www.iFourWinns.com

Just wondering if anyone has any tips to remove the dash on a 338? I need to replace my VHF radio and cannot get enough access from the chart plotter opening. Any info would be appreciated.

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Jnizi

2007 Vista 338 "Better Yet"
Previously:
2007 Vista 258 " Just Right"
2005 Horizon 230

I will be attempting the same task this spring to replace one of the Contura V dash switches on my V338. I can't figure out how to remove just the silver plastic dash switch bezel. While searching the web, I did come across some V338 dash panels for sale on ebay (Great Lakes Skipper) showing pictures of the rear of the dash panel. Based upon the photos, it appears there are some plastic posts which are used to secure the panel to the dash from behind. I suggest you take a look at the photos on ebay as they may give you some direction. I hope that helps.

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2008 V338
Twin Volvo Penta 320hp DP

2002 268 Vista
1987 225 Sundowner
1986 170 Horizon
1975 Steury V415SS

So this is what I have learned so far.

1) You cannot get into the dash where the radio is mounted. I tried for hours!
2) The wings holding the existing radio cannot be reached.
3) Cutting through the old radio with a multi-tool to cut the screws holding the wings was my best choice.
4) I fabricated an oversized plate to fit the opening.
5) I am installing a Standard Horizon GX2200 which will fit inside the opening.
6) There is plywood behind the dash to hold the faceplate with longer screws.
7) Now you can access the switch wiring if necessary.

I'll update when I get it finished. Any recommendations for color matching gel coat? I accidentally nicked the dash.

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Jnizi

2007 Vista 338 "Better Yet"
Previously:
2007 Vista 258 " Just Right"
2005 Horizon 230

Sorry I missed this post last month. Check the Four Winns Boat Owners Facebook page as there's been some discussion on this....many have said you can reach it via the chartplotter access but your results say otherwise.

As you know I'll be doing this same project before launch this year.... greatly appreciate the info and pics.

On the gelcoat, I'd reach out to Spectrum Color or Bill Kruger at Four Winns. I have his contact info if you need it...but he has been very helpful to me over the years with detailed questions I've had on different boats in my fleet.

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

So in the 338 dash, the gap under the chartplotter is less than the width of my hand. I can pass wire between that cavity and the switch are but not much more. I did pull the cup holder to the left of the dash and could only reach to the stereo remote.

Thanks for the tip on the touch up gel.

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Jnizi

2007 Vista 338 "Better Yet"
Previously:
2007 Vista 258 " Just Right"
2005 Horizon 230

I know this is an old post but I replaced my VHF and I was able to reach down where chart plotter is and I was able to loosen the nuts on both sides of existing VHF. It wasn't fun but it can be done. The worst part is after spending considerable time carefully removing the old unit I did not find (in my price range) a unit that could be dropped into the existing opening so I ended up using some black starboard to make trim kit. The end result turned out nicely and more importantly I finally have better range than the hand held unit I had been using.

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2008 338 Vista "Blind Date"
Prev Sea Ray Sundancer 270 DA