www.iFourWinns.com

I'm interested in getting a 2008 278, but was curious to know how much weight exactly I would be towing. Also does anyone know the bridge clearance with the Tower attached? It says 7' on boattest.com but I think that is without the tower. Thanks again

Check out the Fast Facts link on the Four Winns website. It is a very interesting read and it shows fuel flow data and other info that is important. I know some will say that the data isnt what they have experienced, but I think its pretty close. It says that it is 11'4" in the water with a bridge clearance of 9'7" including the arch. The total weight including trailer is very close to 9000 lbs dry. I just call it 10k to be safe with fuel and gear.

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2006 Vista 278
First Boat:
2005 Sundowner 205
Columbus, OH

I weighed my boat a few years ago and it came in at 9,680. I don't recall what all I had on board at the time. Using the 10,000 number should give you a little room to spare. I don't think I had any freshwater on board at the time and less than half a tank of fuel. Add all the stuff the Admiral carries on board and I'll soar over that number.

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2008 Vista 278 Volvo Penta 8.1 Gi 375 hp
1999 Horizon 220 5.7 GSi

Hmmmm, so a 278 with a D4 diesel on a trailer will exceed 10,000 lbs, a fair bit above the European trailer limit of 3,500 kg.

My boat is loaded with all the goodies and a fiberglass arch so if that's what you'd be considering in your case I'd say yes. I don't know how the D4 diesel would compare to my 8.1L gas but I know mine is a heavy engine.

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2008 Vista 278 Volvo Penta 8.1 Gi 375 hp
1999 Horizon 220 5.7 GSi

Wow, I was hoping around 9k even or so. I'm looking at using a Nissan Armada(Towing Capacity) 9100lbs for a handful of trailer trips a year ranging from 1 to 5 hours away. Looks like I might need a bigger tow vehicle. The reason I asked about the bridge clearance is because the marina I'd like to join has a bridge that has a clearance of 7.5-8ft at high tide. Anyone know their clearance without the wakeboard tower/radar arch attached? I appreciate all of your replies, I can't wait to post pics in a few months of my new baby!

Just looked it up on the FW fast facts page; the D4 engine 278 is 260 kg (572 lbs !) heavier than one fitted with the 8.1 V8. Fuel consumption at around seems about 40% lower though.

Just found the fast facts, and it helped big time! I thought the trailer would weigh 1200-1400lbs not 2.1k. I wonder how weight in gear we would have on bored. Maybe 300lbs? You guys have been so helpful, thank you!

is the 2.1k the steel or aluminum trailer? Aluminum will be lighter but still pretty heavy. Also, when i was looking at the beginning of the season the aluminum was cheaper. They said there is no demand for the steal in that size range(thats around here could be different elsewhere). Also, is that a dual or ti axle? thats on the border and the tri will be more weight and maintenance.
300lbs for gear is pretty easily done but you can limit stuff there. your issue is going to be fuel(~6lbs/gal) and water(~8lbs/gal)

Your gonna need a bigger truck.. You want to be very careful with towing stuff that large. Its not the power pulling its the stopping power. Don't rely in trailer brakes make sure the truck is appropriately sized to stop a load that large. sorry for the lecture but i have been rear ended and it was't fun and that was a small suv. couldn't imagine 16k-18,000lbs coming at me.

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--2002 3880 Regal Flybridge | Twin Merc 8.1HO **Seven**
--2003 AB 13 VST Console Inflatable | Tohatsu 40hp TLDI **Phish'n ski**
--310 Mercury Inflatable | 1982 9.9 Johnson

I recently towed my 268 Vista with my Nissan Titan, it is rated at 9400 lbs. I've done a lot of towing with the Titan, and it does a stellar job but the 268 was as much as I'd ever care to tow with it. Acceleration was not a problem, but there is not much margin for error. I would not tow a bigger boat with the Armada.

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2004 268 Vista

2010 278, Boat, engine, batteries, & fuel weigh 7560lbs

FW factory trailer weighs 2100lbs
Height on trailer w/arch 13'4"

Aluminum trailer (current trailer) 1800lbs
Height on trailer w/arch 13'2" (can lower another 2")
Hydraulic over electric 4 wheel disc brakes

Never had to think about bridge clearance, but fast facts state 9'7". I would assume that is clearance with an arch.

I don't tow any great distance, 75 miles at most, have all the usual gear on board, and never tow with water tank full. I have a 2011 GMC 1/2 ton 4x4 with the trailer max package; 6.2 ltr gas engine, 3.73 gears, 6 speed trans, rated to tow 10400lbs. City driving, highway driving, pull a few steep hills, on & off ferry, keep up with traffic, various boat ramps, no problems.

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2010 278 Vista
5.7 GXi DP

Past:
1999 225 Sundowner
5.7 GSi SX

You guys have been a great help. I have limited my tow vehicle options to an '06 2500 suburban or a yukon xl. They both have tow capacities above 10k. I'm going with the older models because would be silly to buy a brand new one when it will only be driven 20 times a year. Only 3 or 4 of those trips would be towing trips.

About the refernce to bridge clearance at my marina. I was referring to a bridge we need to go under in order to get to open ocean. I was asking about the clearance for the boat when it is in the water.