Four Winns 280 Horizon 2005 boat specs
Four Winns
Four Winns 280 Horizon 2005
2005
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VS
Four Winns V258 2009 boat specs
Four Winns
Four Winns V258 2009
2009
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Four Winns 280 Horizon 2005 vs Four Winns V258 2009: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Four Winns 280 Horizon 2005 vs Four Winns V258 2009 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.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Four Winns 280 Horizon 2005 measures 30,0 feet overall (2005), giving it roughly 4,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Four Winns V258 2009 at 26,0 feet (2009). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Four Winns 280 Horizon 2005 tips the scales at 7 140 lbs - 870 lbs more than the Four Winns V258 2009 at 6 270 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The Four Winns V258 2009 tops out at 320 hp. Engine specs for the Four Winns 280 Horizon 2005 aren't listed - confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Four Winns 280 Horizon 2005 carries 130 gallons versus 70 gallons in the Four Winns V258 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Bottom line: The Four Winns 280 Horizon 2005 at 30,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Four Winns V258 2009 at 26,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking - a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
MakeFour Winns
MakeFour Winns
Model280 Horizon
ModelV258
Model Year2005
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam9 ft. 4 in. (2.85 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.55 m)
Beam - Meters2.84
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches112
Beam - Inches102
Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 0 in. (1.52 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail6 ft. 11 in. (2.11 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters1.52
Bridge clearance - Meters2.11
Bridge clearance - Inches60
Bridge clearance - Inches83
Deadrise21℃
Deadrise17℃
Draft [max] - Detail37 in. (94 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (91 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.94
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Inches37
Draft [max] - Inches36
Weight - Detail6,240 - 7,140 lbs. (2,830 - 3,239 kg)
Weight - Detail6,250 - 6,270 lbs. (2,830 - 2,840 kg) with engine
Weight - kg3238.65
Weight - kg2844.02
Weight - lbs.7140
Weight - lbs.6270
Length - Feet30
Length - Feet26
Length - Inches10
Length - Inchesnot available
Length [over all with swim platform]30 ft. 10 in. (9.4 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] - Detail19 in. (48 cm)
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.48
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [drive up] inches19
Height - Detailnot available
Height - Detail8 ft. 5 in. (2.57 m)
Height - Metersnot available
Height - Meters2.57
Height - Inchesnot available
Height - Inches101
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters7.92
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Detail26 ft. 0 in. (7.92 m)
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Meters7.92
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Inches312
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail130 gal. (492 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail70 gal. (265 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters492.1
Fuel tank capacity - Liters264.98
Fuel tank capacity - Gal130
Fuel tank capacity - Gal70
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta 5.0 GXi/DP
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower270 hp
Engine maxnot available
Engine max320 hp
Operational Info
HeadEnclosed with Porta-Potti
Headnot available
Water capacity20 gal. (76 l)
Water capacityPotable: 16 gal. (60 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail9 gal. (34 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail16 gal. (60 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters34.07
Holding tank capacity - Liters60.57
Holding tank capacity - Gal9
Holding tank capacity - Gal16
Headroomnot available
HeadroomMaximum: 5 ft. 10 in. (1.78 m)
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum people10
Trailer Info
Trailer - DetailSee Standard Features
Trailer - Detailnot available
Trailer - Weightnot available
Trailer - Weight1,667 lbs. (756 kg)
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee

Four Winns 280 Horizon 2005 vs Four Winns V258 2009 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Four Winns 280 Horizon 2005 or the Four Winns V258 2009?
The Four Winns 280 Horizon 2005 is the longer of the two at 30,0 feet overall. The Four Winns V258 2009 comes in at 26,0 feet, making it roughly 4,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer - the Four Winns 280 Horizon 2005 or the Four Winns V258 2009?
For trailering, the Four Winns V258 2009 has the edge at 6 270 lbs dry weight versus 7 140 lbs for the Four Winns 280 Horizon 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 V258 2009 has a documented max rating of 320 hp. Engine specifications for the Four Winns 280 Horizon 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 V258 2009 carry?
The Four Winns V258 2009 has an official capacity rating of 10 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison - verify directly with the dealer.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Four Winns 280 Horizon 2005 measures 112" wide, compared to 102" for the Four Winns V258 2009. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states - anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Four Winns 280 Horizon 2005 or the Four Winns V258 2009?
The Four Winns 280 Horizon 2005 has the bigger tank at 130 gallons, versus 70 gallons on the Four Winns V258 2009. That 60-gallon difference translates to roughly 180–300 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Four Winns 280 Horizon 2005 and Four Winns V258 2009 from the same manufacturer?
Yes - both the Four Winns 280 Horizon 2005 and the Four Winns V258 2009 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.