www.iFourWinns.com

What yer neighbors sayin' about that ocean liner, in the road?

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Gordon Arnold
New Hampshire

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

Just curious, what is wrong with Wawasee Boat Co ? They are a FW dealer with certified Volvo mechanics. 3 hours away is not nearly as far as a dealer in New Hampshire.
And your "new" guy told you :

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Nothing, I didn't know they were a FW dealer. Plug in my zip, and you just get Brownies, who doesn't deal in Vista's. That left GSC and Halls as far as I knew....

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

I guess it is just something I never will understand, why people buy from a dealer across the country, when there is a dealer nearby. I suppose if you are buying a boat from a dealer, and their price beats anything you can get locally, I can see that as a reason.
But, for parts and service questions, the closer to home the better. Unless they exhibit poor customer service, and shoddy repair work, why not give them a chance?

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

When you don't know there is a dealer nearby? FW only shows the closest dealer to your zip....

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

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Who wouldn't love to have a great dealer close to home. Unfortunately, MANY of us are not blessed with being in that position.

When I figured out that I was outta luck locally --- 300 versus 3000 miles didn't really matter anymore.

Even our new dealer in Seattle seems to be 'trying' -- but they still just don't have some of the basics down. Growing pains I suppose. They were/are also a Crownline dealer, but didn't even have much of a service department until this year.

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

Here's an update.

I had the boat at the house today, so I fired it up on the hose and shot some grease into the grease fitting on the transom shield. Of course I didn't hear the noise at first, but if I got real close and listened real well, I could hear it. After hearing it again, my gut tells me its just the tick tick tick of the fuel injectors.

It was easier to hear while on the water because the exhaust is muffled, compared to being on the trailer. I'm just so "in tune" and listening for noises, to freak for every little noise. Engine oil and outdrive oil were changed before we hit the water over the weekend, and those levels are fine. The noise doesn't change at all when the outdrive is turned side to side or raised or lowered.

Thoughts?

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

Only that if the gimbal hasn't been greased since the boat was new, and that sounds like a possibility, it could be shot. And if it's shot, all the grease in the world now won't fix it. It might well not be the gimbal, but if you think there's any chance of it you ought to get it checked at the end of the season.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Will do. If I remember right, just pull the drive, and rotate the gimbal by hand? It should be smooth?

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

What noise would a bad gimbal make? Growling?

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