www.iFourWinns.com

Hi Folks
This is my first post as I'm new to boating...
Bought a 1998 FW 238 Vista 5.0Gi in April 07 moored in the UK. Due to the appaling weather we had this summer, I've only had her out a few times and usually end up fleeing back to the marina within minutes because of storms etc! as such I havn't had a good opportunity to throw her about a bit and have a bit of fun.

So was wondering just what can I expect with regard to tight turns etc, and at what speeds as as I don't mind flipping the wife in the drink now and again but not my pride and joy!!!!!

Congratulations on the purchase and welcome aboard.

From my very limited experience (just got an 03 248 last month) this line of boat handles great. I have hit 30 knots at 4200 RPM but have yet to have a perfect flat day. This is more than enough for me.

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Walter

2003 248 Vista - VP 5.0 GXi
2009 Toyota Tundra SR5 5.7L 4x4

Congrads!

I too just joined the Vista group last month with a 2000 248!

I did however test drive and skied behind a '96 238 vista (back in '97) I found it to handle and perform almost identical to our current boat at the time (245 sundowner). the 238 vista is a little taller and heavier, but really performed like our runabout.
The 238 I drove had a 5.8L motor w/dp outdrive, it did upper 30's (MPH) but this was at 4500' elevation, I don't know what a 5.0L will do at sea level.

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

Welcome aboard and congrats on the purchase!

I can't speak for the 238 but I am sure it's similar to the 248 in how they handle. I am actually amazed at how well these boats handle. I came from a 70 mph cuddy speed boat to a cruiser that's two boats tall compared to the old one. I can pull a J Turn on plane and it just cuts and sticks to the water and doesn't blow out.. Quite amazing to lay over a cruiser in a turn!

Speed wise, fast enough.... It's no speed boat with a small block, I am sure the lucky few who paid the extra 6K for the 8.1 Liter go a few MPH faster, but speed isn't what it's about.

It handles the rough water nicely, and while I don't boat on the ocean, the river system I navigate is big time commercial and with commercial traffic comes huge wakes. It's been a pleasure to own!

I beleive you will have many many happy years service with your 238, it's a sharp boat!

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Brett DiMichele

Thanks for that Brett

Thats exactly the answer I was hoping for. As a Cruiser my 238 handles superbly and hopefully when I do manage to go out on a flat sea, I can try the sports side of her.

Incidentally has anyone heard of a Cruiser of the Vista type actually "turning over" exept for rough conditions or a complete moron at the helm???

Never heard of a vista turning over.

In rough seas where we boat I only here of house boats, little ski boats, sm fishing boats going down.

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

I hope your weather is improving as well. Duck, Duck, Goose........

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

i have a 358V and she is very very responsive more like a big RIB than a 8 ton 37 cruiser, my only problem is nose swing when mooring. You can hard over, no cavitation no slip just turn.

Sean

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

I see what you did there.

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2001 298 Vista
Lagoon city lake Simcoe

Why....why why why why????? lol

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Current Boat:
2004 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer "Nauti Luvin'"

Previous Boats:
1999 298 Vista "Seas The Day"
2008 H200SS "Nauti Luv"
2006 Tahoe Q4