Four Winns H260 2021 vs Four Winns Vista 278 2006 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat - the Four Winns H260 2021 or the Four Winns Vista 278 2006?

The Four Winns Vista 278 2006 is the longer of the two at 28,5 feet overall. The Four Winns H260 2021 comes in at 26,6 feet, making it roughly 1,9 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Four Winns Vista 278 2006 is rated to a maximum of 375 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Four Winns H260 2021 tops out at 300 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that - matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Four Winns H260 2021 is Coast Guard rated for 8 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 Vista 278 2006 measures 104" wide, compared to 102" for the Four Winns H260 2021. 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 H260 2021 or the Four Winns Vista 278 2006?

The Four Winns Vista 278 2006 has the bigger tank at 85 gallons, versus 70 gallons on the Four Winns H260 2021. That 15-gallon difference translates to roughly 45–75 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Four Winns H260 2021 and Four Winns Vista 278 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Four Winns H260 2021 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 H260 2021 vs Four Winns Vista 278 2006

Four Winns

Four Winns H260 2021

2021

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Four Winns

Four Winns Vista 278 2006

2006

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Four Winns H260 2021 vs Four Winns Vista 278 2006: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Four Winns H260 2021 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 375 hp, the Four Winns Vista 278 2006 has a 75-hp advantage over the Four Winns H260 2021's 300-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Four Winns Vista 278 2006 carries 85 gallons versus 70 gallons in the Four Winns H260 2021. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 8 passengers - a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Four Winns Vista 278 2006 and its 375-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Four Winns H260 2021 with its 300-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

Measurements / Dimensions

Length overall - Detail26.60 ft

Length overall - Detail28.50 ft

Length - Feet26.6

Length - Feet28.5

Length overall - Meters8.11

Length overall - Meters8.69

Length overall - Inches319

Length overall - Inches342

Beam8.50 ft

Beam8.70 ft

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters2.65

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches104

Draft [max] - Detail2.11 ft

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.64

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Inches25

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Draft Min1.60 ft

Draft Minnot available

Displacement5100.00 lbs

Displacementnot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Gal70

Fuel tank capacity - Gal85

Fuel tank capacity - Liters264.98

Fuel tank capacity - Liters321.76

Engine makeMercrusier

Engine makeVolvo

Horsepower300 hp

Horsepower375 hp

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Operational Info

Head1

Water capacity12

Water capacity25

Boat typePower

Sleeping capacitynot available

Sleeping capacity4

Cabinsnot available

Cabins2

Holding tank capacity - Galnot available

Holding tank capacity - Gal20

Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available

Holding tank capacity - Liters75.71

Four Winns H260 2021 vs Four Winns Vista 278 2006 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Four Winns H260 2021 or the Four Winns Vista 278 2006?

The Four Winns Vista 278 2006 is the longer of the two at 28,5 feet overall. The Four Winns H260 2021 comes in at 26,6 feet, making it roughly 1,9 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Four Winns Vista 278 2006 is rated to a maximum of 375 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Four Winns H260 2021 tops out at 300 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that - matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Four Winns H260 2021 is Coast Guard rated for 8 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 Vista 278 2006 measures 104" wide, compared to 102" for the Four Winns H260 2021. 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 H260 2021 or the Four Winns Vista 278 2006?

The Four Winns Vista 278 2006 has the bigger tank at 85 gallons, versus 70 gallons on the Four Winns H260 2021. That 15-gallon difference translates to roughly 45–75 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Four Winns H260 2021 and Four Winns Vista 278 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Four Winns H260 2021 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 H260 2021 full specs ← Four Winns Vista 278 2006 full specs