www.iFourWinns.com

If I had to bet on it my money would be on I.J. keeping the VEC brands (Larson, Glastron, Fincraft) while a third party (Platinum or other) bids up and wins the valuable open-mold brands like Four Winns, Ranger, Stratos, Champion and Wellcraft. The rest will go for pennies on the dollar or disapear.

From this 11/30/09 article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

That's what's on the table for now, but in these brankrupcy stories it all happens in the end game and we will only know who gets what by mid-january. IJ seems to have tied his destiny to the VEC process I would be surprised if he lets Glastron and Larson (the two biggest VEC boat manuf. using the VEC technology) go away and lose the operating leverage on a technology that he owns no matter what. While all sub 24' genmar boats were initially earmarked for the VEC process, I understand that there was some resistance and Four Winns designers didn't go for it see: http://www.proboat-digital.com/proboat/200606/?pg=83, so I would see him let Four Winns switch hands as it can pretty much stand on it's own as a brand and boat maker.

I agree, Irv will not worry about Four Winns in his bid. A couple excerpts from the local fishwrap in Cadillac .




Assembly Leader Ron Marks and Gunwaler Gino Vanover attach a gunwale to a Four Winns H220 at the Cruiser Plant in Cadillac Thursday.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

More dribble...................



http://www.tradeonlytoday.com/home/5014 ... ar-auction

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

So with all this mess still waiting to be settled, how does this effect dealers current inventory?

For those with used boats, are parts still available?

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2003 Four Winns Horizon 220 5.0 GXi/SX

Parts are absolutely still available. The warranty department for Four Winns isn't going anywhere.

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

So if someone wants to walk into a dealership and order a FW's boat is that still possible?

This is a very weird bankruptcy proceeding as usually the deals are disclosed right after they've been reached. In this case there's a lot of rumor and inuendo going around with very few facts being borne out. I'm sure the brand will take a hit for while as people buy from more financially secure companies.

I just hope the Four Winns comes out of this soon and it doesn't drag on. My guess is either Larson or Glastron brands (or both) gets zapped entirely.

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2003 Four Winns Horizon 220 5.0 GXi/SX

Yes, you can go to any dealership and order a boat. They are building around 7 boats per day and have orders stacked into late Jan/early Feb right now. With boat show season on the way - hopefully that will fill the slots through the spring. They are not running at full capacity.

Four Winns has been one of the consistently profitable brands for Genmar. Whatever happens to them - it's highly doubtful that they will go away. It's the brand that Genmar had that really competes with Sea Ray, Cobalt, etc.

If you consider ordering a boat - I would recommend being very aware of the 'state of your dealer'. Make sure you are using a dealer that will provide you with great service as well as one that isn't going to shut their doors anytime soon.

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

CougarCruiser is right on. Maybe consider an aftermarket warranty if one is very worried about the state of FourWinns ability to provide warranty service. I'm not owrried but just a suggestion.

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Optimus Prime
Now: 2007 Horizon 260, (2007/08 brochure boat)
Previous: 1995 Sea Ray Signature Select 220
Tow: '07 Avalanche LTZ
Seattle and Chelan, WA

Genmar bids are due today


Bids are due at 3 p.m. CST. The auction is set for 10 a.m. Thursday in Minneapolis.
A sales approval hearing is set for Jan. 13 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Minneapolis, with closing set for Jan. 20.

Praying for a favorable outcome for all the brands of Genmar.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

If there is ever a chance to buy a boat company on the cheap, this is probably it.

Does someone have to take the whole enchalada or can they bid on individual brands?

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2003 Four Winns Horizon 220 5.0 GXi/SX

Of course. If you scan this thread, you will see there are more than one potential buyer interested, and they are not interested in the whole taco.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Think of Genmar as a plate of nachos.

Each nacho can be eaten separately.

However, some nachos are stuck together (Like the VEC hull technology and Glastron because they use it).

If the nachos are stuck together, then that probably counts as just one nacho.


Bonus points for whoever knows where the nacho analogy comes from.

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

Lunch........

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy