www.iFourWinns.com

Greetings all,

A couple questions if I may. Would anybody have any information on the hull construction/design used on the 328 Four Winns? I have heard the hull is a "Ray Hunt" design? I'd like to know more about this if anything has been published specifically regarding the 328.

Also when considering a purchase of the model years 2000 through to 2006 would you have any preference to any year(s)? Maybe improvements that have been made to a given year(s) that you feel are worthy of noting?

Any positive comments or areas of concern are appreciated.

Thanking you in advance,
Mike.

_________________

Current Boat
- 2001 Four Winns 328 Vista "Hour Decision"
- 2010 310 Mercury Inflatable

Previous Boats
- 30' Doral Prestancia
- 25' Doral Citation

Not a C. Ray Hunt hull on the 328.
http://www.huntdesigns.com/production_b ... _winns.htm

328 Construction:
*Armorcote hull and deck - protection from chalking, crazing,
and yellowing
*Balsa-cored hull sides and deck

A pretty good write up from down under on the 328.
http://www.boatpoint.com.au/print.aspx? ... ID=1612404

There is not a 328 year I do not like.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Mike,
Wish I could chime in with more information however we are new owners! Just purchased our 2003 about three weeks ago. We love it by the way!! Only had it out once, from Sturgeon Bay to Green Bay and it handled 2 to 3 ft chop with ease. We did notice on the 04's and newer it is a solid bed in the aft part of the cabin. Up until then you had the option of putting a small table for seating in that area. Not a big deal, but we like having that option. We couldn't be more happier with the boat. A couple of things drew us to the 328 Vista. Size. Volvo engines. Large swim platform. layout of the cabin. Camper canvas ( so you don't lose seating on the bench closest to the transom like most boats). We got lucky with this one, only 60 hours and includes the built in kohler genny. If you looking for anything else let me know.

_________________
Michael Bova


"Swept Aweigh"
2003 Four Winns 328 Vista

Previous Boat
2003 Crownline 230CCR

Thanks for your reply Michael,

My wife and I have been looking to purchase a boat that would replace our current 30 foot Doral Prestancia that we very much have enjoyed and think highly of.

The 328 Four Winns seems to satisfy what we feel is important for us to have in our next boat in terms of layout, performance, appearance and quality.

We have noticed a number of small changes from the 2000/2001 and up model years such as, adding a back cushion to the port side longe area, taking away the "hump" in the back "U" shape seating area, adding doors under the V-berth bed, wood trim around the aft cabin mirror and changing the wood grain dash bezel and steering wheel.

We understand some of these changes are mostly cosmetic and subject to personal preference but wondered if other changes had occurred and/or if there was really any better year(s) of 328?

The only real negative I have heard about the 328 was that it could be considered a wet boat. Meaning it has a tendency to throw water out in front and the spray comes back onto itself more than other similar sized boats. However, I have also been told that the 328 also handles rougher water well and it is a bit of a trade off.

Maybe some other 328 owners could chime in as to their experience.

P.S. You have a very nice looking boat - enjoy.

Thanks again,
Mike.

_________________

Current Boat
- 2001 Four Winns 328 Vista "Hour Decision"
- 2010 310 Mercury Inflatable

Previous Boats
- 30' Doral Prestancia
- 25' Doral Citation

You're welcome........

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

A small model change - Mid 2004

Opening vent in lower half of walk through windscreen was replaced with opening vents in the side windows.


I think the main changes happened in 2002. The dash was changed along with minor interior changes. Rear seats etc.

Thanks to all for your replies........

Is it fair to say that the 328 does cut through 3 - 4 footers well without pounding but maybe does throw a bit more spray back up on the boat as compared to other similar express style cruisers?

With the standard 280 hp engines is it realistic to expect a cruise speed of 28 - 30 MPH (for best fuel consumption) with a top speed by GPS to be between 42 - 45 MPH?

Thanks,
Mike.

_________________

Current Boat
- 2001 Four Winns 328 Vista "Hour Decision"
- 2010 310 Mercury Inflatable

Previous Boats
- 30' Doral Prestancia
- 25' Doral Citation

I have been on several 328 's over the years, I would never consider them a wet ride, the old 298 Vista is the only Vista I am aware of that DOES have a wet ride. The 328 will handle 3-4 footers with dignity.

The 280hp motors will perform as the FW specs say. Which is the range of numbers you have listed above. Here is the data, for reference.
http://www.fourwinns.net/fastfacts/fast ... 3/328V.pdf

Since the model year you are considering is in question, I just picked a 2003.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy