Four Winns 288 Vista 2005 vs Four Winns V288 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Four Winns 288 Vista 2005 or the Four Winns V288 2009?

The Four Winns V288 2009 is the longer of the two at 3,0 feet overall. The Four Winns 288 Vista 2005 comes in at 3,0 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 288 Vista 2005 or the Four Winns V288 2009?

For trailering, the Four Winns V288 2009 has the edge at 1 019 lbs dry weight versus 1 038 lbs for the Four Winns 288 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 V288 2009 has a documented max rating of 270 hp. Engine specifications for the Four Winns 288 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 V288 2009 carry?

The Four Winns V288 2009 has an official capacity rating of 1 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 288 Vista 2005 and Four Winns V288 2009 share an 9 ft. 8 in. (2.95 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: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Four Winns 288 Vista 2005 and Four Winns V288 2009?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 12 gallons and 12 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 288 Vista 2005 and Four Winns V288 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Four Winns 288 Vista 2005 and the Four Winns V288 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.

Boat Comparison

Four Winns 288 Vista 2005 vs Four Winns V288 2009

Four Winns

Four Winns 288 Vista 2005

2005

View full specs →

Four Winns

Four Winns V288 2009

2009

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Four Winns 288 Vista 2005 vs Four Winns V288 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Four Winns 288 Vista 2005 vs Four Winns V288 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Four Winns 288 Vista 2005 at 3,0 ft versus Four Winns V288 2009 at 3,0 ft. At 1 038 lbs and 1 019 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 V288 2009 tops out at 270 hp. Engine specs for the Four Winns 288 Vista 2005 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 12 gal and 12 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Bottom line: The Four Winns 288 Vista 2005 and Four Winns V288 2009 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

Model288 Vista

ModelV288

Model Year2005

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam9 ft. 8 in. (2.95 m)

Beam - Meters2.95

Beam - Inches116

Bridge clearance - Detail9 ft. 0 in. with arch

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 9 ft. 4 in. (2.85 m) excludes electronics

Bridge clearance - Meters2.74

Bridge clearance - Meters2.84

Bridge clearance - Inches108

Bridge clearance - Inches112

Deadrise18℃

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

Draft [max] - Detail38 in. (97 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.99

Draft [max] - Meters0.97

Draft [max] - Inches39

Draft [max] - Inches38

Weight - Detail10,100 - 10,380 lbs. (4,581 - 4,708 kg)

Weight - Detail9,510 - 10,190 lbs. (4,310 - 4,600 kg) with engine

Weight - kg4708.28

Weight - kg4622.1

Weight - lbs.1038

Weight - lbs.1019

Length - Meters9.14

Length - Feet3

Length - Inches9

Length - Inchesnot available

Length [over all with swim platform]30 ft. 9 in. (9.14 m)

Length [over all with swim platform]not available

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] - Detail27 in. (68 cm)

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.69

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

Draft [drive up] inches27

Height - Detailnot available

Height - DetailWith Arch: 11 ft. 2 in. (3.4 m) excludes electronics

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Meters3.4

Height - Inchesnot available

Height - Inches134

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Detail30 ft. 0 in. (9.14 m)

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Meters9.14

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Inches36

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail120 gal. (454 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters454.25

Fuel tank capacity - Gal12

Drive typeI/O

Drive typeI/O - Twin

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Twin 5.0 GXi/SX

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas or Diesel

Horsepowernot available

Horsepower270 hp

Engine maxnot available

Engine maxTwin 270 hp

Operational Info

HeadPorcelain with holding tank

Headnot available

Water capacity27 gal. (102 l)

Water capacityPotable: 27 gal. (102 l)

Water heater capacity6 gal

Water heater capacitynot available

Holding tank capacity - Detail25 gal. (94 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detail25 gal. (95 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters94.64

Holding tank capacity - Gal25

Headroomnot available

HeadroomMaximum: 6 ft. 3 in. (1.91 m)

Maximum peoplenot available

Maximum people1

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Four Winns 288 Vista 2005 vs Four Winns V288 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Four Winns 288 Vista 2005 or the Four Winns V288 2009?

The Four Winns V288 2009 is the longer of the two at 3,0 feet overall. The Four Winns 288 Vista 2005 comes in at 3,0 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 288 Vista 2005 or the Four Winns V288 2009?

For trailering, the Four Winns V288 2009 has the edge at 1 019 lbs dry weight versus 1 038 lbs for the Four Winns 288 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 V288 2009 has a documented max rating of 270 hp. Engine specifications for the Four Winns 288 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 V288 2009 carry?

The Four Winns V288 2009 has an official capacity rating of 1 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 288 Vista 2005 and Four Winns V288 2009 share an 9 ft. 8 in. (2.95 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.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Four Winns 288 Vista 2005 and Four Winns V288 2009?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 12 gallons and 12 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 288 Vista 2005 and Four Winns V288 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Four Winns 288 Vista 2005 and the Four Winns V288 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.

← Four Winns 288 Vista 2005 full specs ← Four Winns V288 2009 full specs