Four Winns V358
By Capt. Bob Smith
Test Captain
This is the second year for the V358 which is near the top of Four Winns line of Vista cruisers. The designers hit a home run with this cruiser; from building in a smooth dry ride to having all the creature comforts you expect for a comfortable long weekend aboard. Throughout the design you are going to find standard features you always find and some you only expect to find as options on most cruisers.
Starting at the bow
The bow is protected by welded one-piece stainless steel rails. At the front is a windlass with foot controls, rope, chain and anchor. The optional windlass stays protected under a hatch keeping the topside looking smooth and clean. Three large deck hatches allow tons of light and fresh air below. Skid resistant surfaces cover the bow area making it safer to move about and a molded toe rail help keep your feet on deck when moving near the edges. A large walk-through windshield and three molded-in steps get you safely to and from the bow.
Helm Features
The helm is moving towards the next generation where you will have one integrated screen with multi-function displays just as you find in the commercial aircraft. For now, you can opt for the Navigation 2 package that includes an autopilot, VHF radio, GPS plotter, digital depth finder and radar unit. Faria Fog-free gauges, dual engine electronic binnacle controls, hour meters, compass and a stainless steel wood grain tilt wheel make up the first rate helm dash.
Seating includes a double-wide helm seat with bolster with a port side lounger large enough for three to join you up front. The driver’s side of the helm has an electric adjustable slide for comfort. The aft section of the cockpit has a U-shaped bench with filler cushion to create an expansive sun tanning space or a table to enjoy a meal topside. Every possible space below the seating is used to create additional storage for gear topside.
A handy refreshment center is just aft of the helm and will be the center of activity when the boat is at anchor. It is complete with a sink, countertop preparation area, icemaker or refrigerator and outlets for a TV and power to spin up frozen beverages in the blender.
Engine Options
Below the cockpit floor and through an electric engine hatch, are the twin power plants for this yacht. Three inboard and six sterndrive options are available for this design. Stepping on through the transom walk-through, our test boat had the optional flex teak flooring on the swim platform. Corners are rounded on the stern which makes it difficult for most to board. The addition of a grab handle would make it safer and easier to get on board, although the scissor-type deep reach swim ladder makes it easier to bring yourself on board from the water. Power cords snake up and enter a hatch on the stern that keep them dry and organized. A large trunk locker has room for some fenders and lines.
Below Deck
Heading back topside, entering the cabin, you feel you are aboard a much large vessel. Four Winns designers turn the steps on entry rather than have them stretch out deep into the cabin. This opens up the floor and only takes a couple times entering to get used to. A large couch fills the port side of the central cabin. Wood blinds continue the wood cabinetry and really give a rich look to the cabin. The power distribution panel is to the left of the couch with control heads for the CD and DVD changers below. Overhead, they have used a cherry inset to the headliner. This is both practical and ornamental. Most large cabin roofs tend to sag after a little age, so this should keep it looking both elegant and functional for many years. All the hatches have three position screen systems. You can either slide a panel over to block out light and air, a screen to allow light and air or completely open to be able to allow maximum light and air into the cabin.
The starboard side galley has plenty of storage for a weekend away. The upper section has a coffeemaker and a pivoting flat panel TV viewable from the mid-cabin or the V-berth. The countertop space and a large sink make food preparation easier. Below the counters is a refrigerator/freezer, tip-out waste bin and more storage.
Accommodations
Forward is a large V-berth with storage cabinets which includes two cedar-lined closets and a dedicated space below the cushion for the table. I found the gas shocks a little weak, making it a two person job to hold the bed up and insert the table into place.
The mid-cabin has a privacy curtain to separate it from the rest of the boat at night. Lighting and a portal make it well lit and the seating converts into a large berth at night. This cabin has storage above on both ends as well as a cedar-lined closet at the entry.
Specs and Performance
The V 358 for 2006 is 37’0” length on average with a beam width of 12’0”. She requires a draft of 40” of water on average and carries a fuel load of 230 gallons. Dry weight on this yacht is between 14,500 lbs and 14,800 lbs with engines. We tested the 348 with two people on board on the inland lake and found it was quick to plane in just 7.5 seconds and could be up to 30 mph in just 11.3 secs. The most economical cruise speed was at 3500 rpm traveling 25.8 mph which delivered a range of 229 miles on a full tank of fuel. The ride and handling was impressive throughout the range.
If you are ready for the long weekends aboard and don’t want to skimp on style and comfort, the V358 is fast becoming a yacht of choice to take you to your favorite get-away. She has all the comforts, style, and performance expected from Four Winns.
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