www.iFourWinns.com

Hello friends, yesterday the wife and I looked at a '04 328 Vista in Ohio at a dealership. They know nothing about the history at all; only saying it was from a bank and they were sure it was a fresh water boat. The engines only have 70 hrs and we really liked it. They made us a great offer on our 268, so here is my question; what would you do about the lack of information and history? We got a report from "boat history report.com" and it does not show any red flags, we researched as much as we could and finally came up with a persons name that may have owned it (the number was disconnected...figures) but that person lived where the boating could be salt, brackish, or fresh. There are not any manuals or a nice F.W. "briefcase" with the boat info. The genny only has 35 hrs and we would like to buy it, but my feet are a little cold. The dealer gives a 30 day warrenty on the drives and engines, we are planning to have a sea trial this week and I will check everything I can but I'm still a little concerned. I would appreciate and comments or opinions.

thanks

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Current Boat - '04 328 Vista "Be As You Are"

Previous Boats
'04 268 Vista
'97 238 Vista
'94 210 Marada
'88 175 Sunbird

Since you have arranged a sea trial this week, then try to operate all equipment like windlass, genny, A/C, engine trim, trim tabs, fresh water pump etc., to make sure as best you can that things are all working properly.

Look at the specs on the Four Winns web site for the 2004 model 328 that you are interested in. It would be very important for me to make sure that that boat gets close to the 44 - 46 MPH and 4600 - 5000 RPM that the boat is spec'd to get.

If it does not get close than why?

If the sea trial goes well. I would absolutely spend the money to get a good through survey completed by a competent accredicated marine surveyor especially if the history and maintenance records for this boat are not available.

A marine mechanic to do a compression check on the engines and check on the boat may be a good idea as well.

The 328 is a great boat.

Good luck,
Mike.

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Current Boat
- 2001 Four Winns 328 Vista "Hour Decision"
- 2010 310 Mercury Inflatable

Previous Boats
- 30' Doral Prestancia
- 25' Doral Citation

Is it red and white with XDP outdrives? If so, it sat at a repo yard for quite some time...

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

Likely This boat with Hope the bellows are version III.
Or drive serial #'s are after Serial Number 4251006317 , these were shipped with the new U-Joint bellows.

If they have these serial numbers, 4251000718 - 4251006317, then buyer needs to be sure correct updated bellows have been installed.

If it is indeed this boat, I suspect that is why there is no paperwork concerning the boat's history. These drives have been a nightmare for many owners in the last 4 to 5 years. Buyer Beware !

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Yes it was previously red and white (now blue)....yes it is the boat that the good Cap'n linked.....yes it has the XDP outdrives. Also has 280 hp engines not the 320 that the dealer listed. We just backed out of the deal, way to many issues for my comfort level. Thank you for your replies it helped with our investigations which I may add were extensive. We had to find out all these things on our own, the internet is a wonderfull tool and probably saved us a few problems.

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Current Boat - '04 328 Vista "Be As You Are"

Previous Boats
'04 268 Vista
'97 238 Vista
'94 210 Marada
'88 175 Sunbird

Glad you passed on that particular 328.

Don't know if you are still looking, but I have seen this boat personally, and it is in excellent shape. Also SB has an office in Ohio and can arrange shipping to Ohio location as part of the deal. The boat is worth a look if you are serious.

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/bod/3168577974.html

Also in Ohio, This boat is still for sale, and has a wonderful layout for this size express cruiser. Another one worth a look if you have not already.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Good to hear. We just upgraded earlier this year from an '04 268 to an '08 318. Decided to go with the newer styling of a 318 vs a 328. Love the upgrade from the 268.

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225