www.iFourWinns.com

Well - took delivery of our new V358 yesterday and I'm typing this from the sofa while watching "Meet the Press". After spending the night on the boat, I really appreciate many of the nice appointments, fit and finish and storage configuration.

There was good and bad in the delivery experience. I'll short change the good because we've spent plenty of time discussing all the great features of the boat and kind of focus on the one significant problem and then a few other things that I haven't figured out yet.

The one significant problem we had during delivery was the malfunction of the starboard engine while on our shakedown cruise. We left the E. Harbor bay at Marina del Isle and headed out into the open lake toward Kelly's island and brought her up on plane (which happened effortlessly and sounded great!) and ran at about 3600rpm for about 10 minutes before the SB engine started loosing rpms and running rough. I turned it back over the delivery captain who started playing with it and couldn't get the engine to respond. We turned around to start heading back (in 3-4 snotty head seas) and more or less limped home with the SB engine sometime revving up to about 3900 and sometimes not getting above 3000. When we got into the sheltered channel, he pulled it back to idle and it would hardly stay running. The smell of fuel was very strong.

So, we limped back into the slip and the service manager met us. They hooked up the laptop, put a fuel pressure gauge on the engine and weren't able to figure out the problem by the end of the day yesterday. So, as I sit here, we've got an unidentified problem with the SB engine. I'm sure they'll get on top of it, and that is afterall, what a shakedown cruise is for but I'm still pretty disappointed. It is beautiful on the lake this morning and I was looking forward to a little cruise.

Hate to focus on the negative when there are so many positive things but this was a real bummer. A couple other minor things ...

- is there a specific storage spot for the cockpit table?
- how about the cockpit fill pad?
- the water is almost like soda water - is that normal? Just heavily aerated?

We didn't get through the delivery obviously with the unplanned engine issue. The go forward plan is for them to figure it out, sea trial it themselves and then we'll go back out with the captain to finish the sea trial and orientation.

I'm rambling ... I'll have more to say but my wife wants coffee and she's throwing ice cubes at me.

Even with a broken engine ... we couldn't be happier with the boat.

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"Foursome Fun" 2008 V358/Volvo 5.7 GXi Inboards
Lake Erie - Ohio

Previous Boat:
2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer

Hi Brad,
glad to hear you got your new boat. Re the engine problem, lucky it happened now rather than when you were miles out on your own without help near by. I'm sure they will get it fixed, re the lollie water we had the same experience last week, so I emptied the water and kept flushing it through with the hose at the dock. I will ask the dealer when I see him tomorrow what and why they put in the water tanks. I cant help with the storage issues on the 358 as Im stll looking for possi's for those items on my 288.
All the very best with your new boat
Robbi

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2008 V288 with twin 5 litre Seacores
http://www.galwayhouse.com.au

Hey Brad - sorry to hear about your troubles. As you said, now's the time to discover these issues (but it still sucks).

Very quickly on a few items now that I have a full weekend onboard at my home port with nothing but tinkering...
-I don't think there is dedicated storage for the cockpit table but I'm looking forward to hearing a response on that from a more experienced 348/358er.
-I stowed the cockpit filler cushion under the forward berth. Granted, the mid-cabin table was not there, but it seems to work well.
-I also found the water foamy - I have a feeling that will begin to subside as I believe mine has a bit.

I'l be posting more of my 'first weekend reaction' soon - just got back. But I hope your engine problem is quickly resolved. It really is quite a boat!

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Previously:
2008 V358/Volvo 5.7 GXi Inboards

Thanks for the comments guys... I'm sure Skipper Buds will get this straightened away it just took the shine off the experience a little. I really haven't had much of a chance to play and tinker. We were working hard storing/organizing last night and I didn't get anywhere near the time I wanted in the engine room or at the helm. A few other comments now that I've got a little more time ....

- Sierra you mentioned that you liked the sound. I was pleasantly surprised for sure. Definitely not obnoxious through hull go fast type sound but a nice rumble to let you know the "little" 5.7s mean business
- ride quality was really nice and the attitude while on plane was very nice - I only had about 10 mins on plane before the SB engine pooped out but that little bit was very nice
- Cockpit layout is REALLY nice ... I think we will be able to accomodate the four of us plus 4-6 guest without any problem
- Platinum/E-80. I hardly had a chance to play with it but I sure liked what I saw in the little time I had.
- Radar - my delivery captain just began to show me how to use the radar when the trouble started but I did have the opportunity to pick up a couple of boats on the screen and then identify them on the water. He had it zoomed in tight which made it easy to see but I was still impressed with it so far - the test will be first time in the dark
- head configuration is really nice. My wife and I both had showers and aside from a little water getting over to the vanity side it was really quite slick. A quick wipe up of the commode lid and floor when we were done and it was dry in no time
- thermostat worked good too. set it at "auto" and 70 degrees and we were comfortable the whole night
- v-berth. no complaints there
- light, light and more light. The ample port lights and deck hatches really made the cabin feel open.

I know my description of the engine issue is quite shallow, however, if you have any thoughts on what might have been the culprit or have had similar experiences I would appreciate hearing from you.

Brad

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"Foursome Fun" 2008 V358/Volvo 5.7 GXi Inboards
Lake Erie - Ohio

Previous Boat:
2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer

From your description it sounds like the engine was running too rich (the fuel smell). As to why, hard to say. I'd have checked fuel pressure too, it'll be interesting to hear what it really turns out to be.

The water does look that way for a tank or two until the winterization gets fully flushed through. I find it's best to fill the tank, run all the faucets until the tank runs empty, then repeat... twice. Tedious, to be sure, but I've seen friend's boats deal with the same hassles.

There's no place to store the cockpit table, nor any of the pads. They really screwed up with those. The bow pads are great, but stowing them is pain in the ass. The cockpit cushion we generally stow upright on the port mid-cabin (just behind the stairs). That's the 'least worst' place to keep it. Putting it under the forward berth ends up mashing the foam, and it's not like it's all that thick to begin with. Back to the cockpit table, most of the time we keep it in place, mounted in the cockpit. It's too heavy and too bulky to leave it anywhere below. Without it being lashed down somewhere it's way too heavy to leave sitting someplace. Catch some chop and it's heavy enough to cause real damage (or injury) if it suddenly slides around. I've toyed with the idea of fabricating some sort of bracket down in engine compartment. I think there's enough room to accommodate it right up against the forward bulkhead (I have inboards with v-drives). But it hasn't been a priority.

I find keeping a squeegee in the shower helps keep it clean. I picked up one with a suction cup mount at a bath store, works great. It's a bit annoying that the floor doesn't completely 'separate' the shower from the sink area. But it's a setup I can live with.

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

Thanks for the always insightful comments Bill. If you figure out a way to make the table fast in the engine room, I'd love to hear it. We too have v-drives. I agree for sure, too big and heavy to not be secure while underway. As for the cockpit pad, we may leave that off the boat. I dont think we'll be using it much.

We plan to have custom canvas covers made for the foredeck pads so that we can leave them in place. That's the best place to "store" them I guess.

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"Foursome Fun" 2008 V358/Volvo 5.7 GXi Inboards
Lake Erie - Ohio

Previous Boat:
2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer

Don't get me wrong, I too have passed on making the "good" comments. We LOVE the boat. We've had our share of issues with it (and the dealer) but I'd venture to say they're on-par with other dealers/makes/models of boats. It's a boat, you come to learn what to expect...

I seem to recall seeing someone else's boat (not a four winns) that had some sort of engine room cradle for a table. The trouble with using one in the engine compartment is two-fold. One being the hassle of getting to it. It's heavy enough to be a bit of an effort to lower down into the space. And if you drop it.... well, don't do that else you'd risk wrecking the v-drives or the engine computers nearby. The second problem is heat. I keep meaning to rig up something that'd let me monitor the heat in the engine room. I'm concerned it'd be too hot down there to stow the table. But I don't know what the table is made from and thus couldn't guess what range of temperature it can withstand. So between the risk of dropping it and the heat I haven't made it a priority.

And any time I leave the cockpit pad off the boat, the admiral makes a request for it. Ya can't win, I tell ya!

I have been contemplating having some bags made for the bow cushions. Some sort of lightweight canvas perhaps. One for each bag. This would make them easier to pass up/down the steps and through the windshield (which seems just right for nicking expensive vinyl....) Being in bags would make them less hassle to move around the cabin too. They'd be BIG, no mistaking that, but they would at least stay folded. I've also considered separating the pieces of the cushions and putting a zipper in-between them to make the pieces more manageable. But much like the cockpit table, it hasn't been "enough" of a hassle to justify the effort.

But between in-laws coming this past week, some projects at home, work and a new baby on the way I literally have had NO time to get out on the boat. It's killin' me, but at least I get a dose of fun hearing about everyone else's trips!

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

But I don't know what the table is made from and thus couldn't guess what range of temperature it can withstand. So between the risk of dropping it and the heat I haven't made it a priority.

We have the teak table - I assume you have the plastic version? If so, I wouldn't expect heat to be an issue. The types of resins used can withstand much more heat than you would find in the engine room.

With the teak table, heat might be slightly more of an issue - not to the wood so much but to the glue joints. Although even still, I think heat's a pretty minor issue.

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"Foursome Fun" 2008 V358/Volvo 5.7 GXi Inboards
Lake Erie - Ohio

Previous Boat:
2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer

I have been thinking about that cockpit table as well. On my 340 Sundancer it slid into brackets under the rear seat. The 99' had a bench seat across the back. On later models Sea Ray mounted clips onthe under side of the engine compartment floor. I am thinking that this would be the easiest place to store it. Two pieces of
1 1/2" angle with some plastic or teflon tape so the table will slide easily. I take delivery of my V358 on Thursday. I will let you know more after I have it.

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2008.Fourwinns V358
1999 SeaRay340 Sundancer
1989 SeaRay 260 Cuddy

Guys - I have an update to share on the SB engine failure I had during delivery. I got a call today from Skipper Buds informing me that the engine suffered significant internal damage and that they have made the judgment call to get a replacement engine from Volvo. They don't know what caused the problems but they started taking it apart and found bent valves - one apparently in the shape of a tulip, and other significant internal damage.

I'm kind of still in shock. I guess on one hand its good to have the whole engine replaced so as not to have to worry about pesky issues in the future if they can't totally fix it but overall, this really sucks. With so much good out there on Volvo - I'm really disappointed.

They are supposed to be hearing from Volvo tomorrow on timing of a replacement engine. I'm going to wait to hear from them on the plan before jumping to conclusions about what's next.

Any thoughts any of you have on questions I should ask, things I should insist on, how I should be handling this etc ... would be appreciated. Brad

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"Foursome Fun" 2008 V358/Volvo 5.7 GXi Inboards
Lake Erie - Ohio

Previous Boat:
2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer

Well, for a bad nstall on the flooring in our cabin, we recv'd from FW the cherry blinds and the lay in carpeting. Was told that they don't normally do this sort of thing (compensating customers for troubles) But I would ask anyway.

Our boat was delivered to its slip today, I am traveling and wont be around to see it until the weekend. I will let you all know what we find!

Steven

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2008 Four Winns V358 (T 6.2L Merc Bravo III's with DTS and SeaCore)
2006 Sea Ray 340DA
2006 Sea Ray 320DA
2005 Maxum 3100 SE

Steven - nice to hear that they stepped up. I think you'll really be pleased with both the blinds and having that carpet - be careful on the teak & holly when you're wearing just socks - it's slippery!
We had previously discussed morning light in the cabin. I am very sensitive to morning light and I can say after spending three nights aboard, it has not been an issue. Keeping the screen door closed when you're in for the night really cuts down on the light that gets through the main door in the am.
We'll look forward to your report when you return and more pictures, of course.

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Previously:
2008 V358/Volvo 5.7 GXi Inboards

Another update came today from Skipper Buds. Volvo is producing a replacement engine today and tomorrow for us that will ship Monday. Skipper Buds should have it Wednesday and will have the old engine in ours pulled and ready to go for Thursday. So, (crossing my fingers here), we should be back ready for a shakedown cruise/sea trial on Friday or Saturday of next week. I'm obviously frustrated that we will have lost two weeks through this but in the end, I think replacing the engine entirely is the best solution.

They gave me a little more detail on what they found when they got into our old engine ...
"tuliped" intake valve in cylinder 2, pieces broken off intake valves on cylinders 6 and 8, piston damage on cylinder 8, scored cylinder walls on 6 and 8 ... yikes, I think that explains why it was running a bit rough!

I don't think they know what caused this damage but whatever it was was pretty significant obviously ...

One other thing - will the fact that the engine was replaced be part of the service record on the boat? Would a prospective buyer someday be able to see this and if so, would you expect it to be off-putting? I just want to be thinking about if the future value of the boat might possibly be impaired. Anyone have any thoughts?

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"Foursome Fun" 2008 V358/Volvo 5.7 GXi Inboards
Lake Erie - Ohio

Previous Boat:
2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer

I don't believe boats have service records the way cars do that would allow dealers to pull an "oasis" report (like Ford has) or some such. Plus, your problem's considered infant mortality. Not something that was caused by neglect or misuse.

Wouldn't cause me any concern at all. And I'm pretty picky on such matters...

Sounds like the timing chain was off a tooth or too on the old engine (or perhaps it slipped or otherwise broke).

We have a very early '05 348/358. Believe me, there were LOTS of initial kinks to work out. That's boating though. Since then, we love our boat and with over 250 hours of mostly trouble-free boating, we are ready for our lake to warm up!

Looks like your kids are about the same age ours were when we got the boat. Enjoy!

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2004 Sea Ray 420DB
Formerly: 2005 348 Vista

Thanks for the comments First Mate .. I tend to agree that this type of service issue wouldn't be a deterent but I wanted another opinion or two. Our daughter is 6 and son 3 - we too can't wait for the water to warm up. Floating around on the boat in the evening after eating pizza on the boat and cruising in after the sunset makes for special family time ...

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"Foursome Fun" 2008 V358/Volvo 5.7 GXi Inboards
Lake Erie - Ohio

Previous Boat:
2003 Sea Ray 280 Sundancer