www.iFourWinns.com

Hi all,

I am new to the boating world and am in the process of buying the first boat for our family. After much online research and looking at different boats, my wife and I have decided that the 268 cruiser is at the top of our list as far as meeting the needs of our family.

Some background on us: we have 2 small children and want to cruise the river and occassionally fish/water sports. We may sleep on the boat 2 to 3 times per month. We decided on this size boat because we want something we can trailer. I currently have a 2007 5.7 Tundra with tow package. The tow rating on the truck is 10,300 lbs. Hopefully this will be enough?

I believe we will probably tow a handful of times per season and mostly the boat will be kept in a slip. Ideally, I would like at least a 30 footer, but it would be nice to be able to take the boat to other local lakes in the area.

So to most of my questions: Can anyone tell me if there are certain years to avoid or better years for this boat as far as reliability? I am looking to get something in the $40,000 range. Is there a specific size motor for this boat that we should get? We definitely don't want the boat to be underpowered. We have decided that ac/heat is a must. Are marine generators pretty rare to be factory installed on these boats? Not that it would be a big deal not to have an onboard genny, but certainly would be nice for the kids.

What do you think about the available room on these boats? Will we be soon to outgrow the size? I think the 268 would be a good size to start with and then in a few years we could upgrade on size if we need. Sorry about all the rambling, but just want to make sure I have done all the research before jumping in. If there is any other information you could share with a rookie like me, I would much appreciate it! Happy boating, and I look forward to seeing some of you at the lake!

Kevin

Boat trailer dry will be right around 9000# so that gives you 1300# for stuff. If your full fuel and water, plus you gear you will most likely exceed the 10300 tow limit. You will get multiple answers and probably some on liability.

We had our 268 for 4 1/2 seasons and loved it. It was easy to trailer and get into and out of the water, plus roomy enough for my wife and I and 2 younger sons. Where it started to get small is when the kids were up in the 13-15 year range, then it was a little to small for comfort.

If you intend on slipping it, then bottom paint is an absolute must. We trailered ours for 4 seasons, and slipped it on the last one. Unless you want to pull and wash every 2 weeks, bottom paint is the only way to go.

As far as what year, buy as new a one as you can afford. 40K should get you something fairly new in this market. I had an 03 and never had any major issue, just typical maintenance and repair items.

Motor size, If I had it to do aver again, I would go with a big block, 8.1 I think. Especially if you have the genny, which i have seen factory installed on several used boats. The 5.7 with the duo prop is fine most of the time, but if you have any guests on, it was marginal IMHO. Ours didn't have AC/heat, but our new one does, what a difference, no question. I installed an aftermarket generator, and I wouldn't have a cruiser without one, for the type of boating we do.

You will like most of us have in the past outgrow it and get 2 footitis, or 3 footitis, or 4! But it is a great boat and I'm sure you will love it.

ONce you find on vessel, be sure and have a survey done by a proffesional surveryor to flush out any issues prior to purchase.

_________________
Jeff

'14 Cruisers 380 Express "Simon Sez"
Merc 8.2 Mag MPI 380
DTS B3X, (x2) Axius Premier


(SOLD)
'08 V318
Merc 350 Mag MPI 300
DTS Seacore, B3 (x2)

Hey Kevin,

You'll love the 268. Popular model, so there are a lot of very knowledgeable people that can help you with questions and issues you might have.

Your Tundra will pull this boat. Personally, I like a bit more power and grunt (Dodge with a Cummins), but you shouldn't have any issues. Like you, I had plans to pull my boat out to fill it up at the gas station. My reasoning was, I can save money that way and while it's out of the water I can clean the bottom, stuff it with food, etc.

Some here may disagree, but I *hate* pulling my 248 in and out of the water. So much so, that I fill up at the dock and pay the extra. It only comes out of the water once per year for outdrive service.

Nothing ruins a good marriage faster than docking a boat.

Boat engine: the VP 5.7 is common and easy to work on (It's GM 350). Genny's are very common in the south U.S. I have 3 - 268's near my slip. All have factory installed gennys and A/C.

Size ... meh ... my next boat will be at least 32 foot. But I had to experience smaller to understand why I needed to spend the extra $$$ for a larger boat.

For me, having two engines is important. They are easier to control in tight spaces and docking situations. The 248 and 268 are difficult to control at low speeds (like when you are backing into the slip) with a cross wind.

You won't regret a 268. But you will eventually want to upgrade. Good luck.

Craig C.

_________________

2003 Vista 248, VP 5.0 GXi-C, DP

I don't know the boat, but if you are getting one with Volvo power, avoid the Volvo OSI (composite drive) because they were very troublesome, multiple problems, esp with the bellows leaking, they have been revised like 2 or 3 times. Worst of all the drive has been discontinued so the resale of boats with it will suffer...

_________________
88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

It's hard to add to the past posting!!!! If your new to boating, I would take a course. You need to know how to read channel markers and more. I boat in the ocean so a GPS & VHF is a must. On the lakes it is questionable.

Good luck

I think everyone has touched on everything that needs to be mentioned. I slip our 248 and pull it out 2-3 times a year for vacation. I have a tundra as well. I only got to tow the boat a couple times last year because we bought the truck at the end of the season. The couple times I did tow it there is no lack of power and it will not be an issue. Getting the boat out of the water can be fun at times depending on the launch ramp, like anything the more times you do it the easier it should get.
I am in the process of installing AC, which isn't too big of a deal, so don't let be a hang up if you find the perfect boat.
Good luck with the search

_________________
2001 328 Vista "Nauta Dream 2"
AB Inflatable 10AL "Little Dreamer"
2000 248 Vista
1997 225 Sundowner


Mike

So what other boats were you considering, that didn't cut it on your list ? And of that list, how many did you check out in person ?

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Thanks for all the great replies so far. As far as what other boats that we have looked at includes many other models in the same size category. One problem is that I want to buy used and of course all you see at boat shows are new boats. However, for instance in this size category (26 or 27 ft) I personally like the layout of the FW the best. I know Sea Ray is well respected, but I don't like the layout of the boat and I also don't think it is worth a premium over FW.

I really don't care for the fit and finish of Bayliners. I think Cobalts are great boats but over my budget. I do like Crownline and Regal and have considered these. FW appears to make a good quality boat for a fair price. I don't need to have the best boat with the latest gadgets, but I want a good boat that the family will enjoy. If you have any other suggestions for a good quality boat in this size, I'm all ears!

Thanks for the info. Sometimes buyers get fixated on one brand, and fail to consider other possibilities. It sounds like you have done your homework. In the 26 to 28 foot range, the 268 is probably the best bang for your buck overall. When we were shopping for our first cruiser, we considered several models. The 268 was the right price and features we wanted. So that is what we went with. We owned ours for 6 seasons, and enjoyed all of those years on the 268. As with any boat, there are compromises, and the 268 is not perfect by any means. You just have to decide what matters most to you and your family.
I'll suggest a couple of other boats in this size range that you might consider. Both of these will be harder to find in the $40K range you are looking, but worth a look to see what they offer that the 268 may not. Sometimes a little more money can get you alot more boat and features.

Regal 2665. The absolute largest mid cabin of any boat this size, fast, smooth riding hull. This is a 50+ mph boat with the 8.1 engine in it. Build quality is first rate all around.
Monterey 270CR, great cockpit layout, stable, seaworthy hull design, and a roomy cabin with a much larger than normal V-berth in this size range.

A couple more things for you to consider when shopping. Check the walk through onto the deck. Is it easy to get through? Is there "flex" in the deck when you walk on it? Or is it solid?
Engine access and space to work on it. Is it easy to get to? Are all systems easily serviced?
Sleeping accommodations, Do you fit in the mid cabin and/or V berth comfortably? Is it easy to get in and out of?
Storage, is there enough of it for all your family's stuff ?

That's all for now, I'll let the current 268 owners offer their input for you to consider. Good luck in your search, shopping for a boat is fun, make sure you enjoy the hunt !

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

I will mention the Rinker 270 Fiesta Vee as a boat to look at as well. We were very close to buying one a few years ago. Everything else has been touched on pretty well. Enjoy whatever you do end up buying, for you will upgrade it to something bigger no matter what...hehe.

_________________

Gary & Diane
1996 Sundowner 245
Lake Winnipesaukee, NH

One thing to conceder too, which may or may not matter to you??? For me, I did a lot of research, reading & more.... To find that the dealer was, too far away...OR The only Crownline dealer in Mass. was so small, it was sad!!!! I wasted my time.

One reason I picked Four Winns, was the dealer has a small dock in Boston Harbor for minor repairs. Rather than pulling the boat and..................... You see were I am going!!!!

Searay is big up here, and yes, we did not care for it's lay out ether. More so the storage and the V-berth & the fridge. Also, we even considered buying a left over from a few dealers out of state!!! One local dealer told me that, yes he would "do and honer the warrenty work", but his customers that bought the boat from him would come first.

GOOD LUCK in finding you boat!!!

You will be a GREAT AND PROUD FW OWNER!!!

Everything has been written yet, i would recommend you following details:
if you buy from a dealer a used 268 ask to have installed (included in the 40k) the LCD TV if not yet available and the electric Jabsco toilet. In Italy it's used that the dealer gives a 2 or 1 year warranty on the engine and a newly applied paint on the bottom of the hull. Check if canvass and fabrics are good without spots and mold. Open the bilge closure under the carpet in the cabin and look at fiberglass if it's clean, check around the sterndrive and under the swim platform if are there spots of rust near metallic inserts. Are all safety devices already on board? Are they expired or not?

_________________
2006-288 Vista
"Drogue One" - a starboard story -
2 x Volvo Penta D3 - 160 HP

previous boats:
2001 -FW 268 Vista
1998 FW 258 Vista
2003 Saver 690 Cabin Sport