www.iFourWinns.com

I think i'm going to put a new battery in her this year. Still running the one that came with her in 2006.

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1. I just tore apart the cooling system after an overheating issue and it is in good shape. The impeller is perfect but I will get a spare just in case.
2. Add a second battery and on board charger.
3. Add LED accent lights in cockpit. I'm going to run two circuits- one red for night/mood and one white for good lighting. I will hook 'em up to a double switch so I can turn on one or the other.
4. Mount fan in cuddy and hardwire it.
5. Normal maintanence and winterizing.
6. Finish changing trailer over to all LEDs.

I would really love an extended swim platform. It will go on as soon as I have the money. I am also going to rethink the audio system. What is there is good enough but I would like to upgrade it.

Sounds like we might be out of the water soon but 'boating season' is going to be long with everything everyone has on their lists!

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1998 Four Winns 205 Sundowner

TV: 2011 Toyota Tundra/2002 Chevy Tahoe

I originally looked at doing the exact same thing. However, after doing some research on Oznium.com, I found I could purchase "million color" waterproof LED strips and a controller unit with remote control for cheaper than doubling up and running two separate circuits. Now I have many color options and briteness controls via remote control all wired to an open single switch (wipers switch) on my dash. More functionality at cheaper cost and easier installation seemed like a no brainer. I did have to get 4-way wire (ground, red, blue & green for million color option) which wasn't cheap. I think I spent more on the wire than all the LED components combined. I actually got marine grade 5-way wire (just left one wire unused) as I got a pretty good deal at the time through Jamestown Distributors online. Once again though, this was cheaper than getting double the required length of 2-way marine grade wires. Also, you do have to pay attention when ordering because not all Oznium LED strips are compatible with all LED controllers. Oznium's customer service was excellent though and they walked me through to make sure I ordered the right parts for what I was trying to do.

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2005 FW Horizon 250
8.1L VP DP

To everyone contemplating an extended swim platform....if your budget allows it, DO IT!! We just went from a 12 inch platform to one that's around 3 feet and what an incredible difference it makes. Aside from making it easier to board and get stuff on/off the boat, it now serves as a safe spot to grill, it's actually comfortable to sit back there and relax, and most importantly (to me and my wife) it completely covers the outdrives so the kids can't jump off the platform while we're anchored and land on them. You also don't swim into them while heading for the boarding ladder. And lastly, with the platform covering the outdrives it also doubles as a bumper of sorts. If I were to get to close to a piling, the swim platform would bump it before the drives hit it. Needless to say, we LOVE the nice, big swim platform on the new to us boat.

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'01 Vista 298

Moving to a different setup?

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Current: 2006 H200 5.0 GXI SX Blue/White
Previous: 2003 H220 VP 5.7 Gi DP
Black/White

Great advice! Thanks. That's why I join these boards- to gain the experience of others!

I would love to hear any particulars about the project that you went through. Are you happy with your choices and install now that you've had it in for awhile? Product recommendations?
This is one project that I don't think will be very hard or time consuming. I can't wait to get it done with some other projects.

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1998 Four Winns 205 Sundowner

TV: 2011 Toyota Tundra/2002 Chevy Tahoe

No problem. Overall, I'm very happy with the end results, but have some plans to make it even better. I need to get some pictures and do a write up. Rather than hijack this thread, I'll update one of the LED lighting project threads. I should be able to get this done this week, possibly even tonight if time allows. Check back soon.

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2005 FW Horizon 250
8.1L VP DP

I think I'll go boating!

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08 H190
190hp Merc
Striving to be the man my Beagle thinks I am.

Awesome! As I was reading your previous post, I was thinking "what i would do to be able to get all the details and exact stuff he bought and how-to...etc"...since I'm electrically challenged to say the least.

I appreciate it, in advance.

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'04 Four Winns Horizon 250 - Volvo Penta 5.7L DP

The admiral told me last night she doesn't want to be 25, with a 318, and on our fourth boat!

I guess that means I can either get a 298/328, or do some final upgrades to our 268.

Seeing as I'd like to see my next birthday...upgrades it is.

I'd like to ditch my handheld Garmin and get a permanently mounted one....like a Garmin 431 or similar.

Possibly get the swim platform covered in NuTeak or similar.

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

How about a 2003 328 Vista for $75K, that would make a nice birthday present for you.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Been all over that boat already Capn...its a nice boat...changing out the stereo wouldn't be all that hard!

My only issues with the 328/298 are the manual engine hatch...I'd much rather a powered one like on the 318!

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

So you have flown to Florida, climbed all over the 328, and the stereo is what is holding you back? So salty boats are back on
your list, as long as the price is cheapest in the US ?

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

I have a powered engine hatch on my 328........... "wife powered" that is. She holds the front leading edge of the back engine panel up while I check the engine oils etc., then she lowers the engine panel back down.

The real neat thing about my powered engine hatch, is that it operates on voice command.

I better not let her read this post.........

Mike.

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Current Boat
- 2001 Four Winns 328 Vista "Hour Decision"
- 2010 310 Mercury Inflatable

Previous Boats
- 30' Doral Prestancia
- 25' Doral Citation

Casually surfing online Capn.

I have a wife powered hatch to....only problem is it'll drop quick if you don't watch what you say!

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