www.iFourWinns.com

288 vs 298 looking at these models i have a 268 looking to move up , give me the good and the bad!

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2000 vista 268 in Mass.

Completely different interior layout...288 isn't a big enough jump in my mind, I went from a 268 to a 318.

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

The 298 and a 318 are the same size but the 318 is newer, correct?


I also wonder about the 288 vs. 298. I think the 298 is what I will go with next as it has the wider beam of the two.

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2004 - 288 Vista
Twin - 5.0 Volvo Penta GXi DP

Correct. Better use of space and design in the 318, by far. I looked at one 298 then took it off our list. My 268 was just like yours, but an '04 and no arch. Loved that boat!

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

I agree with fire, if your moving up from a 8.5' beam, you should go up as much as you can afford. I don't think we would have left the 268 behind if we were only planning to go to a 288 or 298. Unless your planning to trailer to different places and want to keep small enough for that.

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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

I do want to trailer thats why i think the 318 is a little big but ive heard that the 288 rides alot nicer then the 298.I love my 268 but with 3 of us spending 30+ nights a season on it a dinnette down stairs would be nice.

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2000 vista 268 in Mass.

We are in the same boat(pun intended). I would love to have the added dinette below,larger head and a portside cockpit lounge but we dont want to give up trailering. I sometimes talk myself into a 288 but even if it came with a trailer then comes the truck upgrade to tow it, pulling permits to tow it, lose my free indoor heated storage because the 288 is too wide to fit, and all the added expense with another engine. At the end of the day I always talk myself back into being content with our 268, but if you end up with a 288 I will be very courious to hear first hand the differences you notice

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Our Boating Blog: http://ben-dana.blogspot.com/

2005 268 Vista "Sea Pickle II"
1979 AMF Alcort Puffer
Previous:
2003 FW190 Horizon
1973 Startcraft 18ft "Sea Pickle"

JSimon trailered his 318 and mine was brought up on a trailer as well. Just an oversize load is all, but not nearly as easy as a 268. The 318 is a very nice ride.

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

Yeah I trailered our 318. Not for the faint of heart At the time I had an 07 dura max, 3/4 ton that pulled it no problem

We only trailers once or twice a year, but it gave us options.

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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)

Your picture sure puts things into perspective. That is a lot of boat to be sitting on a trailer!

Perhaps a 298 would not be as mobile as I like to think.

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2004 - 288 Vista
Twin - 5.0 Volvo Penta GXi DP

I know I could tow a 318 but Iam curious on the seaworthiness and size difference between the 288 and 298 I would like to get into a 2004 - 2006?

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2000 vista 268 in Mass.

What did that 318 and trailer weigh?

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2000 vista 268 in Mass.

Looking at about 15K with min fuel, I trailered mine also with no problems but if you go older than 2008 it won't have a folding arch and it will be approx. 13'10 to the top of the arch depending on trailer

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Bridgewater, PA
2008 Vista 318