Four Winns 288 Vista 2004 vs Four Winns Vista 278 2006 - Boat Spec Comparison

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

The Four Winns Vista 278 2006 has a documented max rating of 375 hp. Engine specifications for the Four Winns 288 Vista 2004 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Four Winns 288 Vista 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Four Winns Vista 278 2006 is certified for 8. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Four Winns 288 Vista 2004 measures 116" wide, compared to 104" for the Four Winns Vista 278 2006. 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.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Four Winns 288 Vista 2004 or the Four Winns Vista 278 2006?

The Four Winns Vista 278 2006 has the bigger tank at 85 gallons, versus 12 gallons on the Four Winns 288 Vista 2004. That 73-gallon difference translates to roughly 219–365 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Four Winns 288 Vista 2004 and Four Winns Vista 278 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Four Winns 288 Vista 2004 and the Four Winns Vista 278 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 288 Vista 2004 vs Four Winns Vista 278 2006

Four Winns

Four Winns 288 Vista 2004

2004

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Four Winns

Four Winns Vista 278 2006

2006

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Four Winns 288 Vista 2004 vs Four Winns Vista 278 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Four Winns 288 Vista 2004 vs Four Winns Vista 278 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.

The Four Winns Vista 278 2006 tops out at 375 hp. Engine specs for the Four Winns 288 Vista 2004 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Four Winns Vista 278 2006 carries 85 gallons versus 12 gallons in the Four Winns 288 Vista 2004. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Four Winns 288 Vista 2004 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Four Winns Vista 278 2006 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Four Winns 288 Vista 2004 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Four Winns 288 Vista 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Four Winns Vista 278 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeFour Winns

Makenot available

Model288 Vista

Modelnot available

Model Year2004

Model Yearnot available

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam9 ft. 8 in

Beam8.70 ft

Beam - Meters2.95

Beam - Meters2.65

Beam - Inches116

Beam - Inches104

Deadrise18℃

Deadrisenot available

Draft [max] - Detail38 in

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.97

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Inches38

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Weight - Detail10,100-10,380 lbs

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - kg4708.28

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - lbs.1038

Weight - lbs.not available

Height [transom]9 ft. 4 in

Height [transom]not available

Length overall - Detail30 ft. 9 in. (with Swim Platform)

Length overall - Detail28.50 ft

Length overall - Meters9.37

Length overall - Meters8.69

Length overall - Inches369

Length overall - Inches342

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet28.5

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail120 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters454.25

Fuel tank capacity - Liters321.76

Fuel tank capacity - Gal12

Fuel tank capacity - Gal85

Engine makenot available

Engine makeVolvo

Horsepowernot available

Horsepower375 hp

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Operational Info

Water capacity27 gal

Water capacity25

Maximum capacityYacht

Maximum capacitynot available

Sleeping capacitynot available

Sleeping capacity4

Cabinsnot available

Cabins2

Headnot available

Head1

Holding tank capacity - Galnot available

Holding tank capacity - Gal2

Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available

Holding tank capacity - Liters75.71

Boat typenot available

Boat typePower

Four Winns 288 Vista 2004 vs Four Winns Vista 278 2006 — Common Questions

What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Four Winns Vista 278 2006 has a documented max rating of 375 hp. Engine specifications for the Four Winns 288 Vista 2004 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Four Winns 288 Vista 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Four Winns Vista 278 2006 is certified for 8. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Four Winns 288 Vista 2004 measures 116" wide, compared to 104" for the Four Winns Vista 278 2006. 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 288 Vista 2004 or the Four Winns Vista 278 2006?

The Four Winns Vista 278 2006 has the bigger tank at 85 gallons, versus 12 gallons on the Four Winns 288 Vista 2004. That 73-gallon difference translates to roughly 219–365 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Four Winns 288 Vista 2004 and Four Winns Vista 278 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Four Winns 288 Vista 2004 and the Four Winns Vista 278 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 288 Vista 2004 full specs ← Four Winns Vista 278 2006 full specs