www.iFourWinns.com

If anyone could share their experience with this boat it would be very much appreciated. Just looking for a review of performance, functionality, quality, etc. There is hardly any information of this type available. Thanks!

Anybody?

After a year of waiting, probably no more info here than on the internet. here are a few
threads discussing issues with the V275.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=14921

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=15130

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=12467

And this post is rather interesting.
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=14634

I think there are 3 members that own one. They rarely post, and never reviewed the boat.
Except for the usual "best boat I ever owned" " We love out V275" etc. etc. etc.

It's been about 3 years since you first asked, by now, you probably know more about the boat than actual owners.
The V275 along with just about all of the Vista's are selling slowly. Boat sales were up 5% across the board in 2016, so
maybe the trend will continue in 2017 with pocket cruisers. Sales dude RivaMike may be able to tell you some info from
feedback from his customers.

_________________
One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

I’m not sure what the numbers or percentages are nationwide, but our dealership on the Chesapeake Bay has carried Four Winns for about two years. The Vista 275 has been popular - we have sold approximately the same number of Horizon 230’s Horizon 260’s and Vista 275’s.

I’ve had the opportunity to drive 275s on many occasions – to and from boat shows, demo rides and check-out orientation rides. Also having worked the 275 for several days straight during Annapolis Boat Shows and listening to feedback from people who just left competitors boats I hope I have a pretty good feel for the 275.

Bottom-line is that it is an exceptional design. More than a few people stepped onboard and immediately commented that it was probably the best looking and best laid out 27 to 28 foot express at the show. The slightly overwide beam allows FW to include items on this boat that people really like – specifically, a larger head than you would expect, the double wide helm seat, portside lounge and probably my favorite – the dedicated wide steps up to the bow.

I like the fact that FW provides both a dinette table and different filler panels to make the convertible dinette into the largest possible sleeping area. I would be a bit concerned that moving or storing the filler panels might be a bit awkward once the aft cabin is full of stuff. The skylights and side windows let in a lot of light and make it feel larger than it really is.

All of our 275s have had the arch. Most people seem to like the fact that FW includes a couple of extra panels with screens.

All of our 275s expect for 1 have been equipped with the Volvo 300hp duoprop with the FH3 propset. That is the way I would order the boat. Most of the boats I;ve driven have been full of fuel and water but minimal extra gear. Even with a full family onboard for a demo ride the boat has no problem jumping on plane – even without using the tabs. Top speed is in the upper 30’s (the factory info guide says 37). One boat I delivered had the 380 Volvo FH4. Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to really drive that one at more than idle to low cruise speed. I just don’t think the few extra mph on the top end (factory info guide says 43) is worth the extra $$ and the fact that the engine is a tight fit for getting to the front of the engine. The 275 with the 300/FH3 is extremely maneuverable around the dock (even with the freeboard and full camper canvas up). I would rather drive/dock the 275 than the 260 or 230 (although the joystick equipped 435 or 350 are certainly easy to maneuver). The last 275 orientation ride I gave- the new owners (this is their first boat) backed it into the slip by themselves after about half an hour of practice maneuvering around a fender in the water.

There are a few quirks or things I’d probably do a bit differently. The fresh water pump is under the cabin floor. Not the first place you would look. The water tank is under the helm seat and to fill the water tank you have to use a hose attachment fitting (just like the city water inlet). This fitting didn’t seem too durable or as user friendly as a simple deck fill. Lastly, the really versatile cockpit seat that forms a forward facing seat, rearward facing seat or sun lounge takes two people to operate. I can’t reach the release on each side of the seat (they have to be pressed simultaneously) at the same time and the hinge on the rear cushion (over the stern storage area) only raises about 45 degrees – so you can’t get large items into the storage area that would otherwise fit.

Sorry for the long winded comments – the Vista 275 is a great boat. If you have any questions I’ll do my best to answer them. I have a 2016 on the lot that hasn’t been delivered yet in case you need me to take a specific measurement or photo of something.

Thanks Riva Mike! I'm not in the market for a new boat, but after hearing you describe it, I went to the site to check it out, I am still not in the market, but I at least know its 950/month for 20 years for what I would want

_________________
Current:
2000 Sea Ray 380 Sundancer "still Livin the Dream"

Past
2002 268 Vista 5.7 GXI "Livin' the Dream"
1996 Rinker 192 Captiva. "The Simple Life"
1999 Yamaha XLL 1200 Waverunner.
1976 Mercury Marquis tri hull 120 hp

Nice review. Thank you very much.

Good review Riva Mike, thank you, as the owner of a 2015 V275 I agree with all said. I have two seasons on mine and with the exceptions of the fresh water tank, fresh water pump and the cushions not opening all the way F.W. did a good job. I have the Volvo 320 which serves me well, as there is usually just the wife and I on weekend trips. The second cockpit grill, stove and refrigerator are very useful, good option to consider. A big plus that you did'nt mention is the wood flooring in the cabin area. No carpeting which gets soiled easily and stinks. The over head cabinets above the v-birth are very convient . This is my third new cruiser and I have to admit the F.W. is the best yet. I'm having a bow thruster installed this spring, I sure will be keeping this one for a while and might as well make life easier on myself. Back to the rear cushion not opening up all the way, I went on the FourWinns web site and in the V275 page I looked through the picture gallerey. A few pictures from the end of the gallery shows a V275 with the rear cushion opening to the rear of the vessel (hinges on rear). My cushion opens to the front of the vessel (hinges on front ). Are these hinges different or just located differently. Do you think you can help me out on this one, Riva Mike

I bought the second one off the line and have had my share of issues. It is a beautiful boat compared most others in this size. I have the 300 HP Volvo, I think the boat needs a bigger engine, would recommend the next size up or possibly 2 sizes up. The thing that killed the Sundancer for me is not being able to stand up in the head. I have some elderly guests sometimes and that crouch thing would not work for them. The head on this boat is fantastic. Once on plane, the boat handles great. Rave reviews from friends on the cabin as well. Pet peeves are all minor. Cabin sink drains into the shower sump (hate that), yet the head sink and cockpit sink drain overboard. Stupid. Also they put a nice drain in the anchor locker door channel, however instead of draining overboard, they dump all the water into the locker. Stupid. Overall, nice solid boat, the two tone hull looks great as well. Let me know if you have any specific questions. Regards, Gary