Four Winns 278 Vista; V285

For those looking for a big trailerable cruiser—legally trailerable, that is, with a beam of no greater than 8'6""—the Four Winns V278 (called the V285 in 2010–12) may well fill the bill. Trailerable express cruisers don’t get any bigger than this and they probably never will. As good-looking as she is, however, the downside of the 278 Vista—or any big trailerable boat, for that matter—is her near-claustrophobic interior. That said, there’s a lot to like about this boat from the standpoint of design and engineering. For the money, Four Winns builds a quality product and it shows throughout the 278. The cockpit layout makes the best use possible of the boat’s slender beam with seating for four and a removable snack table that converts into a sun pad. A mini wet bar to port includes a carry-on cooler that fits under the counter. Below decks, the accommodations are tastefully appointed if not spacious. A convertible dinette in the bow sleeps two people, while a small aft cabin offers space for two more. The cherry trim is well finished, and the 278’s six-foot headroom is adequate for most. Note the transom storage locker. A single 375hp Volvo I/O tops out at 30+ knots.