www.iFourWinns.com

So I was looking around at the new updated Four Winns site and was happy to see they brought the 248 back. Furthermore I noticed that they now have a windlass option. Does anyone know what type of windlass they are using? I wonder if this new windlass would bolt on to my 03 248 without any fiberglass work. Thoughts?

_________________
Walter

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

Walter,

Looks like a Maxwell Veritcal Windlass ($$$$) also looks like they have it slightly off centerline. If you can "get away" with putting it off center by a small amount, it may feed ok, or it may not... It's a crap shoot really. So I would have to say, no you won't be able to get the windlass "on center" without fiberglass work.

I have to say I am suprised to see the 248 back.. But they dropped the "Vista" moniker and is it just me or does it look like they "cheapened" it up?

Maybe I am bias, but my interior looks WAY better than the 08.

_________________
Brett DiMichele

We owned a 2000 248 Vista for 3 years. IMHO, they "simplified " the helm. The large flat area, reserved for charts, in this day and age, was a bit of a waste of space in my opinion. Re designing the seating and making it just facing rather than a wrap around looks lik it will be a touch less tight. I do like the redesign so you don't need to tote a filler cushion.

One important thng they did...left the cabin alone! The 248 had/has the best designed cabin in a 24' boat I've ever seen. It is so well laid out we spent a week at a time on the boat every summer and the three of us rarely felt cramped.

The one thing I hope they did was do a bit of redesign on the hull. It was a wetter hull than I would have liked.

The other big improvement I see is the redesign of the engine hatch. That was the biggest pain in the arse about the boat. We have a freind with a 248 and he complains as much as I did about the engine hatch.

_________________
Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

Gotta agree with both of ya. I love what they did to get to the engine. HUGE IMPROVEMENT THERE!!

Brett I didn't like the new helm or interior selections either but the admiral says it "cool and modern" which after looking a second time I believe that is the look they were going for. I don't think FW would ever do things to take away from the quality of their product. I think we all agree they do a hell of a job in this area. Can't wait till the boat show in Ft. Lauderdale next month to see it in person.

I am really happy to see they put the windlass as an option now if they could only put the radar arch on the boat and genny options (don't see why not) it would have everything i could ever think i would want.

_________________
Walter

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

Walter,

You could add a genset. Westerbeke makes a 3.5 Kilowatt gasoline marine genset that could be added right where the fresh water tank is on the 248. You would have to relocate the fresh water tank, but it can be done (not cheaply though).

The engine hatch is a major improvement, the helm and seats are not!

_________________
Brett DiMichele

Brett,

I am thinking of going with a portable genny for my current boat. I know many will flame me for going with a solution like that but it is what makes sense for me. I think with the right precautions taken it will work for me.

_________________
Walter

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

The Windlass is a Maxwell. Some how, when we ordered our 2007 258, we were able to add the windlass even though it was not a listed option on the FW web site. It is GREAT!!! I highly recommend it.

_________________
Jnizi

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

The Maxwell vertical is a great windlass but it's also nearly two thousand dollars. For $700 you can get a full stainless steel Lewmar Vertical that is lower profile and more attactive, the only thing is that it's not a free fall windlass, it actually powers the anchor down and up, rather than dropping the anchor in freefall mode.

_________________
Brett DiMichele