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A Smaller Version of a Popular Design

The demands for a smaller version of Four Winns’ popular V348 has driven the company to produce its sister yacht, the V318. Four Winns has taken pains to design as many of the comforts of the 348 in a smaller, more affordable, and more manageable version.

Bow Features

The bow of the V318 is protected by welded one-piece rails and a molded-in toe rail to keep your feet inside when walking along the rails. Three large hatches allow lots of light and air into the cabin below. Our test boat had an optional anchoring system in the bow under a cover that includes a stainless windlass system. Three large steps and a protective rail get you safely past the walkthrough windshield going forward from the cockpit.

Helm and Cockpit Layout

The helm station rivals its big sister as well. This split bench seat has a bolster and manual slide bench on the driver’s side. The stereo remote control is located to the left of the wheel and Faria fog-free analog gauges monitor all critical engine systems. The stainless steel tilt wheel has wood grain accents for a touch of class, and there is a 12vdc plug for portable gear or to charge your cell phone. You get plenty of space for adding optional electronics like GPS and a VHF radio, which every boat should have now.

Topside seating includes the double helm seat, a port side lounger for two or three to join you as well as a large U-shaped lounger at the stern. You can add a filler cushion to this seating area to form a large sun pad, or a table to serve up the snacks at anchor. Speaking of serving snacks, this one also has the refreshment center with a countertop for preparing the meals, a sink for washing up and an icemaker or refrigerator. Connections for power will allow you to even spin up some frozen beverages to everyone’s enjoyment.

Engine Features

An electric engine hatch makes getting to the power plants for pre-launch checks a snap. Even with the twin Volvo 5.7L engines, I had plenty of room to move around checking out the critical points. This boat had an optional 5kw generator so you can still enjoy the air conditioning and keep the refrigerators chilled out away from the docks.

Swim Platform

The stern platform on our boat also had the optional flex teak system that made it look even more elegant. The corners of the platform are rounded with the hull which shortened the platform where most step aboard from a dock, but a side grab handle would make it just as comfortable to do so with this configuration. A scissor ladder under cover reaches deep into the water for simple boarding without assistance. All shore cords snake over and enter a hatch on the stern for organized connections. Dock lines and fenders can be stored in a locker across the stern.

Into the Cabin

Stepping back topside and going down the cabin entry steps, you have the same space-saving entry steps of the 348. These steps turn to starboard, rather than stretching into the cabin eating up valuable space. The couch is to port and has a space-saver table with drop leafs. Forward is a V-berth large enough for two adults to stretch out. Under the mattress dedicated space for the table. I found the shocks to be somewhat weak and made putting the table in here a two person job. Making our way aft is a wraparound bench seating area which converts into another mid-cabin sleeping space.

Compact and Functional Galley

The galley is on the port side and includes all the amenities you need to cook underway for a weekend. It has a coffee maker, microwave, and flat screen pivoting TV above a counter with sink and two-burner cooktop. Below is a small refrigerator/freezer and storage. The head compartment has room to stand and shower, a toilet and vanity with port for fresh air and light.

Specs and Performance

The new V318 measures 33’0” length overall with a beam width of 10’9”. She weighs 10,920 lbs. to 11,200 lbs. with engines and needs about 38” of water under her hull for safe passage. Fuel capacity is 170 gallons for a great weekend aboard. We tested the V318 on an inland lake with two people aboard and found she was on plane in just 4.9 seconds and up to 30 mph in just 8.4 seconds. Her most economical cruise speed was at 3500 rpm traveling and 31 mph for a full tank range of 256 miles. She topped out at 45.5 mph and handled smoothly throughout the rpm range, taking turns with grace and comfort.

If you liked what you saw in the V348, but wanted a more manageable cruiser for your style of boating, the 318 is a great choice to consider. It has the amenities, the style and the performance you demand in a smaller package.