I don't see VEC featured on the 4 Winns site? I know they are Genmar
though - so quite possible.

-W


--

PLEASE NOTE: Email address change from to

"Mikhael" wrote in message
.. .
Four Winns use the same VEC hull construction as Glastron and Larson. I
was
shopping for a new bowrider earlier this year and the Four Winns and
Crownline were on my short list. I looked at the larsons and the
glastrons
but the glastron just didn't do anything for me, and the larson was a
little
more money than I wanted to spend. I also looked at Maxum (Bayliner but
trimmed up nicer).

My FourWinns Freedom 180 did come Merc equipped (4.3l Carbed) and there
were
other options available. There is a fish and ski model. Glastron has the
same options on it's SX175 (comparable boat). The SX175 was a bit smaller
than the Freedom and it was a little more expensive. Plus the closest
dealer for Glastron was too far away for my liking.

The Larson was very nice, but like I said, priced too much higher than the
FourWinns to make it a choice for me. The SEi is the model that was
closest
to what I purchased. Mine came to 33k after all was said and done. Thats
in Canadian funds, so after the conversion, that's like 15 bucks US or
something (kidding).

Someone mentioned earlier to find a dealer that has a good reputation and
go
with whatever they sell, but I think it would be better if you attended a
boat show (don't buy at the boat show). This will give you a chance to
see
each boat within close proximity of each other and see the actual
differences between them.

Mike

"Clams Canino" wrote in message
news:hgrVa.5362$Oz4.1711@rwcrnsc54...
Actually Larson *and* Glastron - same manufacturer. Same VEC hull, same
warantee. See both.

Also see the new line of Starcraft C-Star Bowriders. they come in 16,
17,
and 18 footers. Very nicely built.

I'd also avoid the smaller Bayliner.

For Starcraft see Randy at Owens Marine in Hookset - tell him "Wayne the
inline 6 guy" sent you. I have a steady parts relationship with them.
I'm
about to try to squeeze a cheap hull only out of them, even if you don't
buy - the fact that I'm on the internet pulling for them will help me
out
of
my disaster a little. (hint) I do want to note that I endorse the
Starcraft hull - no matter *who* you buy it from - It's just that if you
went to Owens and dropped my name - it could help us both.

Four Winns is a great hull too. Would be nice if they could be Merc
powered.

If you do Portsmouth harbor, tie up at Newicks dock and go up for a
seafood
platter. To die for.

-W ( a close neighbor )



"Steve Barker" wrote in message
...
You should seriously consider the Larson. With the limited lifetime
warranty of the VEC hull, you can hardly go wrong. Check them out at
www.larsonboats.com

Their 18 foot bowrider is an excellent value.

--
Steve (here to have fun) Barker
Stilwell, Kansas
UP (MoPac) Coffeyville Sub MP 308
Coolpix 995 / PSP 7.04
PS 7 in the background waiting to be learnt.

=======================
Remove the not dot from my address to abuse my email box
"alincoln" wrote in message
om...
Hi all,

I have been researching and planning a boat purchase for some months
now. I have been reading as much literature as possible and walking
the marinas in my area for the last month. Basically in the market
for a bowrider, 18-19'. I've considered the following...Chaparrel,
Four Winns, Bayliner, Tahoe and most recently, Cobalt. My budget is
top end $18,000.00 so the Cobalt is off the table...Not to mention
this will be a starter boat. I want to trailer the boat, so I can
travel to different lakes. The boat will be primarily Freshwater in
the NH Lakes Region...maybe a trip or two in Portsmouth Harbor.

But I read some interesting posts about boat construction and
materials, specifically about certain manufacturers using
wood/plastic/fiberglass. My question is how does one educate
themselves on this? I suppose I could keep reading this news-group,
but I'm guessing there must be some book/web-site/etc... where you
can
go and get a summary of the different boat manufacturers and the
materials they use...

tia,

adym