Four Winns Vista 275 Review

The Four Winns Vista 275 is an elegant express cruiser that’s tailor-made for retired couples or families looking to get away from it all.

It wasn’t that long ago that express cruisers were all the rage, offering just the right mix of spirited performance, luxurious creature comforts and space to stretch out and enjoy the summer sun. That changed with the 2008 downturn and the resulting surge in less expensive options like pontoon boats. But with boomers reaching retirement age and a growing number of younger families looking for vacation options that don’t involve a flight, express cruisers are back with more appeal than ever. They’re kind of like an RV, but one that can go anywhere and really get away from it all.

The Vista 275’s innovative transom seat can face forward when underway or face aft when hanging out on the sandbar with a cool drink in hand. The seat also folds flat to convert to an expansive sun lounge.

One of the best express cruisers on the market today is the elegant Four Winns Vista 275, which combines an inspired design with some truly brilliant engineering to pack a ton of boat into its compact 28-foot length. It starts at the dock, where the Vista’s massive rear swim platform lets you simply step aboard without having to climb over anything. Look carefully and you’ll note the hatch concealing a retractable boarding ladder, which just hints at the fun times ahead. You’ll also note the transom seat, which can face forward when underway or face aft when hanging out on the sandbar with a cool drink in hand. The seat also folds flat to convert to an expansive sun lounge.

Step aboard and a convenient cockpit galley awaits, with its solid-surface counter top, a sink with a residential-style single-lever faucet, a couple of stainless steel drink holders, a grill and a refrigerator below.

A beautiful transom gate leads into the aft cockpit proper, where a port-side galley with a solid-surface counter top, a sink with a residential-style single-lever faucet, a couple of stainless steel drink holders and a grill awaits. There’s a useful storage compartment beneath the grill, and our review boat features a Dometic refrigerator beneath the sink. Look carefully toward the aft end of the galley and sharp eyes will spot the remote control for the AM/FM stereo with Bluetooth streaming, which is a thoughtful touch whether you’re on chef duty or just hanging out on the swim platform.

A long lounge seat to the port side makes an ideal spot to stretch out in the sun.

A long lounge seat to the port side of the Four Winns Vista 275 makes an ideal spot to stretch out in the sun, while the combination of the convertible transom seat and an aft-facing lounge to the starboard side of the cockpit provide a wide range of seating options. The cockpit is completely self-draining, so any overnight rains simply run straight out the drains. Courtesy lights and coaming pads throughout with rich hand-fitted vinyl and comfort padding add another touch of elegance.

The helm console features a Ritchie compass up top and a Garmin GPSMap 741xs surrounded by chrome-trimmed multi-gauges.

The helm station features a double-wide helm seat with individual flip-up bolsters for the Captain and first mate. The helm console, with a beautiful hand-fitted top-stitched brow, features a Ritchie compass up top and a Garmin GPSMap 741xs touch-screen display surrounded by chrome-trimmed multi-gauges displaying speed, rpm, engine hours, fuel level, oil, depth and voltage. The deluxe chrome-on-black tilt steering wheel complements the overall dash design, while a convenient USB charging port keeps cell phones fully charged and ready to go. Power comes from a MerCruiser 6.2L with a Bravo III drive, which for simplicity is the sole engine option.

Shop for Garmin GPSMap

A double-wide helm seat offers individual pull-up bolsters.

Left of the dash, three steps neatly integrated into the dash provide easy access to the walk-through windshield for passengers who want to go up on the bow deck and enjoy the sun. Further left, an acrylic door with a bug screen opens to reveal the luxurious below-decks accommodations.

The delightful cabin is spacious and inviting, with a full galley to port and a large V-berth dinette that converts to a comfortable bed for two.

This is where the Four Winns Vista 275 really shines. One criticism of past express cruisers has always been their comparatively confined space below, but that’s not the case at all here thanks to that aforementioned brilliant engineering. Up front, a huge V-berth provides full wrap-around seating that surrounds a large dinette table. A second galley complete with a refrigerator, two-burner stove, sink with faucet and overhead microwave provides a surprising amount of space to prepare even fairly extravagant meals, while large windows and an overhead hatch flood the space with fresh air and natural light. When it’s time for sleep, the table stows away and a filler cushion converts the V-berth into a comfortable bed for two.

A surprising mid-cabin includes a queen bed – a feature rarely seen on a 28-foot boat.

Farther aft, open a curtain and you’ll see there’s also a spacious mid-cabin with a queen-sized mattress. It’s a great place to pack the kids away for the night or, for couples cruising alone, to stretch out leaving the V-berth set up as a dining area.

Both sleeping areas share a common head compartment, with a vanity with storage, a solid-surface countertop with sink, and power ventilation.

Four Winns’ Vista 275 is a perfect express cruiser for families or couples who really want to get away from it all, but do so in style and comfort.

As you walk through the Four Winns Vista 275 it’s easy to imagine yourself spending your summers aboard, exploring distant waters and living the good life. This is a truly beautiful boat that gets everything right – including the price, starting at under $120,000.

We are committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products. We earn commissions from purchases you make using the retail links in our product reviews. Learn more about how this works.