www.iFourWinns.com

Gang:

I currently own (and operate vigorously) a Horizon 200. The fiance, the kid and I spent a great deal of time overnighting last summer under the bimini/camper top. The H200 is an amazing boat with a large amount of practical storage space, and it worked surprisingly well for overnighting. With that said, we're dying for a head (the fiance is weird about others in the cove seeing her butt at 7 a.m. through the fog - weird, I know), a more comfortable place to sleep, some hot coffee, and a place to really get out of the weather.

We're seriously considering (have exchanged offers) an '06 Vista 258. We like the 258 because it appears to have the room and options we need, but is still trailerable on the odd occasion. We will probably slip it, but want the option of taking it off the home lake and doing some exploring 3-5 times a year. The boat's about 5 hours away, but we're willing to fetch it for the right price. The one we're looking at is fairly loaded. It has the genset, the upgraded stereo, the Raymarine GPS. It has the 280 HP 5.7L Volvo, which I think will be plenty of get-up for our purposes. After all, we're considering a cruiser to slow life down, not go any faster.

Interested in any thoughts on the 258. I have climbed around on 268s and bigger, but never on anything smaller. How's the storage space? The one we're looking at has the Mediterranean seating package, which appears to eliminate a significant storage space behind the models with fixed back seats. Is the flip down seat worth it? Any particular problems/design flaws in the 258 that we should pay attention to? What are people using to tow a 258? We have an '07 Yukon Denali that is rated for 7,900 lbs. From what I can calculate, a loaded down 258 (full gas and fresh water and gear) is likely going to be closer to 9,000 lbs. Given that, it's looking like I'm going to have to consider changing vehicles as well. Ballpark, what do you think a comprably optioned 258 is worth? I think we're looking at a good deal (not going to reveal details for fear that the dealer may be on one of these boards), but want to get a sense of what you wise-gentlemen (and gentleladies) think.

Sorry for the long post. Interested in any thoughts, tips, etc. Until then, I'll keep pondering my contribution to the "economic stimulus package"! Thanks!

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2006 Vista 258
2007 Yukon Denali

I know your asking about a 256, but I have to say that I bought a 268 last year and enjoyed every minute of it. We slipped the boat, which made boating a lot more enjoyable. We could run down to the marina after work on Friday and jump on the boat motor out to a cove and have dinner and a few cocktails, and either motor back to the slip or stay on the hook. Typically, we had my 13 year old daughter on board. The 268 had plenty of room for the three of us. Occasionally, my 18 year old son would go out with us when he wasn't working. There was still enough room for us... for the most part. There were some minor issues. If I had more that four people on the boat the engine (5.7 Volvo) had to work to get on plane and then I still notice a little difference in the way the boat ran. With four people or less the boat was perfect. Also, when I grilled I had to worry about kids or adults touching the hot grill. I am going to move my grill to the side instead of attaching it to the back rail. I am also going get a Honda generator this year for the batteries and coffee when we are on the hook... Other than that I really loved the boat. Hold it one other little issue is the access to the engine... If you don't need to access the engine when your fully loaded with coolers, kids and miscellaneous items, then you going to be okay... but if you have to add oil, power steering fluid, check belts, etc. I will be a little bit of a hassle. But, nothing that should keep you from enjoy the boats. Our boat came with the camper canvas with screens. This was a great during the summer nights when you want the air flow, but want to keep the bugs out.

Good luck...

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2004 268 Vista "Satisfy My Sol"

We have a 2007 Vista 258 and love it. We have the 320 hp DP and we added the wake board tower to entertain the kids. Although the deck space is a bit small to entertain more than 6 or 7 adults, we enjoy the flexibility of trailering and staying on board. It is mostly the admiral and me overnights but we have slept 4 without any problems.

We ordered ours with the standard seating and like the added storage. We trailer ours with a Ford Expedition and have not had any problems. My capacity is rated at 8,900 lbs.

Where to you plan to boat? On the Ohio or places like East Fork? My wife's family is in Cinci and we have trailered down there several times with our bowrider. We currently slip and love the experience.

Please let me know if you have any other questions. Let's get this economy going 1 boat at a time.

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Jnizi

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

Thanks Jnizi! It's good to hear positive things about the 258! We will be sleeping 2 adults and a 5 year old, so it sounds like we should have plenty of room.

As far as storage goes, where do you stash towels, clothes, the front sunpads (if you have them), life jackets, etc? Like I said, I haven't really had a chance to kick around on a 258 to really examine storage. Given that we plan on being away from the dock for 2-3 days at a time, storage is a premium. With that said, it'll have to be more than was available on my 20ft bowrider.

We spend most of our days on Brookville Lake, which is just over the border in Indiana. It's about a 50 minute haul from Cincy. That's where we will likely slip it. We do, however, make a few trips a year to Cumberland and Lake Norris. We made the drive to Kentucky Lake last year as well. We hit the river for concerts and fireworks. If you've never done the Jimmy Buffett concert on the river down here, you should give it a try. It's a fun time to say the least. My cousin also lives about 10 minutes from Eastfork, so we head out there a few times year as well.

If you're ever in the neighborhood, give us a hollar! Cross your fingers, we'll be the bald guy, the redhead and the blond kid in the black '06 258!

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2006 Vista 258
2007 Yukon Denali

I'll have to keep a lookout on Brookville also. We head that way at least once a year on our 225.

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

We'll keep an eye out for you, FireCadet. We're out there at least 3 weekends a month, usually in one of the small coves near the campgrounds.

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2006 Vista 258
2007 Yukon Denali

Sounds good. We normally head to Monroe, but will go to Brookville if we know someone there. What ramp do you normally use? I forget which one we used last time, but I suffered a bad gel coat scratch.

On the 258, VERY nice boat. I haven't been able to step foot on one yet, but from the pics I've seen they are very nice.

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

Hey SundayDinner,

We have been able to work out storage for all our stuff. We get about 6 jackets under the stern seating with 2 fenders and ropes. We store our sunpad under the mattress in the mid berth (adds some extra padding). All the camper canvas fits in one of the V berth storage areas with a jumper pack and we get another 4 jackets in the other. The front V berth storage fits our toaster, George Foreman grill and a few other things. We store our V berth table in a padded bag that fits standing up in the corner of the head. We have lined the upper shelves with baskets to organize our food, DVDs and cooking supplies.

Sorry for the rambling but we have found plenty of storage space. Short of ice, we can do 3 days on the boat without too much trouble. Hope that helps.

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Jnizi

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

Thanks Jnizi, that info on storage is very helpful. It sounds like we carry about the same accessories and that storing it all won't be any issue. I'll keep an eye on your FlexiTeek post. I love the looks of that stuff and would consider it for the new boat, but only if it doesn't burn my feet and mark too easily.

Firecadet - We usually put in at Bonwell, the ramp right by the damm. It's nice because it's not too steep and it's very wide. The significant downside is that is the busiest ramp by far, attracts a lot of idiots who have no idea what a "no wake zone" is, and can get pretty dicey when the wind is wipping across the lake. I've narrowly avoided several major incidents at that ramp. Let me know if you're ever in the neighborhood and we can hook up. I'll do the same. How's Monroe, btw? Never been, but heard positive things from a few folks on Brookville.

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2006 Vista 258
2007 Yukon Denali

Hey SundayDinner - can you provide any details on what a good price for a 258 is?

Our local (Seattle) FW dealer has a couple leftovers they are trying to clear out. An 07 for 52k. no arch, electronics - but otherwise a nicely equipped.

2 2008's that are fully loaded I guess - and they are looking in the low-mid 70's. They have the arches, Ocean series motors, full electronics, etc.

Where should the price be for boats like that?

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

Our local FW dealer has an '08 248, boat show price of 59K. MSRP of 88K. Not a great deal in my book. Whats the link to your local dealer cougar? 52K doesn't sound like a bad deal...we haven't been aboard a 258 yet.

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

I have an email out to get the specs on the boats.

I just saw a "red tag clearance" with a factory picture on a board and thought - wow, that's not a bad deal.

They are http://www.sportboatnorthwest.com -- the guy you want to talk to is Chris.

Now that I think about it -- for some reason that one might be sold.

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

Fire,
I know some people hate these guys, but IF this boat is what it claims to be, it might be worth a trip over to Ohio to take a look. 2008 258V @ $51K.
http://www.yachtauctions.com/detail.asp?stockNo=19142

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

G&R has this one. Seems like a decent deal.
http://www.grmarine.com/searchengine/De ... tDir=DESC&

Hey Cougar, as far as price range for a 258, it's really hard to tell right now. I priced out a loaded (genset, windlass, etc) '08 late last season and the best I could find was 79K, and that was from a dealer that I trusted. Since then, the boating world has changed. I would not doubt if you could get into a new 258 with those options in the high 60's now.

I'm looking at slightly used, but loaded models. There are few '06s out there with most of the options that I want, that are priced in the mid to high 60's. The NADA has high retail of around $58K. I'm hoping to close mine at the low end of the NADA, say 52 or 53K. I have the same problem that many here are having, getting a decent trade value on my Horizon.

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2006 Vista 258
2007 Yukon Denali