When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Four Winns Horizon 260 2012 and the Four Winns V475 2013 are deep vee designs with fiberglass construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Four Winns V475 2013 measures 49,3 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 23,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the Four Winns Horizon 260 2012 at 26,0 feet (2012). At 51 lbs and 3 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 Horizon 260 2012 carries a rated maximum of 380 hp. Engine data for the Four Winns V475 2013 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Four Winns V475 2013 carries 38 gallons versus 7 gallons in the Four Winns Horizon 260 2012. 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 V475 2013 is rated for 18 passengers, while the Four Winns Horizon 260 2012 caps at 13. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Four Winns V475 2013 could be the deciding factor.