www.iFourWinns.com

Just took delivery of our "new to us" boat.

I am looking to add a windlass to our 1997 vista 278. I would love to see some photos of others with the same boat and see how they are mounted. Any advice or concerns would be well appreciated.

Thanks Erik

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1997 278 Vista twin 5.7's

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Jeff

'14 Cruisers 380 Express "Simon Sez"
Merc 8.2 Mag MPI 380
DTS B3X, (x2) Axius Premier


(SOLD)
'08 V318
Merc 350 Mag MPI 300
DTS Seacore, B3 (x2)

Thanks jsimon.

Looks like you had to remove the cleat that was their and you covered the old hole with some starboard. Was the installation straight forward? What about wiring for the windlass? how did you route them up there?

Thanks again

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1997 278 Vista twin 5.7's

This is a friend of mines boat, he had a marina service shop do the work, so I don't know all the details. I know he had a windlass switch on the dash, but of course they didn't use it. They installed the switch that came with the windlass, which makes absolutely no sense. They did need to have a power and ground wire run for main power. That's about all I know about it.

On my previous boat, a '03 268, I installed a windlass. I too had the switch on the dash, but no main power or ground wires to the anchor locker. I ran the power to the anchor locker and installed the controller in the anchor locker. I found the wires from the dash tied up in the locker and used them to control the windlass. Its a fairly straightforward install, but it takes some time, definatley worth the time and investment. You will wonder why the boat didnt have it from the factory.

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Jeff

'14 Cruisers 380 Express "Simon Sez"
Merc 8.2 Mag MPI 380
DTS B3X, (x2) Axius Premier


(SOLD)
'08 V318
Merc 350 Mag MPI 300
DTS Seacore, B3 (x2)

You will need to put a cleat back or use the bow cleats. I moved my cleat in installing my windlass, but kept it in line with the bow roller. On a fair to bad day, you must cleat off the line. You could damage or pull the windlass out if you don't.

I put my conroller/contractor in the engine compartment. Then ran both sets of wires forward. Its not hard to do.

Thanks guys. Does it matter if the motor is vertical or horizontal on my boat? This is going to be one of my winter projects

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1997 278 Vista twin 5.7's

Yes. I have a V258, so I am thinking that your boat is close to what I have. I used a Vert. one and I think you will too.

You need to look at many things.

A. Should be in-line with the bow roller. Left to right & hight.
B. How much room below deck?
C. How much room above deck?

Go here & watch the videos on this. http://www.lewmar.com/support-windl-vid.asp

Thanks paul. I know on the vista that space is limited on the deck under that fiberglass cover. I have yet to look from inside and see what i have to work with.

I was hoping someone with exact boat could walk me through the whole process.

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1997 278 Vista twin 5.7's

Is there anyone with the exact same boat?

Planning this as i sit inside the house going from freezing temps one week to mild and raining the next. Boat is covered now. I am hoping for April 1st splash!!!!

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1997 278 Vista twin 5.7's