www.iFourWinns.com

Where is there a picture of it online?

I'd never assume something like this would be intended for any sort of 'regular' use. Even canal boats that can step their masts aren't expected to be trivial to operate. Heck, I've even seen ones that allow collapsing whole wood cabin side panels and removing the main steering wheel to eek out the last few INCHES of clearance.

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

2nd page of the 318 photo gallery. I'm 29 and athletic so it is going to have to be pretty complicated/arduous to steer me away from it. Like I said, they are willing to demo it... can't wait to see it. What is interesting is the 318 is actually 3" taller than the 348.

Oh and also notice how in the picture when they focus on the hinging arch the boat is out on the water. They might as well have had a bridge in the background

Brenden - I hope the demo goes to your liking. I was browsing the '08 brochure (I think I've combed through it 50 or 60 times) and unless there's another reference I'm missing, they sell the arch this way: "If height is an issue where you store or transport your cruiser, ask your Dealer about the innovative folding arch..." So I think "store" and "transport" are the operative words here. That said, it still sounds like it will accomplish what you need it to do when the occasion arises. When will you be going to check it out (and snap pix)?

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Previously:
2008 V358/Volvo 5.7 GXi Inboards

Any news mkivbren?

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348 Vista ( Last Call )
Raystown PA

Hey Larry,

Just returned from Vegas (business) - with the timezone difference and my schedule I didn't have a chance to communicate with the dealers on the east coast. Riverside came back with a number and I'm anxious to see what it is. They are offering 2.99 apr for the 1st 36 months or add'l 6K off the price. They are open all week so this will likely be my best opportunity to demo the arch.

Sierra - email sent.

If I'm around in January I might head up to that show in NY. It'd be nice to meet you guys!

Went to the NY boatshow yesterday. They actually put a sign advertising the folding arch which generated a lot of interest and questions from other folks checking out the boat. There was another guy there who also has a low bridge clearance issue. The dealers said it's very simple to fold down and could be done by one person while underway under decent conditions in a no wake. They said it rests directly on the railing for the stairway. Didn't push the demo because there was a constant stream of people touring the boat.

On a side note, what a POS the sea ray sundancer equivelant is!!! The whole port side is countertop! The helm was hideous and a ton of wasted space behind the windshield! I've never checked out any other brands since I've always had FW, and I wasn't missing much of anything to say the least!
318 @ the show:

Overpriced POS Searay w/ optional grill....

You don't even want to see the helm of this thing

How was the pricing on the 318 at the show?

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348 Vista ( Last Call )
Raystown PA

Hey Larry! Can't believe I left that out. Well, they wanted around 169 for one I snapped a picture of above. That did not include the add'l 2K they were knocking off. Funny part is it was pretty well loaded.. except it did not have a genset which surprised me. I have a feeling that your guy is going to be able to get me where I need to be, considering the options I want. I'm going to catch up with him this week. Pretty much everyone has been closed for a "winter break." The FW dealers were much more friendly then most of the other dealers at the show. BTW, are there any shows that don't allow kids? LOL.

If you want to avoid kids then go the first day. It's usually a few bucks more, but it's worth it to avoid the hordes of unruly children (and rude adults). Saturday and Sunday are a train wreck.

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

Hey mkivbren are you a owner of a 318 yet.

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348 Vista ( Last Call )
Raystown PA

Well looks like it's a no go for me this year. There's just too much of a risk of being out-of-town this summer for work. I can't stomach having the boat built and then being in vegas all summer! I will have one in 09 even if it involves a career move! Well... at least the supra will now get finished. I had some strong offers for the 248 while it was on the market. Now for the final mod... HVAC!

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V475
Chris Craft Catalina 23 w/ 300 G2
Previously-V338, 248 Vista, H210

Brenden,

Sorry you aren't getting the 318 but glad you are still a 248'r! The few, the proud...


I won't be upgrading to a 318 anytime soon... Just added a few more ponies to my stable!

Let the moddings begin!

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Brett DiMichele

Hell yeah! You know the 1 advantage is that I'll be hauling her out to lake mead if I end up in Vegas this summer. Nice car bro! Will I see you rocking the 28's in the near future!? haha j/k

No dubbs on this horse.. She's gonna go Fast-R record 0-60 so far 5.8 to sixty with the traction control on... I'm thinkin during the summer I'll hit five flat (stock) then the modding begins... Shorties, Catback, Predator, CAI should get me into the 13.0's and on a perfect pass perhaps 12.80's

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Brett DiMichele

Nice! Then after that, we pick out a massive set of turbos! Cast iron block on that hog?

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V475
Chris Craft Catalina 23 w/ 300 G2
Previously-V338, 248 Vista, H210