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Looking at both a 1991 325 Vista and a 1993 315 Vista
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Author:  lucypenguin [ Wed Oct 25, 2006 11:35 am ]
Post subject:  Looking at both a 1991 325 Vista and a 1993 315 Vista

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

Author:  jvalich [ Thu Oct 26, 2006 5:00 am ]
Post subject: 

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.

Author:  Cap'n Morgan [ Thu Oct 26, 2006 11:31 am ]
Post subject: 

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.

Author:  wrbanwal [ Tue Oct 31, 2006 4:35 pm ]
Post subject: 

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!!

Author:  LouC [ Sat Nov 04, 2006 3:27 pm ]
Post subject: 

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.

Author:  Cap'n Morgan [ Thu Nov 09, 2006 9:45 am ]
Post subject: 

Looks like lucypenguin has lost interest. :roll:

Author:  lucypenguin [ Fri Dec 01, 2006 11:29 pm ]
Post subject:  Four Winns 325 Vist

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

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