www.iFourWinns.com

Hi there!

In the linked image below you can see the fabric covering the Port Side speaker on my 248 Vista is torn. I want to replace it but am hesitant on how best to remove the panel. It seems the entire vinyl cushion needs to be removed? Any insight please? And recommendation on best fabric replacement material? Thank you!

https://ibb.co/hfsVRYN

While I can't say for sure (since I don't have a Vista), I would think the panel is slid down onto a few "hangers" and is then held in place by a few screws along the bottom. Feel your way tightly along the bottom of the panel looking for screws that go into the gunwale. Take those out, then carefully pull up on the panel (do not pull outward, just straight up vertically) and it should come up and off. Then you can peel back the vinyl/fabric back which is probably stapled onto the plwood supporting the panel.

Hopefully someone with a Vista that has removed those panels can provide more accurate information. This is just my best-guess.

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1999 180 Horizon OB Fisherman Pkg
2013 Grand Cherokee 4x4 w/ 5.7 Hemi
San Antonio, TX

That needs new vinyl and new foam. All panels come off. Some are obviously easier than others to remove. I agree that most *usually* pull straight up once any hidden screws (if any) are removed. I would attempt recovering a small one like that myself, but some that are fitted can be challenging and are best left to a local repair shop (many of these places do both auto and marine work). You can save a lot if you can pull that panel yourself and take it to them.

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2007 FW Horizon 200 5.0GXi/SX-A

I have a V248 and replaced mine last year. There are a couple of screws that hold the panel on. One of them is kind of hidden - at the bottom of the area where your fabric is ripped. The panel will lift off once you get all the screws out. Then it comes apart and you can replace the torn fabric.

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2006 Vista 248 Volvo Penta 5.7l OSXI-E DPS