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First post here on the boards, but lots of useful information, you guys are great. I've owned a pontoon for 3 summer's now but am ready to step up to a cruiser. I'm looking at a 2001 Vista 268, anything special I should look out for. The boat is in good shape and only has about 350 hours on her. Thanks in advance for any direction you can provide, I look forward to this new boating family.

Welcome to the Forum!

If you have not owned a stern drive fiberglass boat before, or even if you have. Find a mechanic or better yet a boat/marine surveyor to look at boat and point out any issues that need attention. Some maybe you can live with, others may be very costly to resolve.

It has a volvo power package, correct? SX or DPS drive? 5.7L or 8.1L? When the motor is running, does the gimbal bearing make noise, then turn out drive from side to side, u-joints sound good. Does Bellows look to be new? Have drive pulled to inspect. Does motor run well, have compression checked. Steering and shifting cables.

Now for cabin, what condition is water system in, water pump, freshwater tank, plumbing, water heater, fixtures in cabin. Does shower sump pump work, is it clean. Does toilet work and all plumbing related in good order.
A/C and heat, if equipped, plumbing look good, strainer clean, cooling water pump working. Does unit cool quickly, drain pan hose not plugged.
Stove work. fridge work, both on AC and DC. Entire house / shore power electrical system in good working order.

The list goes on and on......
I am not a qualified marine surveyor, and have missed many items that need looking at.

I hope it all pans out, the 268 is a great boat and you will enjoy.

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2000 248 5.7L DP
'92, '94 SXI 750, '08 STX 15F, '12 Ultra LX 300
Videos

Welcome! I puchased a 2002 268 last summer w/245 hours we made the jump from a 20' bow rider.. I would (also) highly recommend having a qualified marine surveyor inspect the boat (your insurance company may require one anyway...mine did). It was well worth the money...you should also be present during the survey...if the boat is in the water you should make sure they pull the boat to inspect the bottom of the hull. You may have to pay a small fee to pull the boat, but again, you don't want any surprises. Our surveyor tested every system and I received a very detailed report a day or so later. The sale was contingent upon a satisfactory survey. We have been very happy with our purchase!

Best of Luck!

Welcome to the forum! If you are interested im selling my 268. Its a 2000. Family has grown so boat must as well. We were recently blessed with twins so with 5 lil ones now the boat is tooooo small. Let me know and i can give you all the details.

Jeff

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JPEloian
2000 268 Vista