www.iFourWinns.com

We're looking forward to a more open layout and spacious mid cabin.

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

Could not get a more more open layout in a cruiser than you will get in the Chap 290 or the Monterey 290. The permanent V-berth in the V318 cuts over half of the "openness" out of the boats' cabin. Only good for two things, sleeping and throwing junk on it. With the convertible dinette in a 31 ft. boat, you get much more useable space in the cabin, and a mid cabin that is very comfortable for sleeping. But getting this point across, and to be understood, is like beating my head against a wall.

Just offering some food for thought, even though you have no appetite for the entree'

Ben gets it, as I knew he would. Think how many friends you could get in this cabin of the Monterey 290 CR. Because, on a day on Lake Michigan where it is too rough to go out, or a rainy day. You are pretty much stuck on your boat. How nice would it be to have 6 or more people gathered in the cabin, cool and dry in this one ?

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

I'm with ya, Cap'n. You're talking a whole lotta sense.

This thread is causing my "itis" to flare up in a bad way. I really like the way Chappy is making their boats. Our next move may be to 30-32' Chap. I don't want to hijack the thread, but what do folks think about the build quality/fit and finish of Chap vs. Four Winns vs. Sea Ray? I ask because I've liked what I've seen of the Chaps at boat shows, but never really been on one that's been "lived on" for a while.

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2006 Vista 258
2007 Yukon Denali

It does have a nice layout, and looks very user friendly. I'll give you that. From being on a Monty 302, there is quite a bit of storage space lacking in and around the galley when compared to a 318.

Having young kids, having a bed made up full time and ready to go is a very nice feature. Making up the V-berth in the 268 for our son was a PITA after a while.

We may need to start a SundayDinner upgrade thread once my upgrade is done.

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

Capn is talking a ton of sense. But don't forget he is going to have a newborn. Having a table to entertain will not be needed.

+1 on how nice it is to have a bed ready to go anytime.

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Happy Hour - Raleigh, NC
2008 Four Winns V318 350 MAG BR3

Previous Boats
2002 Four Winns 268 Vista 5.7 GSI Duoprop

You know I'm not shy with an opinion, so I'll start. Chap quality, fit and finish is on par with the leading express builders IMO. Those include Sea Ray, Regal, Monterey. On a level just up from these is Formula and Cobalt. Just under those IMO is Four Winns and Crownline. Not that any of them make a bad boat at all, it's just a matter of preference, and materials and how each builder puts them together as a package.

After that mouthful..... I have a neighbor in our last marina that has a Chap 330 Signature. The cabin layout is awesome. Once converted, the forward dinette make one of the largest "V-berth's" I have seen in this size boat. As far as hassle goes, the front dinette table is electrically operated and raises and lowers with the push of a button. Making the bed takes less than 5 minutes.


And the center walkthrough in the cockpit makes for lots of entertaining space.


His boat was outstanding on Lake Michigan in rougher conditions, better than a buddys' 330DA that I have been on several times. When you are spending the kind of money that a newer 31" to 35' cruiser costs, it really pays to shop around and look at what other builders offer. You can often find more than you thought for your hard earned $'s.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

That's the thing I struggle with most - the fixed bed debate. Like Fire, we have a 7 year old and plan on 1 or 2 more. It's becoming a giant PITA to set up that v-berth, so a fixed bed seems appealing. With that said, it's also becoming a giant PITA figuring out how to entertain a 7 year old on a rainy day trapped on the boat. So, a more open cabin layout seems appealing. We shall see.

We're in our 258 for at least another season, so if you're going to start the thread, do it around October.....

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2006 Vista 258
2007 Yukon Denali

I put Chap quality on par with FW. Monterey is a step down, at least from the '03 I looked at. The new boats is pretty darn close to FW. Sea Ray you are paying a LOT for the name.

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

Always a wise and valued opinion, Cap'n. Your well-informed opinions match up with my less-informed speculation. LOVE the layout of that Chap you posted! Somebody get me a six pack and take me to a boat show.

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2006 Vista 258
2007 Yukon Denali

Book a flight with me tomorrow and you'll see plenty of boats!

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

Stay away from the salty boats sundaydinner, it's not worth the savings over a fresh water boat. I've seen too many people fall into the trap of the lower price, only to have maintenance nightmares that can cost big bucks show up a year or two after they bought the boat. A survey can only detect so much, not everything.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

As a happy owner of a 338, I can see why Firecadet likes the 318. I look at this as a chocolate/vanilla issue and what you want out of boating. The other layouts are beautiful and may be more functional in certain circumstances. We primarily boat as a couple and really like the comfort of having a main berth ready to go. Setting up the mid berth is easy to do but don't need to unless we are having guests stay with us. As a couple with one on the way, I see having a quiet comfortable spot to have the little one nap without having to set up the mid berth a real advantage for Firecadet and his clan.

We have decided that we mainly entertain on deck with 7+ people easy to do. If the weather is that bad, we can fit 6+ downstairs between the couch, padded stairs in front of the closets, etc. Would I like to seat a ton of people below deck, sure but we were OK with that trade off for the comfort, convenience and storage in the 338 lay out.

Just my 2 cents.

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Jnizi

2007 Vista 338 "Better Yet"
Previously:
2007 Vista 258 " Just Right"
2005 Horizon 230

The only salt I like on my boat is the kind you sprinkle on steaks or around the rim of a margarita.

To each his own, and I'm sure there are well-maintained salty boats out there, but for me, when you're spending that much $$$, the maintenance risks of a salty boat are too much of a risk.

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2006 Vista 258
2007 Yukon Denali

Sundaydinner +1 !!!

jinzi, great points you make. In your case, the V338(V318) is a wonderful boat for 2 people and some freinds when
they visit. It should also be adequate for Fire for the short term. But IMO, it's not a great boat for a family of four as
the kids grow. It can be outgrown very quickly. But as quick as Fire changes boats, this one could only be with his clan
for a few short years anyway. I'm sure it will seem like an oceanliner compared to his V268.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy