Vista Quality Since Platinum Equity Acquisition

billcruise · **Posted:** Wed Mar 06, 2013 10:21 pm

I was wondering if those who have purchased Vistas since 2010 when Platinum Equity acquired Four Winns could comment on any 'issues' with their boat. Has Platinum cheapened the product? Required cost cutting? Inadvertently caused reliability issues? Electrical problems? I've heard negative feedback from one dealer and don't know if that particular dealer has an axe to grind or if there are some changes that have had an impact on quality.

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Thu Mar 07, 2013 7:14 am

Can't comment on the Vista's, as no dealer in our area has ordered one or sold one since PE took over. Not positive if anyone on this board has purchased a Vista that is newer than 2010.

firecadet613 · **Posted:** Thu Mar 07, 2013 8:41 am

A survey on a new boat purchase is always a good idea. I haven't heard of any issues, but of course that doesn't mean there are any. Hearing the possibility of some masks me glad I got an '08.

jsimon · **Posted:** Thu Mar 07, 2013 12:32 pm

I have no idea if this is even possible with a Four Winns yacht or not, I would think so. In my business (firetrucks) everything goes back to the specification.

Spending the type of money you will be spending, I would think you would be able to spec out the build the way you want. It may cost more than published pricing from a standard build, but you would get it the way you want it.

Again back to fire trucks, we have to take customers on inspection trips to the plant at certain build points, to ensure it meets their specification. So put in inspection points ie (hull layup, the point before the two halves are set together, ect.) and any documentation to prove the spec is met.

I have never had the pleasure of building a new house, but I have heard stories on how things are done and not done, that I would write a phone book of specs the way I want it built, to ensure I get what I want and paid for.

Congrats and good luck on whatever you deciede to purchase, I hope to be ther one day myself.

sj901196 · **Posted:** Thu Mar 07, 2013 1:35 pm

I have a 358V 2008 I have just had a bow thruster installed and we had to cut into they tray below the front bed and water tank,( and remove than refit) so exposing the actual hull ( as well as cutting a 125mm hole in the bow on both sides) , and I, as was the fibreglass engineer very impressed with the layup of the hull. all hand laid woven not chop strand, very thick and excellent quality. I had to also remove the fridge and rear lockers and drill through a wooded bulked to route the very thick battery cable and control cable, all very clean all cables firestopped and tied up again handmade with care. I have worked on many boats and there are not many boats built in Europe to that quality or thick layup. The fibreglass guy said he could make 3 boats out of the amount of fibreglass used in mine!!! I would suspect the quality has dropped in the new ones just to reduce costs

Cheers

Seanhttp://www.smwebhead.com/phpBB3/pos ... 6&t=11027#

ric · **Posted:** Thu Mar 07, 2013 2:04 pm

After going to the Miami boat show, if I wanted a Vista even if money was no object... I would purchase a pre-PE boat. If I HAD to buy a new 2013 boat, it would be Monterey.

Frenchy is an idiot and so are his designs.. There I said it.

firecadet613 · **Posted:** Thu Mar 07, 2013 2:12 pm

I forgot to add,I was on a 2011 335 when I was buying my 08.I saw no quality issues or concerns with that boat.

billcruise · **Posted:** Thu Mar 07, 2013 8:25 pm

Platinum acquired FW in February 2010. Any feedback from people who bought a boat after that date?

jnizi · **Posted:** Fri Mar 08, 2013 12:10 pm

Hi Bill,

Sorry to say I do not have a new FW but I was on a factory tour in February of 2011 and from what I saw, the workmanship and attention to detail remains high, certainly compared to what I have on my boat. The hull is still hand laid as before the acquisition, the stocked parts are all the same, and I must say the people building the boats were a happy and motivated group. We watched a 475 get sandwiched hull to deck and it is really an experience. If (when) we are in the market I would not hesitate looking at a 435 or 475.

The Kid · **Posted:** Fri Mar 08, 2013 2:58 pm

We have been a FW dealer since 1984 and have been through all 3 bankruptcies with them. We have sold a 2011 V335 and a 2012 V285 and have in stock a 2011 V305... none of the boats are bulit any with any less quality than the others. Yes the new V305 has a different layout and square cushions but as far as warranty issues due to cheap building?? No we leave that to bayliner lol (I know people like Ric are just anti FW now and whatever..) The people in the company are amazing and we have been out to the factory numerous times and I can honsetly say if they are lowering costs by some methods it's not noticeable to a dealer.

I have known these boats since I was 4 (now 33) and they are a great product. We were with them when they were junk and came in pieces to a dealer. If you want a great made boat you should look at a Cruisers Yachts. We were a dealer with them for 27 years and may be one again. They make an amazing boat ( I love the new Cantius series).

Any questions you have about the FW Vistas please feel free to email me. Hope you find the boat of your dreams (that your wallet can afford too!!! lol)

ric · **Posted:** Fri Mar 08, 2013 4:09 pm

I'm not anti FW at all, I just hate how they force people to buy bigger boats to get the same room as smaller ones of other brands because they decided to cheat and install large sun pads and molded in swim platforms that count as the advertised LOA. That S265 was a major disappointment. 26ft LOA boat, which minus the swim platform and sunpad actually made it a 19ft boat as far as human usable space goes. 26ft cuddy that only sits 4 comfortably (if you count the people sitting in back hitting their knees in the front seats comfortable) and you can't even sit up inside, for the low price of 90k.

jnizi · **Posted:** Fri Mar 08, 2013 5:53 pm

Not to change the subject but I have to agree with Byran that the Cantius is a great looking boat. Love the bar stools on the 41 and if a 45 came with them, we may have ordered a 45. Hoping to get a test drive on one this summer at the 31st Street Boat Show.

www.iFourWinns.com

Vista Quality Since Platinum Equity Acquisition

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