www.iFourWinns.com

I'm considering a purchase of a 318 in Florida, moving it to Va. Does anyone know if the radar arch has to be lowered and if so how difficult that process would be? I'm told it is very important to make sure the trucker is capable of raising it again properly at the destination.

short answer - Yes, you will be over the 12' limit whether you are on a trailer or a flatbed. You need to lower the arch if going a long distance. You also need oversize load permits in all of the states you travel through.

Fortunately, 08's have a hinged arch which makes this alot easier. You drop the arch down and secure it. When the boat came from the factory, they made a wood/carpet support shelf. Hopefully the dealer still has it or you can build one.

If you have an 07 - this gets ALOT trickier as you will have to disassemble the arch and probably secure it on the bow of the boat. Do-able, but a pain.

2-3 people can re-install the arch either way. 1 in the middle, 1 on each side.

What's the scoop on the boat you found! Share the story! Pictures?

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

Well I guess I would be in trouble as I am considering a 2006 318 5.7s Ocean Drives. Transport costs are readily available, but I don't know what the cost would be to take down and put up the arch. Price seems good at $80K with 70 hr, kept in a storage shed after each use. Does that price seem good to others?

Take the week off and drive it home. What a great way to learn the boat.

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2001 Horizon 260 - 7.4 Volvo GSI DP

Couple hours shop labor to take it off... couple hours shop labor to put it on.

Do what parts of it you can, and pay the couple hundred extra bucks to have what you can't do - done right.

80k for an 06 318 is a bargain. I know of an 06 that's been for sale for 189k in the Seattle area. Needless to say, it hasn't sold.

Brand new leftovers are fetching 100k-140k depending on options, location, cosmetic shape, etc.

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

Get's my vote!

When we were shopping for a new left-over (before coming back to earth & buying the 03 268V), some of the boats were in FL and NC. We seriously contemplated driving one home vs driving the truck down and towing it back.

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Gordon Arnold
New Hampshire

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

Thats what I am saying!

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Current Boat:
2004 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer "Nauti Luvin'"

Previous Boats:
1999 298 Vista "Seas The Day"
2008 H200SS "Nauti Luv"
2006 Tahoe Q4