www.iFourWinns.com

Hello all I'm from the UK (but live in Spain ) and may be about to put a deposit on a 2000 vista 248 this weekend...it's my first boat .

I'm getting the boat from a dealer, and it's out of the water in his showroom. What should I be asking about the boat that may be specific to this age of vista ..any parts that maybe fail earlier than they should and ought to have been replaced before I buy it ....that kind of thing

Any help appreciated. !

Bill P

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Bill P
Marbella, Spain
Vista 248 Year 2000
25th Anniversary edition
Volvo Penta Engine and Outdrive

What's the engine? Merc or Volvo?

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2004 Vista 298
Twin 5.7L Volvo Penta GXi-E

This may sound bizarre, but Im not sure! ..going for a closer look in a couple of days..the reason for the confusion is the ad says Volvo, but I'm pretty sure he actually said it was a Merc when we spoke !

Bill P

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Bill P
Marbella, Spain
Vista 248 Year 2000
25th Anniversary edition
Volvo Penta Engine and Outdrive

I would suggest an independent survey. There are a lot of things that need to be checked carefully.
A small list:
Every switch and electrical component (bilge pumps, fridge on ac and dc, windless (power anchor), lights, radio, trim tabs, etc...)
Water system
A/C and heat to include water cooling system
Any wood rot in the stringers, floor, transom, etc...
Motor mounts tight and in good shape
Is the prop the correct size (does the engine run at the proper rpms at wide open throttle on your test run)
Does the engine sound correct (not lugging, no bearing noise, no belt or pulley issues)
Oil checks ok and clean after your run
Lower unit oil looks clean and good after your run (no water)
Remove prop and check condition of the lower unit seals
All canvas in good condition
All power cords and adapters included
Life jackets and all safety gear included and good
CO alarms for cabin operate properly
Maintenance records.
ETC.....

It can take hours to do a good check out of the boat.

All this will tell you what has to be fixed if anything on the boat and if it is really worth the money the dealer is asking.

Good luck

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The Dance II
2007 278 Vista
6.2L Mercruiser

Thanks! It's currently out of the water ,and the dealers mechanics have done a through overhaul and refurb since September
He is prepared to give a one years warranty and a buyback price.
Given the warranty, would the cost of a survey still be worth it in your view?

Much appreciated !

Bill P

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Bill P
Marbella, Spain
Vista 248 Year 2000
25th Anniversary edition
Volvo Penta Engine and Outdrive

I suppose that depends on how reputable this dealer is. If you can get a professional survey done for $350 or so, that is a small price to pay for peace of mind on such a large purchase.

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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

Yes agreed..will look into some prices here for a survey . I dont think they are that low .

EDIT..first 2 quotes I got both are over $800 for a pre purchase survey !!!

It is a very reputable dealer , been around a long time ....but I take the point for peace of mind
was surprised to be offered a warranty on a used vessel to be honest !

thanks again

Bill P

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Bill P
Marbella, Spain
Vista 248 Year 2000
25th Anniversary edition
Volvo Penta Engine and Outdrive

Verify what the warranty really covers. Is it a complete bow to stern or just engine.
With the buy back I guess if you use it much you would find any real issues.

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The Dance II
2007 278 Vista
6.2L Mercruiser

Yes ..will do early next week
Your help is appreciated !

Bill P

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Bill P
Marbella, Spain
Vista 248 Year 2000
25th Anniversary edition
Volvo Penta Engine and Outdrive

Check with your insurance company as well. (not sure how it works where you are)
Over here my insurance required a survey report before they would insure the boat.

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2004 248 Vista "Amante"
MC 5.0MPI/B3

Cheers Jeff - good point. though knowing Spain, I doubt it

Bill P

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Bill P
Marbella, Spain
Vista 248 Year 2000
25th Anniversary edition
Volvo Penta Engine and Outdrive

With my 2001 248, I did not get a survey as I was in the exact same situation as you are. I purchased from a very reputable, long established dealer who offered a full warranty. The sea trial took all day and their mechanic went through the boat with me very thoroughly. I comfortably purchased it and had many great days of boating knowing I was covered in case anything was missed.

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2008 V318



previous:
2001 248 Vista

That's great to know jtkey. They have offered the same..sea trial with their mechanic to iron out any problems they couldn't find when out of the water ..

Will be having a v knowledgable friend look it over as well beforehand..

Appreciate the reply !

Bill P

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Bill P
Marbella, Spain
Vista 248 Year 2000
25th Anniversary edition
Volvo Penta Engine and Outdrive

Sounds like they are a reputable dealer and will honor what they told you. But there is a lot to say about an independent survey. Peace of mind. I wish I did with mine. Though it all turned on in the end, just wished I had someone go through it throughly.

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2001 Four Winns 248 Vista
1996 Sea Ray 215 Express Cruiser "SOLD"

Check the hatch because if there is so much as a hinge broken, you will have to replace the entire hatch component because Lewmar doesn't make that low-profile series anymore ($450 to $600 USD).

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