www.iFourWinns.com

I am currently shopping for a new boat and I really like the 318 Vista. I currently own a '03 205 Sundowner. ( had many problems) I was wondering if anyone would have an idea what % of MSRP might be a good deal ? Has anyone seen if FW has any manufacturer deals this show season ? I am still considering options: Volvo OSi vs Mercruiser ? Generator vs not ? FWC vs not ? Flexteek ? Pros and cons about the boat in general. I have spoken with the dealer but I would really appreciate the opinion of some real experts.

I can't offer any expert perspective, but I did buy a 318 last season and can offer some opinions.
Volvo vs. Merc? Have Volvo 5.7Gi's. Plenty of power and can't say a bad word about Volvo. Lots to read elsewhere on that subject.
Flexiteek? Wish I had it - at least on the swimdeck. Thinking of having it installed throughout over the winter - never liked carpet in the cockpit.
Generator utility depends on your intended use, but may end up being my big regret. I didn't think we'd make use of it, but now I wish we had it. Might also help resale value.
In general - no disappointments with the boat or the dealer. Handles great both around the dock and on plane, comfortable on overnights for a family of four and it just plain looks sharp (to me).
There's a lot of info out there about prices and it all sounds fairly similar. Good luck

Volvo over merc.
Get the genset. Resale will suffer. Buyers of a boat that size expect a genset.
At the Tampa Boat show last month, the local FW dealer was pricing boats at 15% - 20 % off MSRP.

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Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

I just purchased a 318 fully loaded for 166. 5.0 volvo gxi with 270 horsepower. Genset, electronics inluded E80 raymarine gps chartplotter and radar. That was the Annapolis boat show price.

Might have been the C80. Other options were the classic color band. Neutra-salt system. Windlass, Flexiteek swim platform. Refrig in cockpit instead of ice maker, Inner spring mattress. I think the list was around 209 so that was about 20% off.

Flexiteek looks great but gets very hot on the swimplatform. If i had to do it over, i would skip the option

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Chris
04 288 Vista

I know what you mean. Our 298 had flexiteek also but we just put a big beach towel down. I really like the look. But you are absolutely right it gets hot.

Four Winns does make a full swim platform mat. You will have to check and see if it is available for the 318.

That would be nicer looking than a towel, it would also help keep the swimplatform cleaner when the boat is in a slip, if you use that as a
entrance to your boat often.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

I really appreciate the info from everyone. I am going to the NY boat show prepared. I also heard there may be some improved factory incentives in time for the boat show.

Thank You.

Just found out Four Winns makes a mat to cover the swim platform on the 318s. Any idea where I could look (on the internet, hopefully) to buy one?

Barbara

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Mpulsivebat
2006 318 Vista
Naples, FL

Like it says, you will have to contact a dealer to get one. Sometimes, you can sweet talk a dealer at a boat show, and get one used after the show.



Fits: '96-'00 205/225/245 Sundowner. '94-'00 238/258 Vista. '96-'00 200/220 Horizon. '96-'98 HRX/HRS. '96-'98 HQX. '99-'00 190 Horizon. '03-'04 180 Horizon. '00-'02 180HLE Horizon. '00-'04 180 Freedom. All Feedoms / Horizons / Funships / Sundowners / Vistas '94-'06 excludes 278 Vista '94-'00 & 214 Funship '96-1/2 -'99. Excludes: 240 - '96-'00 & 180/190 '06.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Barry, here is my 2 cents. I love the Volvo 8.1 on my 268Vista, so I would say Volvo over the Merc!

I wish I had a genset, and am now considering a portable Honda 2000! With the price of slips (especially on the LI Sound) these days, we are spending more and more time on the hook, and w/o a generator, I am always worried about the batteries.

A buddy of mine has the flexiteek and it is real nice. Easy to keep clean and looks great.

When you get to the show, look up Bryan Douglas from G&R. I bought my boat from Bryan in January 2004 at the NY Boat Show and my experience with him was very good.

Maybe I'll see you at the show in NY. Let me know when you are going? Right now I am thinking of going on the last day, Sunday the 7th. Maybe one day during the week if I can sneak away from the office also.

If you do buy at the show, Best of Luck.

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'04 FW 268Vista "Andiamo"

Any comments about the new financing "deal" ?

I think it is pretty good. Wish they would have had it when we bought our 318 in November. It is 2.9 for 3 years. It will make the payments more affordable. They lock in the interest rate for the rest of your loan at the time of signing. It is really great if you think you might trade up in 3 years you get away with lower payments for that period of tiime

Anybody talked numbers on one of these recently. I am in the early stages of talking to the dealer about it and he is supposed to shoot me a price tomorrow.

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2005, 268 Vista, Table Rock Lake "Choices II"