www.iFourWinns.com

Hi,

I have not quite joined your wonderous group of boat owners but intend to shortly. I have just put a deposit down on a '06 V278 and cant wait to attend the pre-purchase survey and sea trial.
The only issue I have is that the boat is currently located in Phuket, 4 days cruising away.I live in Singapore and the Asian market is not exactly flooded with Four Winns boats. Which unfortunatly means Im paying much more for it that what Ive seen them going for in the US!

Any tips on long distance boating in a V278 or similar model? It comes with the Volvo 8.1l engine which from what Ive read is the best option for the journey. What spares would you suggest for the trip?

Seperately, do you know if I can add a rail bar on the back for fishing polls and the BBQ or does that have to be ordered when the boat is first built? Stupid question number 2:... Can you tow the tender at high speeds or is it recommended to to tie down on the bow for the long journey? (Im not ready for one of those Davif(?) lifting jobbers on the stern yet)

Cheers
Oliver

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Oliver
'06 V278
Singapore

You can add whatever set up you like for fishing. The factory would not have a clue how to do anything like that, as they do not equip their express cruisers for fishing. Friends at our marina have rod holders, downriggers and grill mounts that they have added to their boats themselves.

Tie the dink to the bow for your trip. I would not recommend towing at cruising speeds behind your boat. Make sure you have a GPS, Charts and file a float plan with your marina, Coast Guard/Water Patrol or friends before you leave for the trip.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

WoW that is some trip you are planning! Do you have much boating experience? I have travelled a bit in that region and its quite a complicated coastline, be sure to do lots of homework or find a skipper that might be interested in a free trip. Good luck.

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Regards
Beyond the Blue

"If we improve with age I'm now excellent"


Ex 1998 238 Vista 5.0Gi SX DP
Lexus RX300

Actually if you can install the new(ish) rail system on the 278 (don't see why you couldn't) you could set it up with rod holders. The rail system is the thing that I get complemented the most on by other boaters when they see the 338. Everybody wishes they had it. I wouldn't have ordered the boat with it but now I'm really happy I have it. I also don't have to worry about the dingy going anywhere with the rail in place. I do however deflate and roll up my dingy and leave it on the swim platform. There's plenty of room for it on the 338.. but definitely doable on the 278 as I did it on my 248 no problem..

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V475
Chris Craft Catalina 23 w/ 300 G2
Previously-V338, 248 Vista, H210

Wow...that's one hell of an excellent trip. I wish I had an excuse to sail the coast of Thailand to Singapore. As others have noted, please make your friends aware of your plans, stay in radio contact, and make sure you know how to get a hold of the Thai/Indonesian Coast Guard in a hurry if trouble occurs. Congrats and good luck!

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2006 Vista 258
2007 Yukon Denali

I wouldn't attempt to make any trip outside U.S. waters without one of these:



Semper Fi

Craig C.

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2003 Vista 248, VP 5.0 GXi-C, DP

+1

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1998 Baja Boss 252 7.4L MPI Bravo 1 (SOLD)
2007 FW H200SS 5.0GXI (Sold)
2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 Crew 6.0L (tow vehicle)
1991 FW 170 Freedom 4.3L (SOLD)

The problem in the US is that everone has one of those!!! In Singapore you get hung if you found with a gun so its a lot safer out here!!

Thanks for all the tips guys. I dont have much boating experience so Im planning to make use of a skipper - Ill be the deck hand! Spending 4 days on a boat with a pro should be invaluable...

mkivbren - Any idea how much the Four Winns rail system would set me back?

Oliver

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Oliver
'06 V278
Singapore

Funny.. the company just asked if I want to go to thailand in the spring. Hmm... wonder how much it would cost to get the 338 over there!?

My guess is that it's under 1000 bucks. I'll see how much the option was on the 338. When you buy it separate they usually add 20 - 30%.

You asked what extra's you should bring? this is what I will be carring all the time.

extra fuel filters
spair drive belt
spair water pump rebuild kit
full set of tools
duct tape/hose clamps/hose

The list thing, enjoy the trip!

I would consider adding an EPIRB to your list. I wonder if you can buy tow insurance in that area? TowBoat Singapore?

I may be taking an assignment in Singapore starting next year. I will be interested in hearing about your experiences. I hope you have a safe and fun trip. It sounds like a grand adventure.

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Martin
04 268 Vista - Knot Again
08 Boston Whaler 130 Sport - Double Good
Previous Boat:
97 278 Vista - Buoy Howdy

I can't seem to find the Rail on the Four Winns parts site. Any ideas where I can find once for a '06 V278??

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Oliver
'06 V278
Singapore

This was a new for 08 option so there's not going to show one for an 06. I doubt its even available for the 278 but I'm sure it would work fine. It's available for the 318 and the 318s rail is probably the same size as the 338. Email a dealer for a price on one for a 318. I looked and it was a $769 dollar option for my boat so I bet they'll want about a grand (usd) from a dealer.

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V475
Chris Craft Catalina 23 w/ 300 G2
Previously-V338, 248 Vista, H210

As promised here some details from me recent trip from Thailand, via Malaysia to Singapore. I bought my V278 in Thailand and powered 550miles in only 3 days. We had intended to do the trip in 4 days but the conditions, for the most part, allowed us to do it in 3.

The trip started well with the boat agent, my wife and I travelling from Phuket to Langkawi on one tank in around 7 hrs. This included a stop at these amazing islands...(how do I attach pictures?)
The next morning was amazing, once we cleared immigration we were cruising at over 3500rpm (32+knots) and compeled day 2 in 4 hrs. In Penang (Malaysia) we called ahead to have some guy bring us petrol down to the 'dock'. This looked like a bit of a family outing as he arrived with his kids and they all helped carry 8 jerry cans of petrol down to the boat for us.

We had made such good time that we set off on day 3's route before midday (on day 2) and that when the trouble started! We were aiming to do another 220mile to Port Dickson but hit a storm after about 30miles. Our speed had dropped to 12knots and we were still burning through our petrol at 2500rpm. The rain was bucketing down and sea swell was at about 2.5m. At this point we had to decide wheather to turn back or continue another 60miles to the nearest safe habour (Lumut). We ended up pushing on hoping the weather would clear. Unfortuantly it didnt until the next morning at about 7pm as the sun was setting (not that we could see it) our fuel tank ran dry. We had prepared for this and were carrying 3 20l cans on deck which we poured into the tank. I took us another 2hr in the dark rain before we finally took shelter up a river. The beer and food tasted great that night.

The final day was fun. The rain had cleared and the wind had died down. There was a bit of a swell but we were able to make good time cruising at 3300rpm. the boat had taken a beating the night before with the fish finder flying off, shower holder off, bathroom basin loose, glass having shifted in the windscreen etc etc etc...

We cruised into Singaproe in the late afternoon a day early and having learnt exacly how much punishment a Four Winns can take...The idea now is to leave the cruising for short day time trips and w/e's away!!! No more night time storm navigation!

Ill try add pics when I work out how to.
Oliver

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Oliver
'06 V278
Singapore

Glad you made it, and could fill us in on the trip. I would check the boat over thourghly before you go anywhere. It sounds like the boat may have been in a bit over it's head, and I would want to make sure there is no structural damage anywhere.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy