www.iFourWinns.com

Is there anybody that owns a 278 Vista 2006-2008. I am considering buying one but would appreciate some feedback as to its handling. I have tried a 2006 Sea Ray 260 Sundancer but its handling was terrible. A lot of listing etc

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Never went on the 260 sundancer, but I would expect the handling to be similar to the 278. This class of boat is tall compared to width and they seem a bit top heavy especially with an arch. Took me a little while to get used to the handling.

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2006 Four Winns 278 Vista.
Volvo Penta 8.1L, Duo Prop,
Kohler 5E Generator.

Lots of discussions on the sea ray board about the tipsiness of a 260. Based on what I've read I wouldn't touch one but do think it has a great layout and style. Isn't the 278 wider beam?

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Former owner of:
1996 Four Winns Horizon 200 5.8L VP
2006 Four Winns Horizon 260 8.1L VP
2007 Sea Ray 290 Sundancer

Current boat
2004 Sea Ray 290 Sun Sport Twin 350 Mags

The hull design of the 278 is better than the Sea Ray.

It's still a big hull with a single engine - and all that goes with it. However, you do not need to be a master-of-the-tabs-and-trim on the 278 like you do with the 260.

We were going to with a 278 until we found the 318... the 278 is a great boat!

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

thanks for the replies.

Yep the layout is better on the 260 but the handling problems are a bit off putting. I was very disappointed when I tried it.

Beam of 260 same as 278 --- 8' 6"

Lazycat do you own a 278?

The 260 has the problem of listing heavily to either port or starboard once on the plane. You have to trim the drive all the way up as it start s to plane to try to stop it and not use trim tabs until required speed is achieved and then with extreme care!

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Oops, Sorry LazyCAT I see you do. Have you experienced the same problems as the Sea Ray 260?

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You've done your research. Thats what I've read. Too bad because it's a great looking and laid out boat.

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Former owner of:
1996 Four Winns Horizon 200 5.8L VP
2006 Four Winns Horizon 260 8.1L VP
2007 Sea Ray 290 Sundancer

Current boat
2004 Sea Ray 290 Sun Sport Twin 350 Mags

Yes I did the research but only after the sea-trials . If I had done it before at least it would not have come as such a shock. I currently have a classic British design (Don Shead) Sunseeker Mexico 24 with a 5 year old Volvo 5.0GXi duo prop. Handles very well, able to toss it around, goes straight as a die, no problem, hardly need to use drive trim or trim tabs so when I got the helm of the 260 , well I was very disappointed to say the least.

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The 268/278 have none of the same problems as the 260DA. Same goes with other pocket cruisers in that size range. The Sea Ray is in it's own world. But, as was said, the 268/278 have high freeboard, and a relatively narrow beam, and thus are inherently "tippy" and sensitive to weight transfer. But not on the same level as the 260DA.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

I would agree with the Cap'n regarding the sensitivity to weight transfer and being tippy due to the narrow beam. My previous boat was a Chaparral 2335 and it was very well planted in the water. It took a while to get used to the tall feeling of the V278 and you will definitely need to work with the drive trim and trim tabs (especially when you have a crew on board). I found it a short learning curve though...just finishing my second summer with this boat and I couldn't be happier. I do have the 8.1 Volvo engine though so that helps it moves along pretty good

Good luck with your shopping.

Kevin

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Kevin
'06 V278
8.1 L Volvo
"Heart's Content II"

Great forum, very useful comments , thanks. Makes me want to go for the 278 just for the great response!
Hopefully I will be testing a 278 this week. It has a Volvo D4 diesel 250hp. Dunno about it's performance though

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We have not been on a 260 in the water, just didn't like the interior, so I don't have a real comparison.

I think the Cap'n and Kevin have it right, the 278 is a bit top heavy and thus sensitive to weight transfers. Previous experience with trim tabs helps, but the learning curve is short.

The 278 is a great boat for a weekend on the bay or a trip down to the Keys. We do not feel comfortable crossing to Bimini but that has more to do with the single engine than the capability of the boat.

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2006 Four Winns 278 Vista.
Volvo Penta 8.1L, Duo Prop,
Kohler 5E Generator.