www.iFourWinns.com

Hi All,

Just wanted to introduce myself and tap some of the knowledge bases here. I just upgraded from a 17' open bow to my now 25' Vista. I'm pretty excited and nervous. I have read some very bad comments from people about this boat on other forum's and must say, made me nervous. I feel like I got the boat for a really really good price as it needed some cleaning. Mechanically, checks out fine.

Can anyone give me some things they think I should watch? take particular care of as they are known issues?

I really am looking forward to a great summer on the Great Lakes, hopefully nobody is going to tell me I made to bad of a mistake

Thanks all!

Let summer begin!!

_________________
94 258 Vista
5.8 OMC Cobra EFI/V8 OMC Cobra outdrive.

Congrats and welcome ! I have a 98 258 Vista and I LOVE IT !! I've been on tons of 25' cruisers , SeaRays , Crownlines , Bayliners, Regals, Rinkers , you name it . I like mine better . Happy Boating !

_________________
1998 VISTA 258

Welcome to the family.....Rule numbers 1 & 2...

Post a picture and put your engine/drive info in your signature block. Makes providing advice much easier!

Welcome aboard.

_________________
-Tony
2016 Robalo R200 w/Yahama 200!

Previous boats:
2003 Four Winns 248 Vista - sold
1994 Sunbird Corsair 200 - sold
1980 Checkmate Predictor - sold

Thanks ALL! i will post pictures as soon as I can. I actually take delivery Friday. I plan on having a great summer on it. Dealer called me today. I had them service the outdrive and engine. Have to replace the exhaust bellow. Was hoping they would cover it, but they wont. Guess they figured I got the boat at a good price, they weren't gonna loose more.

_________________
94 258 Vista
5.8 OMC Cobra EFI/V8 OMC Cobra outdrive.

Congrats on the new boat!!

I have a "07" V258 and bought it last year as a dealer left over. Never been tiltled.

I have never been on a "94" V258, but have seen pics of one. If your fuse box is under the shift control like mine. I had rain water running into it.

If you look at your compass (as a starting point) and fellow the how the helm curves to the right. As it meets the side of the boat, as in were the shifter is mounted. Is there a gap there? Can you see a bundle of wires? If so, seal that gap.

In my case, water was running off, going thought that crack to the wires. Running down the wires & into the fuse box.

Congrats on the boat! When we bought our boat, I received some not so nice comments on here about how it was a "junk" boat and that we made a mistake buying it. Don't let it get you down if someone does. People love our boat, as do we. You will love slipping as well!!

_________________
Wayne & Kari
00' V338 Four Winns

Well, Yesterday was the inaugural launching. She floats great and starts right up. I think the old gas that was in her may give me some troubles, because she runs super smooth but every once in a while at high power it coughs (drops about 1000 rpm) then comes right back. Don't seem to have any other issues.

I can tell the boat has not run in a bit, little by little, things are coming to life. The Shore Power light wouldn't come on at first, but now it does. The oil pressure gauge didn't work (mechanic at the dealer told me about that) and now it does. So all-in-all I'm pretty happy!

On a side note, Not sure I'm allowed to do this and if I'm not, Admin tell me and I'll take it down. Just wanted to warn people. NEVER EVER buy anything from Skipper Budds maraina. Its a chain and mine is in Port Clinton, OH. Man, I was treated better at WalMart when I went to buy a 3.99 part to tow the boat, than I was buying my boat. The salesman ignored me, they had no idea where my boat was, yet they were the ones that set the time up. Oh I could go on and on, but just wanted to warn people. What a horrific experience!

Thank Paul I for the Tip!! I'm gonna check that out today when I get to her!

_________________
94 258 Vista
5.8 OMC Cobra EFI/V8 OMC Cobra outdrive.

I have owned 2 258's, a 94 and the 99 that I have now. I am quite familiar with the boat and would be glad to help you out with any questions or problems.

_________________
Inboard, outboard, onboard never bored
KUT 'N LOOSE
'99 258 VISTA

Thank you so much! for the most part, I am just loving this boat! Have a charger issue right now... but am sure I will get it figured out! I really appreciate the support!

_________________
94 258 Vista
5.8 OMC Cobra EFI/V8 OMC Cobra outdrive.

I'm also a newbie, since I got my '94 258 Vista last December (upgraded from . . . well . . . nothing. It's my first boat). I keep it on the James River in Virginia and have taken it out a few times. So far my issues have been minor, and I've been fixing them one-by-one (with some . . . a lot of . . . help from the owner of my marina). I'm glad this forum exists. It's been a helpful.

_________________
1994 Vista 258
454 OMC/King Cobra Outdrive

I tell every one, join a yacht club! Much cheaper than a marina!!! More seasoned boaters there too!