www.iFourWinns.com

As requested, here is the "unveiling" of my new to me 268, Serenity Forever.



My search for a 268 started earlier this year, and my wife and I agreed on this beautiful 268 in Alabama.



We had a deal all struck, until the sale of my 225 fell through. Fast forward to the end of June, and I was able to get my 225 sold for my asking price.

She was a great boat, but on to bigger and better things. Her she is on our last outing....





A week later we were down in Alabama getting it surveyed,



The survey found a few issues, nothing bad enough to stop me from purchasing this vessel. The seller gave some concessions so all was well. During the survey we noted quite a few things not working -- trim tabs, DVD player, engine running VERY rough, and it needed a good cleaning on the inside. The exterior was buffed a few weeks earlier, but you could tell the previous owner stopped using the boat midseason and just left it.

The exterior had quite a few scratches and the rub rail was torn up a bit from the dry stack operators pulling it along the dock.

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

We both knew this was our diamond in the rough, and our opportunity to get a fantastic boat we would be happy with for years to come. She is equipped with everything sans a radar arch, which would be nice to have, but could be a pain since she is trailer kept.

I was able to get a very good recommendation on a boat hauler to bring her up, and she arrived early one morning.



After two weeks of cleaning it up, putting 303 on the seats and the canvas, changing all the fluids and a few replacement parts, it was time to use it!

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

We spent quite a few nights on the boat, and I am very glad we held out for this one. Having a generator and being able to use the AC on the hook is very, very nice.

I might be biased, but a dark blue hull sure does look sharp.







Even with all the rain, and cold temps, we still managed to have a few great weekends on the boat.





Who knew you had enough room to play dinosaurs on board?

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

Unfortunately all good things come to an end, albeit to soon.

At least our last time out, it was a picture perfect day!



As much as I wish it had the 8.1….the 5.7 goes do a pretty good job.



Work always finds a way to interrupt my free time…



Until next season….





And for those who want to see a 268 dwarf a Durango…



And there you have it, Serenity Forever. There are no plans to upgrade for some time, next will be a 318 or 320 Sundancer for sure. And I know we don't want to be kept to one lake any time soon.....

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

Congrats, VERY nice boat. Looks like you had some fun this summer! I've gotta ask, how does that beast tow with a Durango. I pull a Vista 245 with a Sequoia and wouldn't want it to be any heavier.

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-Todd

1993 Vista 245
351 CID, OMC King Cobra

I've got an Equilizer WD hitch, and wouldn't do it without. It does suprisingly well. I've got the Hemi and 3.92s which help...

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

Thanks.

If you fancy a camper canvas, re-think the 320DA. There is none offered on that model unless you have one custom made.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

We've got many, many years on that one. Hopefully CougarCruiser will be done with his 318 by then and be shipping it back east.

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

Congrats on a great ride . Word of warning... I liked the move up to a cruiser (my 260 Sundancer) so much it only lasted one season!!
And, OK - I just have to say it... I'm sure the boat is off or in neutral even though it appears to be in gear while you are looking at your phone in that one shot...

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Previously:
2008 V358/Volvo 5.7 GXi Inboards

Views like this is one of the main reasons I will miss my cruiser. Sunrise/sunset on board are spectacular. Looks good, so when is the baby due? Or is that your winter project?

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2008 Horizon 260 VP 8.1 Gi

Way to go !!! At last she's unveiled....

That sure is a beautiful boat. I'm glad to see you all are very happy and are getting some use out of her. Hopefully next year will be filled with even more family outings filled with memories!

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Marc, Kathlin & Nathalie


'89 Chaparral Laser 32

'93 Vista 245, 5.8L w/ King Cobra

Former Boats
'01 H260, 7.4 VP Duoprop
'98 H200, 5.0 GL w/VP SX drive

It's gonna be a while on the 318 being available. She's got a nice home in a covered slip close to the house/office. Fits like a glove.


That 268 came out to be a great situation for you guys! What was the final rundown on all the stuff you did to get it back into shape?

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

-Changed all 3 fuel filters, engine, gen, and the small one on the gen
-Oil/Filter change, engine and gen
-Outdrive fluid change
-New spark plugs, engine and gen

Pretty much just tuned it up. Props were in great shape, the outdrive and props needed a good cleaning to get all the growth that had dried on there off.

The DVD player wasn't plugged in while we sea trialed it, and I didn't take the time to look. Trim tabs didn't have a fuse in the fuse box, so those were very easy fixes. Tank level indicators both were replaced with new, and I recaulked a bit in the head. I also rebuilt the electric flush toilet, so she literally is good as new. I also put in a Digital TV converter box.

Roughly $500 or so in parts, and a bit of time.

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

Really nice looking boat. congratulations.

As a matter of interest, what was the reason for the original orange wire from the alternator being disconnected and the extra red wire connected instead? Where did that red wire connect to?

Graham

I still haven't gotten to the bottom of that. Part of me wonders if it is configured different because of the gen, but I wouldn't think so because its a factory install.

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