Matching a deep vee Four Winns SL262 2012 against a modified vee Four Winns V458 2009 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Four Winns V458 2009 measures 44,0 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 17,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Four Winns SL262 2012 at 26,5 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Four Winns SL262 2012 tips the scales at 559 lbs — 556 lbs more than the Four Winns V458 2009 at 3 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 V458 2009 tops out at 600 hp. Engine specs for the Four Winns SL262 2012 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Four Winns SL262 2012 carries 75 gallons versus 38 gallons in the Four Winns V458 2009. 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 V458 2009 is rated for 18 passengers, while the Four Winns SL262 2012 caps at 14. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Four Winns V458 2009 could be the deciding factor.