What would you like to see ??

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Tue Sep 29, 2009 12:51 pm

As far as changes/additions to Four Winns cruiser cockpits ?

I like the idea of a built in grill as part of the cockpit and a swivel helm seat. Makes for
nice entertaining. I prefer this rather than an outside, removable Magma type set up. Some of these options are offered on a few models, but not all.
Nice job on this competing 2010 31 foot Cruiser to have both, and the bench seating is a nice touch I think.

All thoughts, comments are welcome, slow day for me so I thought I would try to stimulate some activity here.

cougarcruiser · **Posted:** Tue Sep 29, 2009 1:06 pm

Ironically, I asked the head designer at Four Winns about built in BBQ's. They are working towards them on the larger boats (408 and 458 have them). Smaller boats will come as time goes on.

However, putting them 'in' the cockpit really doesn't make much sense if you are a boater who leaves canvas up. You will notice on the FW's, they are at the stern. Reason being -- when you bbq - all the smoke/fumes/grease has to find a home. If you are trying to cook with any of the canvas up - your cockpit becomes overloaded with leftover BBQ (not in a good way). The idea of cleaning grease off my isinglass just doesn't sound fun.

That being said, I still wouldn't mind having a BBQ built into the smaller Vista's - regardless of where they are located.

Other things I would like to see on the 30-40 foot cruisers:

1) more hardtops with a retractable roof.
2) Hydraulic swim platforms - for a dinghy, for better access with climbing on the boat, for 'wading' with kids in 1 foot of water..
3) Washdown's at the anchor area - standard.
4) Cockpit heat/AC vents

We actually like the cockpit layout.... not sure I'd change anything there for our needs.

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Tue Sep 29, 2009 1:32 pm

Good point about the canvas being up, we never have ours up unless we are in the slip and sleeping, so it would not be an issue for us. But it would probably not be any more of an issue than cooking bacon on the range in the cabin, which we do alot, and it does not seem to add any grease or additional cleaning time for us.

I like the bow/anchor wash down station idea.

M3eater · **Posted:** Tue Sep 29, 2009 2:02 pm

Cap'n Morgan wrote:

I took note of this on "the other cruiser", the first time I saw it. I like the room AND the seating that it provides.

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Tue Sep 29, 2009 2:43 pm

Gordy, that "other cruiser" builder, has always had some different approaches to their cockpit layouts, even 6 to 8 years ago they had a set up unlike most.
An 8 year old design from "them" I have allways liked.

The FW cockpits are so cookie cutter like, almost all the same with U shaped seating, most aft seating is to the starboard side, and not really the best for conversation and entertaining. I'd welcome a change in design and a little more progressive approach to the layout of their cruiser cockpits. Maybe someday we will see it.

07H200SS · **Posted:** Tue Sep 29, 2009 2:49 pm

I would like to be able to afford one of those!! :lol:

drballard33 · **Posted:** Tue Sep 29, 2009 3:07 pm

Regarding the grill, I had seen somewhere, on "the other boat forum", where someone mounted a grill where the step ladder folds up. the base was screwed into that compartment, and the stem/post (for a lack of better words) was stored along with the grill (after it cooled) in the storage compatrment in the back. This meant that the when you wanted the grill you just lifted the ladder hatch, screwed in the stem/post, connected the grill to the post and voila. Everything is then hidden when not in use. My only fear has been the gas tank vents, but I guess the swim platform is the best place anyways for the grill because it is farther away then most places, plus there is a hosedown right there for any spills. that would be nice to come standard. what are your thoughts?

M3eater · **Posted:** Tue Sep 29, 2009 4:09 pm

Cap'n Morgan wrote:

Gordy, that "other cruiser" builder, has always had some different approaches to their cockpit layouts, even 6 to 8 years ago they had a set up unlike most.
An 8 year old design from "them" I have allways liked.

The FW cockpits are so cookie cutter like, almost all the same with U shaped seating, most aft seating is to the starboard side, and not really the best for conversation and entertaining. I'd welcome a change in design and a little more progressive approach to the layout of their cruiser cockpits. Maybe someday we will see it.

Similar to what you show there, the 270 Fiesta Vee was on our short list (2002-on so it had a dual helm seat), due to the large cockpit layout, lots of seating & being Yacht rated. I agree with The Admiral though ..... it looks like a bathtub.

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Tue Sep 29, 2009 4:37 pm

Quote:

Regarding the grill, I had seen somewhere, on "the other boat forum", where someone mounted a grill where the step ladder folds up. the base was screwed into that compartment, and the stem/post (for a lack of better words) was stored along with the grill (after it cooled) in the storage compatrment in the back.

Kearney did something similar.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=3388&p=33766&hilit=+grill+mount#p33766

Chaparral has offered a flush pedestal mount for a grill on their cruisers for a couple of years now, it's just not under the door like his.

M3eater · **Posted:** Tue Sep 29, 2009 4:38 pm

Oh ..... and ........

Folding arches for all of the trailerable express cruisers. And by folding, I mean...... in seconds, without tools.

drballard33 · **Posted:** Tue Sep 29, 2009 7:26 pm

Cap'n Morgan wrote:

Quote:

Regarding the grill, I had seen somewhere, on "the other boat forum", where someone mounted a grill where the step ladder folds up. the base was screwed into that compartment, and the stem/post (for a lack of better words) was stored along with the grill (after it cooled) in the storage compatrment in the back.

Kearney did something similar.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=3388&p=33766&hilit=+grill+mount#p33766

I thought May have seen it on here as well. It's a nice setup I think. I may try and do the same thing on mine next summer.
Chaparral has offered a flush pedestal mount for a grill on their cruisers for a couple of years now, it's just not under the door like his.

firecadet613 · **Posted:** Tue Sep 29, 2009 7:51 pm

Interesting layout, I'd have to experience it first hand to see if it works for us. We really liked the layout on the FW cockpit versus the SR.

Olivergm · **Joined:** Sun Sep 20, 2009 1:46 am **Posts:** 58

Im in the process of buy a V278 (1st boat) and plan to mount a BBQ on it. Is it adviseble to drill holes into the swimming platform to add a rail or, in the above example, a post? Im thinking a "n" shaped bar/rail on the swimming paltform would be handy for fishing poles, BBQ and possilby even to keep the tender leaning against it. Id have to see how it all fits together any view on just slipping the tender between the rial and the transom when travelling at high speed?

Any views would be appreciated from you old sea dogs!!

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Wed Sep 30, 2009 6:15 am

firecadet613 wrote:

Interesting layout, I'd have to experience it first hand to see if it works for us. We really liked the layout on the FW cockpit versus the SR.

I like the port side lounger set up on many SR cruisers, but the rest of the cockpit is really not my cup of tea. In a smaller 26 to 28 foot cruiser, I agree that FW cockpit is better. The one I posted, not being a Sea Ray, is more to my liking. As for the rest of that boat, it's very nice in the cabin as well, but as Gordy says, the boat/hull does still look like a "bathtub", despite this 310 being an all new design and hull.

Olivergm wrote:

Im in the process of buy a V278 (1st boat) and plan to mount a BBQ on it. Is it adviseble to drill holes into the swimming platform to add a rail or, in the above example, a post? Im thinking a "n" shaped bar/rail on the swimming paltform would be handy for fishing poles, BBQ and possilby even to keep the tender leaning against it. Id have to see how it all fits together

Cougar Cruiser will be more than happy to tell you how he likes his set up. See this post

captwalt · **Posted:** Wed Sep 30, 2009 9:18 am

CapnMorgan,

What boat is that?

www.iFourWinns.com

What would you like to see ??

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