www.iFourWinns.com

I seem to be getting 2 foot -itis was curious if anyone knows the overall length of their 268 on the trailer. Height? I understand all trailers are different so there could be some variants

Thanks
Rick

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2001 Four Winns Vista 248 by rick2752, on Flickr

The 268 is not much different than the 248. I know it wouldn't cure my 2-foot-itis.(more like 10-foot-itis now) You should look at the 278s. I fell in love with them when I was shopping for boats.

248 LOA 26'2" Height on trailer is 10'

268 LOA 28'2" Height on trailer is 10'9" w/o arch and 12'6" w arch.

For the length on trailer just add 2' to your 248 measurement.

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2004 248 Vista "Amante"
MC 5.0MPI/B3

I don't stay that often overnight and we generally trailer. 10ft itus makes it a lot worse to try to move. My trailer must just be a bit different it has an extremely long tongue. Overall length of my 248 trailer is 31ft.

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2001 Four Winns Vista 248 by rick2752, on Flickr

Looking at your pics I don't think your trailer is any longer than mine. I have the FW trailer and I'd say mine is 31-32' as well. I have the removable tongue which probably knocks it down to 28' when removed.

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2004 248 Vista "Amante"
MC 5.0MPI/B3

There is nearly a 2 foot difference in hull length. The trailer would also reflect this. I'll have to measure this when I get back home and have a chance. The 268 has a slightly larger galley, about 8 inches more length in the V berth, at least 8 inches more in the aft cabin, and a little in the engine room. The cockpit is essentially the same size, but notice the difference in the rear seat. The back edge of the 248 seat back is directly above the front edge of the swim platform. The 268 has a rear storage area behind the rear seat that is large enough for fenders or a honda generator, gas can, dock lines, etc. The 268 fore deck is a little larger.

Have a look at the Four Winns Fast Facts for that year. They do not show the overall length on the trailer, but they do list most of the other dimensions you asked about. Hope this helps.

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Surface Interval: A scuba diving term for that time between dives to relax and prepare for life's next great adventure.

Current boat: '02 FW 268 Vista
Previous boat: '95 FW 190 Horizon

This sums it up well. 268 is a nice size, but not sure it's worth moving up to from a 248 unless you have to keep it easily trailerable. The stern storage locker on a 268 is a nice size and the galley has a flip up shelf next to the stairs - I'm not sure if the 248 has that.

If it's doable, go for a 298. Much more room. My two-foot-itis went from a 225-268-318. Enjoyed every boat while we had it. Just not sure I'd learn a whole new boat and take on the risk of the unknown for an extra 2'.

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

I wanted a 268 when I got the 248 but got a good deal on the 248. I think that's part of it. I am also kinda wanting to update a little. Mine is an 01 I think I can get low 20s for it. I found a couple 05s for around 30. My mindset was 4 yrs newer not slot of added cost depending on how mine would sell. My boating consists of a local lake that the 298 would be to big on. And traveling between Cumberland and erie. Trailering is a must.

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2001 Four Winns Vista 248 by rick2752, on Flickr

I agree with you on the styling change. 04-05's are a big difference compared to the 00-01's.

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

I'd look for an 06 278 if you want to still trailer it. I've seen some priced in the low 30s and they are definitely an upgrade from the 248/268s.

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2004 248 Vista "Amante"
MC 5.0MPI/B3

I haven't seen any 06s. I was looking and the latest I can find are 05s. I thought about the 278s as they have newer models but I really like my bow design and floor layout of my boat and the 268s.

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2001 Four Winns Vista 248 by rick2752, on Flickr

My 268 on the factory Four Winns tandem axle trailer is right at 32 feet from the front of the hitch coupler to back edge of the prop with the drive trimmed full up. The rear prop is about 4 inches aft of the rear edge of the swim platform when the drive is in the full up position. Four Winns says the hull length is 28 feet with the swim platform, so there is approx 3 ft 8 inches of trailer tongue ahead of the bow of the boat. The bow anchor roller and anchor extend 15-18 inches ahead of the bow, so the boat with anchor is close to 30 feet with the tongue folded. My trailer came with the folding tongue. Disconnect the brake line at the quick-disconnect fitting, pull the 2 pins, and the tongue can slide forward several inches to expose the hinge, then swing the tongue to the right side and back toward the trailer. This tongue is much heavier than the removable tongue on smaller boats.

Hope this helps. Gary

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Surface Interval: A scuba diving term for that time between dives to relax and prepare for life's next great adventure.

Current boat: '02 FW 268 Vista
Previous boat: '95 FW 190 Horizon

Thank you for all your effort. Do you notice any issues towing with the swing tongue. I was a little worried about it with such a heavy boat.

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2001 Four Winns Vista 248 by rick2752, on Flickr

None at all. It's solid.

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Current:
2000 Sea Ray 380 Sundancer "still Livin the Dream"

Past
2002 268 Vista 5.7 GXI "Livin' the Dream"
1996 Rinker 192 Captiva. "The Simple Life"
1999 Yamaha XLL 1200 Waverunner.
1976 Mercury Marquis tri hull 120 hp

No issues with the swing tongue. The hinged part of the tongue is slid several inches into the square tube on the trailer and held in place with 2 pins.

Keep in mind that the 268 on the trailer with full fuel, water, and other "essentials" ready for a weekend can approach 10,000 lbs. Be sure your tow vehicle is up to it. Also, check your tires. The trailer came with load range D tires. Some brands like Carlisle identify this tire has a load rating of 2200 lbs per tire, or 8800 lbs total. Adding the 5-600 lbs tongue weight brings the total to maybe 9400 lbs. There are several posts on this site and other sites about how many years to run tires. If the trailer is towed short distances at slow speeds you might get 8 to 10 years on a set of tires. That was the situation when we bought our 268. On the 350 mile trip home we blew 2 tires and a third tire developed a bulge. That was late 2011. At that time we installed 4 new load range D tires. Last week we had two of these tires fail on the way from Minneapolis to Lake Superior. We noticed a bulge on one tire at a gas stop. The second tire blew and shredded in spectacular fashion about an hour later on the interstate. You will hear and feel that you blew a tire, but the tow vehicle is still controllable. Within 2 hours the trailer got a new set of load range E tires. The rating of the load range E tire is 2470 lbs instead of the 2200 lb load range D. This means 1080 lbs more load rating for the set of 4 tires. Remember that the tire's date of manufacture is the last 4 digits of the DOT code number.

_________________
Surface Interval: A scuba diving term for that time between dives to relax and prepare for life's next great adventure.

Current boat: '02 FW 268 Vista
Previous boat: '95 FW 190 Horizon

From the back end of the trailer to the front of the winch is 23 feet. From the back end of the trailer to the front end of the trailer with the tongue folded is a about 24 1/2 feet.

_________________
Surface Interval: A scuba diving term for that time between dives to relax and prepare for life's next great adventure.

Current boat: '02 FW 268 Vista
Previous boat: '95 FW 190 Horizon