Four Winns 278 Vista 2005 vs Four Winns 278 Vista 2006 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Four Winns 278 Vista 2005 or the Four Winns 278 Vista 2006?

The Four Winns 278 Vista 2006 is the longer of the two at 28,0 feet overall. The Four Winns 278 Vista 2005 comes in at 28,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Four Winns 278 Vista 2005 or the Four Winns 278 Vista 2006?

For trailering, the Four Winns 278 Vista 2005 has the edge at 68 lbs dry weight versus 71 lbs for the Four Winns 278 Vista 2006. 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: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Four Winns 278 Vista 2005 and Four Winns 278 Vista 2006?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 85 gallons and 85 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Four Winns 278 Vista 2005 and Four Winns 278 Vista 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Four Winns 278 Vista 2005 and the Four Winns 278 Vista 2006 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 278 Vista 2005 vs Four Winns 278 Vista 2006

Four Winns

Four Winns 278 Vista 2005

2005

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Four Winns

Four Winns 278 Vista 2006

2006

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Four Winns 278 Vista 2005 vs Four Winns 278 Vista 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Four Winns 278 Vista 2005 vs Four Winns 278 Vista 2006 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 278 Vista 2005 at 28,0 ft versus Four Winns 278 Vista 2006 at 28,0 ft. At 68 lbs and 71 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.

Bottom line: The Four Winns 278 Vista 2005 and Four Winns 278 Vista 2006 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

Model278 Vista

Model Year2005

Model Year2006

Measurements / Dimensions

Bridge clearance - Detail7 ft. without arch

Bridge clearance - DetailWith arch: 9 ft. 7 in

Bridge clearance - Meters2.13

Bridge clearance - Meters2.92

Bridge clearance - Inches84

Bridge clearance - Inches115

Deadrise17℃

Draft [max] - Detail39 in. (99 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.99

Draft [max] - Inches39

Weight - Detail6,800 lbs. (3,084 kg)

Weight - Detail6,880 - 7,100 lbs. (3,140 - 3,220 kg)

Weight - kg3084.43

Weight - kg3220.5

Weight - lbs.68

Weight - lbs.71

Length - Meters8.64

Length - Feet28

Length - Inches4

Length [over all with swim platform]28 ft. 4 in. (8.64 m)

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail85 gal. (322 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters321.76

Fuel tank capacity - Gal85

Drive typeI/O

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardVolvo Penta 5.7Gi/Duoprop 280 hp

Operational Info

HeadPorcelain with holding tank

Water capacity25 gal. (95 l)

Water capacity20 gal. (76 l)

Water heater capacity6 gal

Water heater capacitynot available

Holding tank capacity - Detail20 gal. (6 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detail21 gal. (79 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters75.71

Holding tank capacity - Liters79.49

Holding tank capacity - Gal2

Holding tank capacity - Gal21

Four Winns 278 Vista 2005 vs Four Winns 278 Vista 2006 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Four Winns 278 Vista 2005 or the Four Winns 278 Vista 2006?

The Four Winns 278 Vista 2006 is the longer of the two at 28,0 feet overall. The Four Winns 278 Vista 2005 comes in at 28,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Four Winns 278 Vista 2005 or the Four Winns 278 Vista 2006?

For trailering, the Four Winns 278 Vista 2005 has the edge at 68 lbs dry weight versus 71 lbs for the Four Winns 278 Vista 2006. 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.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Four Winns 278 Vista 2005 and Four Winns 278 Vista 2006?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 85 gallons and 85 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Are the Four Winns 278 Vista 2005 and Four Winns 278 Vista 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Four Winns 278 Vista 2005 and the Four Winns 278 Vista 2006 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 278 Vista 2005 full specs ← Four Winns 278 Vista 2006 full specs