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What to look for
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Author:  denisp [ Wed Aug 04, 2010 10:36 am ]
Post subject:  What to look for
Hi everyone, this is my first post, I am totally sold on Fourwinns boats. I presently own a 2004 Sundowner 205 and want to upgrade to a Vista 248. I found a used 2003 Vista 248 with a volvo 5.0gxi with dp drive and it has 525 hours. What are the weak points that I should check for on this boat and does it have enough power with this engine (my Sundowner has the same motor but with sx drive). Also I noticed that the windshield's upper frame's paint is pealing off, is this a common problem?

Thank you for your advice,

Denis from Montreal
Author:  mcraigchr [ Wed Aug 04, 2010 12:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What to look for
denisp wrote:
Hi everyone, this is my first post, I am totally sold on Fourwinns boats. I presently own a 2004 Sundowner 205 and want to upgrade to a Vista 248. I found a used 2003 Vista 248 with a volvo 5.0gxi with dp drive and it has 525 hours. What are the weak points that I should check for on this boat and does it have enough power with this engine (my Sundowner has the same motor but with sx drive). Also I noticed that the windshield's upper frame's paint is pealing off, is this a common problem?

Thank you for your advice,

Denis from Montreal


The power of the 5.0 has been debated here. I think where we landed, at least where I stopped reading ... :-) ... was that the 5.0 is sufficient for inland waters. I have a 5.0 / 248 and have no issue getting on plane even with numerous people aboard.

Those that use their boats on the coast, where the water can be a bit more turbulent, express the opinion that the 5.0 is not enough and 5.7 does the job nicely.

As far as the boat itself, 525 hours is more than I would want. I purchased mine with 140 hours and even that was bothersome. Make sure the seller provides you with proof of maintenance ... especially if you are buying it from a colder climate.

Many suggest having a survey done. I didn't ... but with that many hours, it's not a bad idea.

BTW, no paint peeling on mine ... this could indicate that the boat you are looking at has spent a good portion of it's existence in the sun (uncovered). Make sure the fiberglass is in good shape and not too terribly oxidized.

Check the black water holding tank (believe it or not, some people don't empty it for years at a time).

Good luck.
Craig C.
Author:  denisp [ Wed Aug 04, 2010 1:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What to look for
Thanks a lot for your reply, we would use this boat only for inland waters, as for the survey, I will have it done before buying this type of boat. As for the gelcoat, it looks like new, inside and out (the anti slip floors are spotless). Also the vinyl is original and is in perfect shape, no fading or wear so I do not think that the sun damaged the windsheild's paint. I will check the holding tank next time. As for the engine hours, why do you think this was bothersome at only 140 hours for your boat?

Thanks,

Denis
Author:  mcraigchr [ Wed Aug 04, 2010 1:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What to look for
denisp wrote:
Thanks a lot for your reply, we would use this boat only for inland waters, as for the survey, I will have it done before buying this type of boat. As for the gelcoat, it looks like new, inside and out (the anti slip floors are spotless). Also the vinyl is original and is in perfect shape, no fading or wear so I do not think that the sun damaged the windsheild's paint. I will check the holding tank next time. As for the engine hours, why do you think this was bothersome at only 140 hours for your boat?

Thanks,

Denis


140 hours is great, as long as the maintenance has been done. My seller couldn't provide any paperwork of what he had done. I was able to get this from the dealer he had taken it to. So, in the end it was not bothersome. Trouble was, I was emotionally attached to the boat before I had confirmation that proper maintenance had been done.

One thing you might think about doing is having the ECM read. I did this with mine not long after I purchased it. This will tell you the actual amount of hours (in case the hour meter was ever broken or disabled). It gives additional information as well. Such as, how many hours were at idle, how many at 2k/3k/4k RPM, any codes that were triggered (overheat, over rev, etc).

My black water tank had NEVER been emptied. I found this out because when I pumped it and thought I had emptied it ... it would only hold 8 gallons. It's a 16 gallon tank. Meaning, I had 8 gallons of someone elses hardened shite. Many chemicals and flushes later, I finally got it all emptied out. One word: nasty. If your seller has done something similar, make him clean it out. :-)

I was also very particular about finding a boat with a spotless bilge. No dirt, water, mud, etc. Says something about the owner. So I thought. He kept a spotless bilge but the crapper was ... well ... crappy.

Hey, you can't be too careful. Even a well maintained boat is somewhat of a money pit.

Craig C.
Author:  firecadet613 [ Wed Aug 04, 2010 2:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What to look for
My advice...get a 268. I had a 225 for a year and then upgraded. There is almost no difference is price on a used boat.
Author:  denisp [ Wed Aug 04, 2010 3:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What to look for
Up here the vista 268's are a lot more money, but i'll keep an eye open on those also.


Denis
Author:  acguy [ Wed Aug 04, 2010 5:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What to look for
I have a 248 and have not had any issues with the windsheild peeling. I alos have the 5.0 Gi. I have had no issues with it being underpowered. As for the size Bigger is always better. You can find lots of 268's out there for close to the same money
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