worth the money in my opinion. It is a good tool for negotiating price. My insurance company also asked for a copy.

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2004 248 Vista "Amante"
MC 5.0MPI/B3

http://holland.craigslist.org/boa/5131086733.html

We looked at this one today. Owner said he got it from Skipper Buds in WI back in May. Looks like it sat in the water for awhile. The outdrive is pretty dirty and the prop has a few dings. Owner said everything works great, just doesnt have time to use it. Still in the early stages as I still have to sell my current one before making any new buys so no rush. We did like the layout of the cabin and deck. The small dings in the SS prop has me kinda worried. Owner said it happened back in May when someone from Skipper Buds took him out to show the boat. Said runs smooth and doesnt vibrate. Hull looks like it could use a good polish.

Hello Folks,

Nice Website! ..... (First Timer')......

Just purchased a 248 a couple of months ago which we are really enjoying. It has everything we want with one exception - Has NO camper cover. Anyone have any idea where I can purchase a navy blue full enclosure? Its a 2003 248 with the Blue Hull. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Used would be great too - My guess is they aren't cheap. We are in the San Jauns (WA) and you pretty much need the protection out there. P.S I'll try adding a picture if I can figure it out.

Thank you sooooo much!

Cheers!

kchomiak you can get any canvas you need from great lakes boat tops they made it for four winns and many others original equip.

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2005 vista 288

Signalstan,

Thank you for the quick response!

I did see them online but when I put in the boat model - said something like no oem avail. I will call them directly later today.

Thanks again,

Kevin

I have a 2003 248 Vista and they did not have our template. I called to verify before going with a custom camper canvas. I do know you can order a replacement through a FW dealer, but will need to install the snaps yourself. I went custom to make some modifications, i.e., wider eisenglass thru my windshield, added a screen up front as well, smoked eisenglass, privacy curtains and also had a cockpit cover made. Looks freakin amazing.....

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-Tony
2016 Robalo R200 w/Yahama 200!

Previous boats:
2003 Four Winns 248 Vista - sold
1994 Sunbird Corsair 200 - sold
1980 Checkmate Predictor - sold