Four Winns 248 - Any Good ?

Take5

Take5

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Hi,

My business partner, who is also a boating noobie like myself, is toying with the purchase of a Four Winns 248 Vista with a Penta 5.7 GSi (American Import).

Has anyone had much experience with the boat / engine or any general info on said boat?

Thanks in advance.
 
Hi,
Although I have absolutely no personal experience with Four Wins, I have the impression that it is a well respected US sportcruiser brand, But I am a bit suspicious about this size of petrol engine in this size of boats. You might do a bargain on the buying price of the boat, but your friend has to make a decision if he wants to spend something like 50 to 60 liters of petrol per hour while cruising. I know, the Red Diesel issue makes a conclusion or boat purchase even more difficult, but anyway, my opinion about a 8 cyl 5.7 petrol engine is that this is absolutely outdated, and not for a modern european market.
Which engine do you have in your Rinker ? you can tell your partner at least your eperience with fuel consumption as a comparison, whatever type it is.
 
Fellow Forumite Baffled, has one parked 100 yards from Your boat!
Why don't yer bring yer mate along next time.
I,m sure Dave (Baffled) won't mind if you have a look over said vessel.
PM Him why don't yer?
I'm also sure a flick down the river can be sorted, usual rates will apply! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
I used to have a 268 same boat just a tad bigger (as the model no. would suggest) no problems at all good high freeboard so not a bad sea boat. Mine had the same engine once again no problems and was good for about 36 knts so the smaller boat with the same engine should be pretty quick
Cheers
Andy
 
Thanks to all the above for the replies.

BartW: Yes mine also has the 5.7 (Mercruiser) we have only done 3 hours on her so I don't know the full extent of the running costs. But I am working on 10 - 12 gallons per hour.
I know it is going to be a thirsty bugga. I think it is a fine line cost wise with regards to the extra initial purchase cost of the Diesel motor (plus ya won't find a diesel on an import which are cheaper). Thanks for the advice.

Rich: I have been to see one at a brokerage a few miles from me, and thanks for the idea re: Baffled. At this stage I was just after general feedback good or bad on the boat. Thanks again.

Lambada: According to the advert she is good for 42mph. Cheers
 
Personally I wouldn't worry about the petrol. If your friend wants any sort of performance, then don't go for a diesel - the diesels normally found in 25' cruiser's of early 00's vintage are a bit underpowered. I had a 26' Sea Ray with a V8 which used about 8 gallons an hour cruising 22-24 knots. Topped at about 32 knots.

Easy to plane with a full load whereas various stories from people in same yard with diesel 25 footers struggled a little. I took the view of a better boat with V8 than older/slower with diesel. Each to their own though. Have met a few people with Four Winns and they were very happy. Decent reputation and considered one of the better US makes

I'm not anti diesel by the way - now have a twin diesel.
 
Hi Bart,

My Brother had a 268 Vista from new for 4 years with the same engine. Fuel consumption was very good for a petrol. He could easily get 120 miles out of a tank at cruising speed. They are well built boats with a sociable cockpit. The only downside is thet the front V berth tends to be uncomfy if made up into a double and the access to the rear berth is tight if you are large/drunk and especially if both! Very good base spec on the boats and he loved his.

Watch out for some Issues with the outdrives if they are Florida boats. They tend to have problems with gaitors and water ingress due to being lifted in and out in the sun.

I have to question why he is buying an imnport. You can got an 02/03 over here for less than £30k!

Cheers

paul /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]

I have to question why he is buying an imnport. You can got an 02/03 over here for less than £30k!

Cheers

paul /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks again to ALL the above posters for the info.

With regards to the 02 / 03 uk boats for sub £30k. You got any links I must be looking in the wrong places.

Thanks
 
I have a smaller 225 model. It has the V8 5.0L Volvo petrol.

I have been very pleased with it. It seems to be pretty well built ( given its mass produced! ) and goes like stink ( 41kts last Sun on way back from Beulieu /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif ).

If diesel ends up at c £1.25 per litre from Nov, most of the price advantage will have been lost ( for ever ).
 
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