Four Winns 248 Vista 2005 vs Four Winns SL242 2008 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Four Winns 248 Vista 2005 or the Four Winns SL242 2008?

The Four Winns 248 Vista 2005 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Four Winns SL242 2008 comes in at 24,0 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Four Winns 248 Vista 2005 or the Four Winns SL242 2008?

For trailering, the Four Winns SL242 2008 has the edge at 508 lbs dry weight versus 597 lbs for the Four Winns 248 Vista 2005. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Q: What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Four Winns SL242 2008 has a documented max rating of 375 hp. Engine specifications for the Four Winns 248 Vista 2005 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

Q: How many passengers can the Four Winns SL242 2008 carry?

The Four Winns SL242 2008 has an official capacity rating of 12 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Four Winns 248 Vista 2005 and Four Winns SL242 2008 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Four Winns 248 Vista 2005 or the Four Winns SL242 2008?

The Four Winns SL242 2008 has the bigger tank at 58 gallons, versus 7 gallons on the Four Winns 248 Vista 2005. That 51-gallon difference translates to roughly 153–255 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Four Winns 248 Vista 2005 and Four Winns SL242 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Four Winns 248 Vista 2005 and the Four Winns SL242 2008 are built by Four Winns. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Four Winns 248 Vista 2005 vs Four Winns SL242 2008

Four Winns

Four Winns 248 Vista 2005

2005

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Four Winns

Four Winns SL242 2008

2008

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Four Winns 248 Vista 2005 vs Four Winns SL242 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Four Winns 248 Vista 2005 vs Four Winns SL242 2008 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Four Winns 248 Vista 2005 at 26,0 ft versus Four Winns SL242 2008 at 24,0 ft. At 597 lbs and 508 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The Four Winns SL242 2008 tops out at 375 hp. Engine specs for the Four Winns 248 Vista 2005 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Four Winns SL242 2008 carries 58 gallons versus 7 gallons in the Four Winns 248 Vista 2005. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Bottom line: The Four Winns 248 Vista 2005 and Four Winns SL242 2008 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.

General Boat Info

MakeFour Winns

Model248 Vista

ModelSL242

Model Year2005

Model Year2008

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - Detail6 ft. 9 in. (2.06 m)

Bridge clearance - Detailnot available

Bridge clearance - Meters2.06

Bridge clearance - Metersnot available

Bridge clearance - Inches81

Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available

Deadrise17℃

Deadrise20℃

Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (91 cm)

Draft [max] - Detail33 in. (84 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Meters0.84

Draft [max] - Inches36

Draft [max] - Inches33

Weight - Detail5,930 - 5,970 lbs. (2.690 - 2.708 kg)

Weight - DetailWith Engine: 4,870 - 5,080 lbs. (2,210 - 2,300 kg)

Weight - kg2707.94

Weight - kg2304.25

Weight - lbs.597

Weight - lbs.508

Length - Meters7.98

Length - Meters7.44

Length - Feet26

Length - Feet24

Length - Inches2

Length - Inches5

Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 2 in. (7.98 m)

Length [over all with swim platform]not available

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Detail6 ft. 4 in. (1.93 m)

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Meters1.93

Height - Inchesnot available

Height - Inches76

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Detail24 ft. 5 in. (7.44 m)

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Meters7.44

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Inches293

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail70 gal. (265 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail58 gal. (220 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters264.98

Fuel tank capacity - Liters219.55

Fuel tank capacity - Gal7

Fuel tank capacity - Gal58

Drive typeI/O

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardVolvo Penta 5.7 Gi/DP 300 hp

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Engine maxnot available

Engine max375 hp

Operational Info

HeadFiberglass enclosed stand-up head

Headnot available

Water capacity20 gal. (76 l)

Water capacityPotable: 15 gal. (57 l)

Maximum capacity2,350 lbs. (1.066 kg)

Maximum capacity2,100 lbs. (953 kg)

Holding tank capacity - Detail3 gal. (11 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available

Holding tank capacity - Liters11.36

Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available

Holding tank capacity - Gal3

Holding tank capacity - Galnot available

Maximum peoplenot available

Maximum people12

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Trailer Info

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - DetailSure-Load? custom-matched, tandem axle with tandem brakes

Four Winns 248 Vista 2005 vs Four Winns SL242 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Four Winns 248 Vista 2005 or the Four Winns SL242 2008?

The Four Winns 248 Vista 2005 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Four Winns SL242 2008 comes in at 24,0 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Four Winns 248 Vista 2005 or the Four Winns SL242 2008?

For trailering, the Four Winns SL242 2008 has the edge at 508 lbs dry weight versus 597 lbs for the Four Winns 248 Vista 2005. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Four Winns SL242 2008 has a documented max rating of 375 hp. Engine specifications for the Four Winns 248 Vista 2005 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

How many passengers can the Four Winns SL242 2008 carry?

The Four Winns SL242 2008 has an official capacity rating of 12 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Four Winns 248 Vista 2005 and Four Winns SL242 2008 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Four Winns 248 Vista 2005 or the Four Winns SL242 2008?

The Four Winns SL242 2008 has the bigger tank at 58 gallons, versus 7 gallons on the Four Winns 248 Vista 2005. That 51-gallon difference translates to roughly 153–255 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Four Winns 248 Vista 2005 and Four Winns SL242 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Four Winns 248 Vista 2005 and the Four Winns SL242 2008 are built by Four Winns. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Four Winns 248 Vista 2005 full specs ← Four Winns SL242 2008 full specs