FOUR WINNS 248 VISTA boating

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The 248 Vista has a thick, solid look to it — and the capable ride lives up to the promise of that look. When we describe the boat as "thick," in this case, we mean it as a compliment. The 248 still has sweeping lines that give the hull design plenty of movement, but the sturdy appearance gives notice that the boat has the constitution of an ox.

The boat offers the solid feel of a craft heavier than its actual 5,970 pounds. During our ride through Sarasota Bay, the 248 Vista was able to handle the seas and chop from every direction. We used the trim tabs to level the boat in cross-seas, where we were heeling slightly from the swells and wind.

Our test boat was powered by a 270 hp Volvo Penta 5.0 GXI DuoProp stern drive, which is the base engine. The 248 Vista is not exactly a svelte model, so with this lower-tier engine, it took us close to 8 seconds to reach plane.

Moreover, this affected top speed, which was 40.2 mph (at 4,800 rpm) during our test. Cruising speed was around 20 mph, at 3,000 rpm, with two adults and 3/4 of a tank of fuel on board.

The 40.2 mph top speed is acceptable, but nothing to write home about. We'd definitely upgrade to at least the Volvo Penta 5.7 DP, which is a step up to 280 hp and, according to the folks at Four Winns, raises the top speed to approximately 45 mph. If this were a light bowrider, you could probably get away with the 5.0, but a cuddy cabin this size needs a nice powerplant behind it, so spend the extra $1,200 for the 5.7. It's worth it.

The 248 Vista has a capacity of 10 persons or 2,250 pounds; however, we'd recommend you bring along no more than 8 people if you want everyone to be truly comfortable.

Four Winns gave the boat a nice 70-gallon gas tank, so there's enough fuel to actually go somewhere. Even at top speed with the 5.7, you still get over 2 miles to the gallon.

Four Winns falls under the Genmar umbrella, so it almost goes without saying that the fiberglass on the 248 Vista is exceptional — but to be on the safe side, we're stating now that the finish was lovely. VEC construction pays off again.

New owners of the 248 Vista receive free enrollment in the Genmar FirstMate program for the first year. This exclusive service offers instant access to live information and assistance — and it is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

On with the Tour

The cockpit is broken up into three distinct areas, but the disparate areas all flow into one another, giving the entire area an open feel.

The first area is the helm. The helm console runs amidships and goes two thirds of the way across the starboard side of the boat. The remaining stretch is left for the entryway to the cabin. In addition, a fiberglass stairway is built into the console, allowing you to climb up to the topside area of the bow.

The doublewide captain's seat at the helm is befitting of the extra-large console. It can easily seat two full-size adults — and maybe even a third person if he or she is petite.

The helm also includes a full set of instrumentation. Moreover, our test boat was equipped with the optional Navigation Package, which includes a Raymarine GPS system.

The second area of the cockpit is the U-shaped settee that wraps along the back side of the captain's seat, continues down the starboard side of the boat and then winds back along the stern. This great conversation space is where everyone will want to hang out.

The third area is the swim platform (which technically isn't part of the cockpit, but just go with it). The large swim step means more room to stretch your legs, and it makes it a snap to board the boat.

The cabin is a welcome retreat into more luxury items, including an impressive galley. If you spring for the 248 Vista's optional Marina Package, the galley gets the addition of a microwave oven and an electric stove.

You can also upgrade to a porcelain head (with a holding tank) in the head compartment. Three to four people can sleep on board, thanks to the V-berth at the bow and the second berth hidden back under the cockpit.

Nicely finished cherry wood veneer runs throughout the cabin. The look of wood gives the space an added richness.

The Four Winns 248 Vista is a solid, comfortable cuddy cruiser that makes overnight stays on board a total treat. Four Winns gives the boat a good number of standard luxury features and then lets you add even more if you desire; however, the ultimate luxury is peace of mind, and with this seaworthy craft, that feature is always part of the package.