www.iFourWinns.com

How would you guys feel about buying a new Four Winns now considering their parent is in chapter 11? Anyone have any good or bad experiences to share that happened since May 2009 when they filed?
I'm considering an offer I have on a left over 2008 338 for 169K. What do you guys think of this price? Has twin Volvo 300hp's, Generator, Deck Sun pads, Navigation PKG, Wood Table, Remote Stereo, already bottom painted, & has Underwater transom lights.

The chapter 11 filing will have no impact whatsoever on a purchase of any Four Winns. Either now or in the future. The company is stable, dealer support is and will be there in the future.
Some local dealers have and will close because of the tight floor plan financing, but that is a different issue compared to Genmar's filing. The only experience I have since the filing, is low inventory at many dealers, and not much on order of the 2010 models planned , due to the floor plan issue mentioned earlier. Otherwise, it's business as usual.

I think $169K is a good price for that boat, providing it is new and passes a survey with flying colors.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

The price seems fair if not a touch high. See what else they are willing to do for you. Its a great boat

We have seen things slow a bit but they are moving. It took 3 months to get replacement canvas through FW under warranty, but it did show up. Our dealer echoed what Cap'n Morgan said. The dealer floor plans will be smaller with less new inventory. With that said, I see good newer used boats holding value.

I would have no issue buying a FW product

_________________
Jnizi

2007 Vista 338 "Better Yet"
Previously:
2007 Vista 258 " Just Right"
2005 Horizon 230

That will be a reality. Once manufacturers begin producing more new models, prices will go up somewhat because costs for raw materials, utilities and insurance continue to rise. Once the existing inventory is picked over, you may not be able to get the boat you want at the same price. Basically, today’s sale will appear like a bargain tomorrow.

See what you can do to get a lower price now, because if that boat is around during Fall boat show time, it will sell for a lower price than $169K, just to move it quickly. I'm sure the dealer would rather get it off his floor sooner than later. Give it a try.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

[quote="Cap'n Morgan

The chapter 11 filing will have no impact whatsoever on a purchase of any Four Winns. Either now or in the future. The company is stable, dealer support is and will be there in the future.
quote]

Disagree. My dealer is frustrated with Four Winns. Nobody is returning his calls on warranty issues. My boat is getting winterized and I want a couple of things fixed under warranty but nobody is getting back to the dealer. He also says so many people have been cut at the factory that the people he has built relationships with are all gone. He submitted photos of a neccessary fix but still no reply. He feels they just don't want to spend money on warranty stuff right now due to the financial situation.

Earlier in the summer I left a few messages for them myself and never once heard back from anyone.

I would not buy a Four Winns right now, especially a more expensive Vista model until they get their act together.

_________________
2008 H210SS Yellow VP 5.7 GXi 320 HP (sold May 2010)
2008 Mercedes ML 320 CDI Diesel

Snooze you loose, if you have the financial means to buy a leftover now, it's to your advantage to do it, prices like these are almost gone, and you will not get a price like this again on this boat.

Remember Genmar represents 15 brands of boats, and over 1,000 dealers, not just Four Winns. I'm sure there are some slow responses to warranty requests, but they WILL be taken care of. As I said, the Chapt. 11 will have no impact on a purchase of any Four Winns boat, or any Genmar brand for that matter. Warranty claims is not the same as actually purchasing the boat. It is however a service you expect to get when you do purchase a boat, and you will get it. But, it may take a bit more time, and more patience to get the matter taken care of. The Four Winns brand is not going away, and neither will the warranty support.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

I've exchanged e-mail and phone calls with FW people as recently as a month ago. Both calls and mails were returned within 3 days time. Now, I have been a squeaky wheel in the past so maybe they tend to respond faster. But I was also very cooperative with them as they untangled the various hassles I was dealing with (which happened last year).

I'd certainly considering buying a new FW if the price was right.. But I'd definitely advise researching the local dealer support VERY thoroughly. Not all dealers are equal. Not all dealers tell the truth about their interactions with the factory. Not saying that's the case in your situation but it's worth bearing in mind when "excuses" start piling up.

_________________
-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

Thanks for all your advice folks. Someone mentioned "if the survey passes". The boat is a new left over 08, do you still recommend a survey on a "new" boat?

Some will say yes on the survey. I, for one, wouldn't worry about it on a new boat with a full, factory warranty.

If you want to spend $$$ for a survey to find issues proactively for warranty fix - that's one thing - otherwise, you'll find them on your own.

Is this dealer local to you and will warranty work be a hassle? If yes, then consider a survey and get those nitpicky things taken care of now.

If the dealer is local and you won't have any issues with getting warranty work done - I wouldn't worry about it.

FYI - it's a new boat and you WILL have issues -- no doubt about that.

As for price - depends on your local market...

a leftover 338 recently sold in Seattle for 140k - but it had moved ownership 3 times from a failed dealership, to a new dealership, to a consignment marina. It had a new canvas made for it, and had some good options - but didn't have things like underwater lights.

If 140k is a baseline... add in for underwater lights, do you have flexteak or extra TV's? Color band or all white?

DTS engines or volvo's?


Regardless - buy a leftover now - because you probably won't see this pricing again...

_________________

2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

We took advantage of the left over 08 market, before it disappears.
Thought long & hard about the Chapter 11 issue and took the view FW will be fine.

Might be right, might be wrong.....to each his own I guess.

Another factor for us imo was that for this size of boat the FW is better designed than the similar SR and Regal.

Regards

_________________
2008 V288
5.0 MPI / B3 Seacore

I did WAY better than 169 (with thousands more in options).. but as others have said, I may have gotten the best deal on a new boat ever.. FL is or was hands down the best place to go looking. It was certainly worth the extra money to have it shipped up. If you pull the trigger make sure you check in at the 338 raft up thread! Good luck!

_________________
V475
Chris Craft Catalina 23 w/ 300 G2
Previously-V338, 248 Vista, H210

FW has been through this before when OMC went bankrupt and they were able to weather that one...I'd say the economy is worse now (that was back in 2000) but there is value in the name and products and I think it's really not an unreasonable risk to buy one now...just be careful of the dealer you work with...
I did the same thing when I bought my second Jeep...they were just coming out of bankruptcy and there were very good deals to be had...

_________________
88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

I purchased my 2000 298 Vista just prior to OMC going under and I must say I was sweating bullets for a few months until Genmar picked us up. Now, would I have purchased my 2000 Vista knowing that OMC was going to go under in the next few months? No way, but I wasn't getting my boat for 40% off list price either. Tough call but if Genmar does stays afloat or even if they go under and a reputable company picks up FW, then you made a great purchase.

Edited to add: I would spend the money and get a survey though because you might experience warranty delays while they are going though Chapter 11.

_________________

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