www.iFourWinns.com

Should Four Winns introduce(re introduce) a wider beam for the 278 Vista in 2009 ?

Sea Ray has with the 2009 270 DA, Doral has with the 27 foor Venezia and so has Bayliner with the 275.

The late 90's 278 Vista had a wide beam, and it made a huge difference in cabin room.
Some states will require a permit to trailer it.

What do you think ?

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Well..... being a trailer boater:

I think that we need a large 8'6" boat for those of us that do not leave the boat in the water, but want as large an Express Cruiser as possible. Frankly, if I was leaving it in the water ..... I would WANT a bigger boat, such as a 288, or more. Why choose a small boat, if trailering is not an issue?

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Gordon Arnold
New Hampshire

2003 268 Vista ..................................................................Prior: 97 245 Sundowner

Smaller boat? Easier to navigate than larger boat maybe. Less weight and improved performance and economy maybe. Yet still offers the amenities of a larger boat in a more affordable and managable size.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

I want a 9 and a half foot beam on a 29' with a v-dinette (NOT) a v-birth.

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Brett DiMichele

288 Vista or the 280 Sundancer would fit that nicely.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Actually the Venizia fits it so much better... FW could take a lesson from Doral!

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Brett DiMichele

Well, I hope FW does not take a lesson from Doral, as they are currently up for sale and may be out of the boat making business soon. I don't want Four Winns to follow that path. Doral has priced themselves right out of the game.

Secondly, you say you want a 29' boat with 9'5" beam and V-dinette. The Venezia has 2 of those. 9'4" beam and a v-dinette, but length is only 26.5 feet.
DORAL VENEZIA
Vital Stats
Length Overall: 26'5"
Beam: 9'4"
Dry Weight: 7,000 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 75 gal.
Water Capacity: 30 gal.
Max HP: 380
MSRP: (w/ Volvo 5.7 GXi DP): $113,510

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

I am "ok" with the Venezia's LOA. I would prefer a longer wetted surface and then add on the big ESP so 30' something LOA is fine with me. The look and layout of the Venezia is perfect. FW offers nothing in this range other than the 248/258 with the V-Dinette. The rest have "beds" and I don't want a bed.. Thus the reason I treasure my 248 so much.. It makes use of available space.

And by the way.. price out the 08 248... same engine 109K so the Venezia isn't that far out there.

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Brett DiMichele

Agreed, that kept us from considering them. That and liking the FW better anyway.

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

Mr. Dimichele, You seem to be quite confused. Let me help.

The FW 278 Vista has a forward V-dinette that converts to a V-berth.
The FW 278 with ESP is nearly 29 foot long.
The FW 278 has more "wetted surface" than the 248/258 or Doral

So, since you stated your preferences, and the 278 fits all of them exactly,
except for the 9'4" beam, to answer my original question, should FW make a
wider beam in the coming year for the 278 Vista ?

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

YES they should. Additional beam would make a huge difference in the cabin. I love my 268 but its getting too small.

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JPEloian
2000 268 Vista

Do you always come across as having an attitude or is it just me? I don't expect or appreciate snotty replies from you in this and other posts.

No, the 278 does not fit my needs and would not be an upgrade for me. There are many other design considerations which make the Venezia a better fit for me. But at this point in time the Venezia isn't any longer than what I have, and the 278 doesn't do it for me. I am sure perspective 278 owners would appreciate more beam though.

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Brett DiMichele

correct me if I am wrong, but isnt the 288 a 278 just wider???

It would be nice if FW would offer more options/floor plans for a given model, I to would want a V-berth over a made up bed, for weekend trips or day trips, this makes more sence to me.

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2000 248 5.7L DP
'92, '94 SXI 750, '08 STX 15F, '12 Ultra LX 300
Videos

Powell,

Zactly!

The 248/258 and 278 are the only three that offer this. Once you go past the 278 you are stuck with a permanent "bed" and that does not appeal to me in the least...

For example the "Competition"

Look at the cabin in a Chaparral Signature 290 (I did, in person)
Look at the features on the 08 Doral Venezia (it's the same size as my 248 but look at it's design).

Four Winns makes some of the "best" over all, looking express cruisers out there IMHO, and the fit and finish again IMHO is second only to Doral because Searay and Chap don't compare. But they really need to "freshen" the lineup.. Why not make a wide beam 25-29 footer (hull length) then add on the ESP, make a hard top an option and a genset... The market is changing.. Not everyone wants or can afford to operate a twin inboard 35+ footer. I do not need that much boat.. There are things I wish my 248 had that the Venezia has.. Some of them I can do myself.. The hard top, that ain't happenin! But the Genset and some sort of arch will happen.

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Brett DiMichele

Piss, piss, piss. I love a good pissing match. Personally I like the new 288 design. I would rather have a fixed berth in front. Lets face it, How much time do you actually spend below deck. Personally, I am almost never below. I dont go to the boat to sit and watch tv or hide in the cave. From what I see, most people stay in the cockpit until its time for bed.
As for the question that was asked, I like the earlier 278 a lot. Good use of space , easy to manuever and plenty of options. I would like to see a wider beam on the new 278. I suppose things like a genny would be nice to have, but I almost never use the portable. I think that even if I had a larger cruiser, I still wouldnt care if I had one. I dont see the point of having a boat to get away, when most people arent getting away from anything.
That being said, I will stop rambling now and just say, Cant we all just along. Lets not become how some of the other boards get. We all have opinions, If asked a question, just be nice and answer it.