www.iFourWinns.com

Both appear to be real nice boats. Are there any things I should be looking for that are "usual suspects" for four winns boats.

Background: I have a 1976 26' Trojan. I have had it for two years. It's been a great starter boat, but I want something bigger to fish and cruise on Lake Michigan.

Any insight is appreciated!!

Alan

I dobt you will find many people here that can give you advise on those specific boats. I suggest that you give Four Winns customer service a call and ask them. I believe you will find they are very helpful. One fellow a couple years back was asking about a used Vista cruise and wanted to know the ability to wire a windlass before he bought it. He called FW customer service and they sent him wiring diagrams for the boat.

The owners manuals for FW boats can be found online here

I would also high recommend that any used boat be surveyed by a professional before purchase.

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Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

One thing you should look out for on these boats, is if they have OMC Cobra outdrives. When they are maintained properly, they are good units. But, since OMC is no longer in business, it is VERY difficult to find parts and a good shop that can work on them.

Also, these are older boats. That being said, you MUST have a complete survey done on them to identify any problem areas. When buying an older boat, you should plan on sinking some money into it for repairs, regularly,or be a good marine mechanic yourself. You will have things like electrical, plumbing and mechanical issues that are bound to happen on boats of that age.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Don't let the OMC issue scare you away, from what I've read there are still places out there that can get parts and service OMC.

We have a 1995 258 and so far with the exception of it being "2ft" to small we love it.

Cap'n Morgan is dead on about the survey, DON'T SKIP THE SURVEY!!

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1995 258 Vista

I agree on both points, but Cobras come in different variations, differing in ease parts availablilty.
the dog clutch models with the small block Chevies are not hard to get parts for, except the one piece V-6 manifolds. The manifolds for the Ford 460 are not available either. If it is a cone clutch/big block Chevy combination (90 and newer) they are very hard to get parts for, and to find anyone who will work on them. If they are Mercs or straight inboards (way better in my opinion) then parts will not be a big issue, but do get a survey and look out for wood rot/fiberglass delamination.

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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

Looks like lucypenguin has lost interest.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Hi guys,
I never lost interest. In fact purchased the 1991 Vista 325. I did get the survey and it did highlight several items, which were addressed by the seller. IT's a great boat with about 500 hours on the twin 454's.
I'm not looking forward to the fuel bills, but am excited about getting out into the water this spring.

Thank you for all of your advice.

Alan