www.iFourWinns.com

Going to be placing an order for an SL 262 this week. Decided on Navy with red stripe, pewter upholstery, blonde wood, and silver interior gel. Going to be getting the Volvo 8.1Gi/DP (no thru hull exhaust). Not sure if I need the trim tabs. They would end up costing about $600 (much cheaper then adding after the fact). The boat will be used in the gulf of mexico in biloxi MS as well as the back bays/bayous. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Any must have options on the craft?

Initially we were set on getting the H260. Thought SL bow was a little too awkward looking. Over the last few weeks the boat has really grown on us and I cant see buying anything else.



Looking forward to joining the Four Winns club,

Raj

The SL262 is definitely long enough that you would see benefit to having trim tabs. If you can get them for a couple hundred bucks - I think they are a very wise investment.

There would also be great benefit to having them if you boat in open water environments (like the gulf) -- as the tabs will help control planing and balance of the boat in rougher conditions.

If the cost isn't prohibitive - I say get 'em. heck - I think that the added resale alone for a boat that size would be another positive.

I can't really think of any negatives to having them other than they are one more thing to maintain as a boat owner (which really isn't that big a deal).

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

I always love trim tabs. People says we do not need for Horizon and Funships but I installed ones on my 240 (after maket) and when I ordered my H260 this past summmer it was no brainer for me. Bennett makes trim Tabs for FW and they work great. We do not wary about who sit where in our boat. Also they helps a lot when water surface is very choppy. For $600` it is well worth them.

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08 H260 VP 8.1Gi DP.....Previous
2013 Crownline E6 Merc 8.2MAG BIIIX, DTS/SC

Thanks for the feedback guys. That's all I had to hear. For $600 it sounds like a no brainer. I will add them to the option list.

Any opinions on the volvo big block versus mercruiser? Given the boat is 5000 lbs, would anyone consider the Volvo 5.7 GXi/DP (325hp)?

If anyone thinks of any must have options please let me know by tues morning. Thanks.

Also, anyone have any insight on build time once ordered?


Thanks again.

Raj

Get the biggest displacement you can afford. I prefer Volvo, but you should go with whichever one is going to be easiest to get serviced in your area. In some areas it can be hard to find anyone to work on Volvo, other areas it's just as easy as Merc.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

I, like Mike, am a Volvo fan... You just can't go wrong with the 8.1 from them...

However... the 496 w/ DTS sure looks like a sexy engine package... I still want to drive a DTS boat to really feel how smooth that throttle is now. And if you plan on alot of watersports -- the smart tow for 700 bucks is a BARGAIN.

Stay big block on that boat. You would be disappointed with a small block on a boat that size.

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

Get the tabs -- particularily if you are going to be on bigger water -- sometimes when we are in the Atlantic with our 240H --- it is very useful to lower the tabs and plane at a lower speed. We can plane at about 18 or so with the tabs lowered -- otherwise we would be at 25 which can be too fast for the waves in lots of conditions -- tabs also give you the ability the lean the boat as needed -- if you get a beam wind and have some spray coming in -- you can raise/lower one side to help get rid of it -- works great --

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DaleG -- West Palm Beach FL
2003 240Horizon -- 5.7Gi -Duoprop

Thanks for the replies. Placed the order Tuesday morning. This is what I got:

2008 SL262
8.1 Volvo Gi/DP
Trim tabs
Cockpit Heater
Cockpit table
cockpit and bow cover
upgraded and ultimate stereo
stereo remote at transom
docking lights
bow cushions
fire extinguisher
pump out potti
cockpit sink and faucet
flagpole and holder
gatorhyde trailer


Cant wait for it to arrive. Still waiting to hear back from the dealer as to build time. Any opinions on mechanical boat lifts versus jet docks vs air docks?

No input from me on lifts (unfortunately), but congratulations on the boat - that's going to be NICE.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Boat lifts...

Airdock is an interesting idea if you live on a pond and you don't get weather at your location. I would be concerned about what happens when one side springs a leak. Sure - there are all these "claims" -- but at the end of the day - it's an inflateable.

Drive on docks...

Great idea - again - if weather is minimal. But those docks just don't get the boat far enough out of the water (in my opinion)

Standard/mechanical boat lift...

Best choice in my opinion. Gets the boat up and out of the water. You can clean the hull - and it's up high enough that it'd take a hurricane to lift the boat off the lift. They have mechanical locks in place, so if hydraulic or other pressurization issues arise - your boat will still stay up on the lift. I think you can get these "water powered" - ie a 120v water pump pressurizes the lift cylinder... If you can - always get a "crank" backup if you have a mechanical failure...

That's my 2 cents. here in Seattle... the mechanical lifts are the gold standard. Especially on the Puget Sound and on the larger lakes that can get a little weather action going.

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

I do not think I ever seen anyone has floating dock system for 25 or larger boats in Northeast yet. (or may be I must look around more) Most of lifts around here are mechanical lift and they sit on 4 post. I have a 12000lb capacity 4 points (pilings) top mount lift for last 2 years and we really like the system based on:
-Can be installed on rough water (choppy) area
-Almost no maintainance (other than grease) is required
-We do not wary about Ice damage and leave as is during winter
-We do not have to wary too much on depth change.
Local permitting requrement might be apply depend on where you are but I feel it is the most reliable solution.
I would recommend to get a remote switch so you can make lift go up and down from your boat. Just load people on the boat and push a remote switch down and off she goes. When we return, drive boat head in and push a remote switch up. These lifts are made to go up and down constantly so I never use tie line to my slip anymore.

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08 H260 VP 8.1Gi DP.....Previous
2013 Crownline E6 Merc 8.2MAG BIIIX, DTS/SC

Now that you are getting trim tabs I suggest installing a sailing inclinometer (0 to 15 degrees) at the helm. This is essentially a bubble level that reads tilt. I have one just in front of the compass and it lets me adjust the tabs to remove side to side list. In most water conditions, it is difficult to sense list less than a few degrees. Now I can remove list to within 1/2 a degree and keep the steering neutral.

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2006 Sundowner 255, 5.7 GXi, 320 hp
"Simply Irresistible"