www.iFourWinns.com

I'm planning on purchasing a twin engine 5.0L 94 Vist 278. Would like to know any recurring problems with this boat. Any information concerning performance, maintenance, leaky spots, or just overall comments on this boat would be greatly appreciated. I know I didn't give to many particulars on the boat, but I'm just trying to get overall impressions of this boat.
Thanks Mark

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1998 FW Horizion RX 4.3GL SX Drive
Garmin 530

Hey Mark,

Did you purchase this boat yet? If the price is right I don't think you'll have any problems that you wouldn't have on any cruiser of this age. Mine is a '98 which is the same hull. The '94 has the bigger windows that hopefully will leak less. The smaller windows held water in the frame next to the glass because of the angle at which they're mounted, and the seal is marginal, so they tended to leak, staining the fabric in the cabin.

I have the twin 4.3GL's and they are adequate, so the 5.0's should be even better, and should be easier to get to the oil filters than the GM engines are. The swim platform is small and with twins FW didn't offer an extended platform, but I added one to mine that you can see in my signature pic - big improvement...

Other than that, the cabin space is big for a boat this size, which means that you sacrifice a little cockpit space. Not that I don't like the boat, because I do, but I wish I had a little more space outside. If you're going to trailer it as I do, it is heavier than the manual would have you believe. It should weigh almost 12K with the trailer, which is almost at the capacity of the FW trailer. Mine weighs in at 11,680.

Joe

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USCG 50 Ton Master Inland/OUPV Endorsement+Towing

1998 278 Vista - Twin 4.3 GLs, Kohler 4KW Gen, AC/Heat.
1999 Yamaha Waverunner SUV
2003 Yamaha Waverunner SUV w/MR-1 HO conversion

While I am not familiar with that model, I would recommend you get a complete survey on the engines and hull. Good luck and remember pics are a must.

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Walter

2003 248 Vista - VP 5.0 GXi
2009 Toyota Tundra SR5 5.7L 4x4

No leaks

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Gibson Lazy Cruz 42
(Exboat)1994 Four Winns 278
2 x 5.0L OMC Cobras SX
2003 Ford F-250 6.0L