www.iFourWinns.com

Realistically?

I know what I can't afford and I know I am not willing to do, what it will take, to afford a 700K boat!

For me... A Silverton 36 Convertible is realistic, I could pick one up now, just not sure if I am ready to make the jump to a boat that is "locked" to the marina for slippage, winter storage and mechanical work. At least the boats I am currently considering (even in the 30+ foot range) can be trailered home at the end of the season. But for sheer square footage, hard to beat a Flybridge/Sedan layout.

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Brett DiMichele

A convertible would be a nice boat, but like they say, " whatever blows your hair back"
and a 36C would never blow your hair back like it did here on your 248 in this picture of you Cruising the Monogahela River System bewtween Charleroi Lock And Dam and Braddock Lock And Dam.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Someday hope to move up to a 298/318 vista, still want a trailerable boat.

But if we are dreaming, then a 75' skipperliner with a few stand up and 3 man jet skis and a 20' open bow!

http://www.skipperliner.com/CYp/7521.html

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

It's not as bad as you make it sound Brett.
I've been "locked" into a marina for years and its a great experience, almost like a second family.
You'll find all your 'slip mates' willing to help out anytime and the marina employees (at least in my experience) willing to go above and beyond to make your day as enjoyable as possible. As well, you can take your most fuel efficient vehicle to get to the marina instead of hauling the boat/trailer with a gas guzzler.
Just drive up, step on board, make your way to the bar and make yourself (and the admiral) a drink.
It really took a lot off my mind when I moved to a seasonal slip.
Just my 2 cents.
Cheers.

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"ROCKHOUND"
2005 Vista 298
Georgian Bay, Ontario.

True,

But at some point you realize that speed really isn't everything. Honestly the Vista is slow compared to the last boat (that ran more than 30MPH faster than the Vista, GPS) The 248 runs great (much better than I ever expected a single 5.7 to move all this weight (my own fat arse included!

Going to something like a 36C the pace would slow down a bit, the fuel consumption would dictate the slow down!


PlanetAlt,

I don't mind the idea of being slipped, I have quickly come around to the dock mentality of thinking and it's something I will do with the next boat. It's the being locked into storing the boat at the facility (being locked into their pricing for winter storage and 75/hour for labor that bothers me).

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Brett DiMichele

Understood,
FYI, I pay about 2000.00/year (cdn) for winterizing, shrink wrap, blocking, storage and spring launch and I only pay their $/hr rates if I REALLY need them to do something for me or if I don't have the time/expertise to do it myself..... other than that, its on an "as needed basis".
You can always do your own winterizing, wrapping, etc. if you wish to save some $$$.
I don't know you're situation but I drive 3-4hrs (depending on traffic) to get to the marina so if I factor in $$$ saved, NOT trailering... I think I'm ahead.
What's nice is that if there was something small that needed fixing since my last visit, I can have the marina look after it and its ready to go when I arrive the next time.
For me... it's worth the extra cost.... but to each, their own.

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"ROCKHOUND"
2005 Vista 298
Georgian Bay, Ontario.

Nothing says you can't take the boat elsewhere, for storage, service or even a whole other marina entirely. We like our marina's location but don't like that it doesn't have winter storage. So I "pay for" a slip that I'm not using all winter while also paying to store it elsewhere. Choice comes with a price.

Personally I despise the whole ramp follies nonsense. I have absolutely no desire whatsoever to put my boating relaxation experience at the mercy of J.Random Dumbass at the loading ramps. I'm willing to pay for a slip to avoid that entire experience.

Now, if I lived in an area that only had lots of little lakes maybe it'd be different. I could see how being 'stuck' in one small body of water could become tedious. Fortunately we don't have that problem on the Chesapeake. Faced with the choice of no boat versus having to use ramps, I'd probably give up on the boat.

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

Has anyone checked out the new Sea Ray 43 Sundancer Sports Coupe? I hate to admit this (because I have been an anti-Searay guy for a long time) but this boat is (.)(.)'s. I don't think I have ever been as impressed with a boat this size before in my life.

http://www.searay.com/2009_sea_ray_sport_yachts_43_sundancer.asp

The hard top with electronic sliding side windows, front vent, and sunroof were the cat's meow.

The interior was second to none with glass inlayed cherry pocket doors and a retractible TV that recessed into the ceiling.

I love my Four Winns but their new hardtop doesn't hold a candle to this boat. I believe the boat show price that we saw was something like $750,000.

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"Where Da Go"
2002 248 Vista
Lafayette, IN
http://blueoceanlife.worldventures.biz

I did check it out at the show and if I stay with an express it will be on my list. I have heard mixed things about the sight lines while underway and a few other "operating" negatives that I would have to investigate, but aesthetically and otherwise, they really stepped it up with this boat. I have always loved the 48 Sundancer and thought it might be a move worth considering, but the 40 to 44' range is starting to feel like a comfortable move when I make it (which is why I'll seriously look at the V408 and I'll have to check out that Chris if I stay with an express).

If you're just joining this thread, please refer back to the original post.

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Previously:
2008 V358/Volvo 5.7 GXi Inboards

Thank you for leaving your shirt on...

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2005 Silverton 50C
2009 Four Winns 200SS

You're welcome!

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Brett DiMichele