www.iFourWinns.com

So... I've been working through the idea of a-few-foot-itis this fall. The wife and I have been putting heavy thought into going from a bowrider to a cruiser (hence my other posts).

Well... I think today we bit the bullet on a 2008 Vista 318. It's sitting at the factory getting some final touches. It is a lingering leftover, but I have been assured this is not due to any damage.

No more trailering for us... I now have to find moorage around Lake Union here in Seattle (anyone know of anything?). Looks like the boat will go straight from the factory out here to Seattle to a boat yard still TBD. My comrades across the country from the Northeast... Ryan and gang in New Hampshire at Winnisquam Marine - are going to fly out to Seattle (Ryan & a tech) where we will partner with a local boatyard to prep/PDI/make seaworthy.

The factory supports this thanks to my local FW dealer shutting their doors (maybe the lack of a solid sales record in recent years has something to do with that). FW has no local dealer identified quite yet in this area.

I gotta say... this is a big jump. I've owned a cruiser before, but not anything this big - let alone twin engines. Bit I figured let's just get that 9-foot-itis out of the way now so I don't get slapped with it in another year or two.

I will hopefully get some pics straight from the factory soon! (Factory guys, I know you lurk on the site!).

The good stuff:
-- All White hull w/black accent stripes. Black canvas package
-- Twin VP 5.7 GI duoprops - WITH Volvo's new EVC (think DTS)
-- Harmony black interior with the cherry wood (which is what the wife wanted anyway)
-- Flexiteek on the swim platform (hoping for the white grout lines)
-- Swim platform rail system
-- Flatscreens galore including one on the arch in the cockpit
-- 5kw Generator
-- Nav package with C80, radar, gps, etc. Looking into adding the engine integration with the NMEA2000 stuff.
-- Extra cockpit cover, deck sunpads, stainless windshield header


Deal is agreed to, my boat will be making a trip back to New Hampshire as a trade in. The chunk of financing that I am going to take is approved. Closing date in mid-december. Boat should be in Seattle just in time for Christmas. We'll store it for a bit, and then have it prepped and in the water in Feb (pending weather).

There aren't many dealers like Winnisquam that would find a way to make a deal like this work. Ryan, Ed, and all the crew there are TOP notch. I live 3000 miles away and I can't imagine dealing with any other dealer.

Now, I have to go find my captains cap.

Example picture of the sister ship in a CRAZY pastel yellow. It does grow on you over time.

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

Congrats. You are going to love that boat. We were looking at them before we got the 348.

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348 Vista ( Last Call )
Raystown PA

congrats,sounds like an excellent package. Did you get the A/C as well, sounds like you got everything else. Great looking boat, I realy like the look of the 318, certainly prettier than the 288
Now the long wait till the launch
Cheers Robbi

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2008 V288 with twin 5 litre Seacores
http://www.galwayhouse.com.au

Congrats...I wish I could make a jump like that!

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

Yeah, this boat has heat/ac - I think it's standard. Should be very comfortable both on and off hook.

We really looked hard at the 288. It has everything we could possibly want and is a great size! The deal we got on the 318 made the price difference so close that it became a no brainer to go 318.

Winnisquam treated us very well on both my trade in and the 318. It's a total package deal that really made it easy. Given the current "economic conditions" -- now is a fantastic time to buy for those looking. A little rough on sellers, but it didn't hurt as bad as it could have.

We are super excited... So many fun options to consider now.

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

OK, I have to ask. How did you even find Winnisquam Marine from Washington?

I know that they are great to work with because I drive by them every time I go to Lake Winnipesaukee. They delivered my Vista 358 last Christmas and I love it. I checked out the 318, you will love it.

Good luck with you purchase and with Winnisquam, they are not perfect but they will treat you fairly and make sure you're satisfied. Very good people to do business with.

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2008 V358 Two-tone Blue V/P Dual Prop 320 HP
Lake Winnipesaukee, NH

When we were looking at Four Winns in the summer of 2007, I contacted Winnisquam marine regarding some questions I had on a 2008 model. They had 2008 models before my local dealer with. I spent alot of time talking to Ryan over there and we've since become friends... I custom ordered our H240 from them, flew out to "take delivery", then had it shipped back. I still saved several thousand dollars over anything local/regional.

My sales, service, and other experience has been nothing less than stellar. Ryan, Ed, and crew have always gone the extra mile for me for anything I've needed --- even from 3000 miles away. I was in Boston on a business trip and swung up to say hi to those guys... I had a defective horn and Ryan just gave me a new on - right there, on the spot.

There's alot of Winnisquam customers on this board. There are tons of positive experiences. Although nobody is ever perfect - their track record speaks for itself.

Personally, I just won't buy a Four Winns product if it isn't from them. I feel more confident in their service and post-sales attention from 3000 miles away than I do with any dealers in Washington state.

My experience locally - basically sucked. 3 Four Winns dealers in Washington state. 2 had no interest in making a realistic deal. My very local dealer got offended when I approached with a competing offer and threatened to not service my boat and badmouth other dealers (disrespecting me for doing my homework along the way). You can tell I am REALLY sympathetic that my ex-local dealer is tits up. I have since heard of one fellow associated to the dealer is top notch and a great guy - and I look forward to using him for whatever future maintenance needs I may have.

I just never got that vibe from Winnisquam. As I am sure many of you have had great experiences with your own dealers (hopefully).

And my current situation is spot on once again. Winnisquam goes coast to coast to make a deal happen.

We are super pumped about the 318. We've never seen one in person, but I've scoured pictures, looked at the competition, and found comps. I have no doubt that we'll be nothing less than impressed with it.

Now for all the fun stuff... an interface between the Volvo EVC engines and Raymarine nav stuff, automatic trim tabs... lots of new toys for the high tech fan.

jrcinnh -- are you the one who traded in that Sea Ray 300? That sure is a heck of an upgrade!

How has your 358 been? You said "they are not perfect" - which is true about everyone -- did you give them a chance to straighten things out and make it right?

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

Great move…… I knew you were lurking around the idea for a while but I am happy to hear that you are getting great service….. You will have a great Christmas…. I bet it will be a long few months from now for you.

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

You did pick a great time to buy. Not only do you have the current economic conditions on your side but given a new administration taking control, who knows what the tax situation will be for future boat buyers. The moron will probably bring back the luxury tax. Beautiful boat BTW.

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Current Boat: 2000 Four Winns 298 Vista
Previous Boat: 2000 Carver 406MY

Cougar... nice move - BIG congratulations! And well done moving from the 240 up to the 318. I came out of a 210 Sundeck into my first cruiser, a 260 Sundancer. It was a great stepping stone but I learned in the one season I had it that I loved the cruiser lifestyle and really wanted to be comfortable staying on board in a way that felt less like camping out.

Because you already have cruiser experience and know it's what you want, I think it was a great move making the jump to the 318. The size and twins won't be intimidating for very long. You are an experienced boater and will settle into it easily. I do encourage you to spend some time on it with a captain or someone with twin experience - it will do wonders for the learning curve, your peace of mind and everyone's safety.

My 358 by no means feels 'small' to me after my first season, but I got comfortable with it very quickly and, like everything, got better and better at understanding its characteristics at speed and around the docks the more I used it. When I had to drop it off for the winter at a marina I've never docked at before, the wind was blowing, tide was moving and I had to stern in just a few feet abeam of another boat in a short slip. If I do say so myself, it was a flawless maneuver (without touching the bow thruster) and I walked away satisfied that in one season became completely proficient at it. I am fully confident I could move into a 48 footer (or bigger) without trepidation.

You're going to love it and with the 5.7's and duo-props, it's gonna move (not like you're used to, but you'd take me down in a race)!

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Previously:
2008 V358/Volvo 5.7 GXi Inboards

Yes, that's me. We loved the SR 300 but it was just a little too small for us. Now we are so glad we found the Four Winns 358. We made a big jump because we didn't want to jump again. I'm also glad we found Winnisquam. We traded that fairly new 2005 for a fair price and they took the chance that the could sell it. They don't sell a ton of large boats there, they're not on the big lake.

Well don't take my quote out of context. No one is perfect, it's how they deal with the issues that matters. These guys really treat you well. All the minor hiccups were handled without any missed boating. They really went the extra mile last winter to make sure our record snowfall didn't cause any issues with my still unpacked boat.

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2008 V358 Two-tone Blue V/P Dual Prop 320 HP
Lake Winnipesaukee, NH

Cougar,
Congratulations. It sounds like a great move. I can’t wait to see pictures.

Best of luck Bill

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2001 Sundowner 235

Well! I must say-- Your loyalty to the brand is duly noted. However, I think your ex-fellow Horizon owners will feel a bit pissed (read jealous!). I'm glad you had the vision and fortitude to fulfill your dreams and desires.

Congratulations!

P.S. You never know maybe some of us will see you on the "other side" next season!

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Marc, Kathlin & Nathalie


'89 Chaparral Laser 32

'93 Vista 245, 5.8L w/ King Cobra

Former Boats
'01 H260, 7.4 VP Duoprop
'98 H200, 5.0 GL w/VP SX drive

[quote="jrcinnh"]
Yes, that's me. We loved the SR 300 but it was just a little too small for us. Now we are so glad we found the Four Winns 358. We made a big jump because we didn't want to jump again. I'm also glad we found Winnisquam. We traded that fairly new 2005 for a fair price and they took the chance that the could sell it. They don't sell a ton of large boats there, they're not on the big lake.
[quote]


We saw your Sea Ray over at Winnishuam, this Spring as we were looking around and taking rides with Ryan (they did not have a used 268V for us). As we drive up for a test run on the new 258V, that they had, my wife sees your Sea Ray out front ..... "Hey, what about that one?" ..... Umm ... a little big for a trailer boat ....

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Gordon Arnold
New Hampshire

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

Looks like a nice step up. All you need are some rod holders

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2000 268 Vista "Reely Nauti"
http://www.facebook.com/#!/rivercruiser