When it Comes Down to Comfort…Size Does Matter

By Capt. Ron Svoboda

Lately, I’ve been talking a lot about big bow riders. Seems like all the boat builders are carving out the cabins on their sportboat line, then loading them up and decking them out with utilitarian stuff. In walks the Four Winns Horizon 310. At 31 feet, 4 inches long, the 310 I believe, is the largest bow rider we’ve tested. The 310 has a 9 feet, 8 inch beam which gives some more elbow room too.

The bow of the 310 grants the best water views I’ve seen in a while. The stability of that big hull, combined with her over forty mile-per-hour top speed makes for an exciting cruise. This is one boat I don’t mind letting someone else drive. It’s like a dog cruising down the road with his head out the window. Now add to that the 310’s front lounges and removable snack table and you’ve got it made.

Plenty of Room to Relax

When you’ve had too much excitement for the day and need to get out of the sun, you can take a snooze in the 310’s midcabin. This useful compartment is located to port and offers a long and narrow bunk. She also provides a handsome Cherrywood cabinet with a built-in Sony stereo system and 6-disc CD changer. Several options are available here including a LCD TV, a microwave oven, and even a shore-powered A/C unit for you folks in the hotter climates.

When you need to change into your swimwear, the starboard side head compartment will come in handy. Fairly spacious and comfortable, the head compartment supplies a flush toilet, a long granite vanity with stainless steel sink and several storage cabinets.

The cockpit is detailed for comfort as well. A port side lounger extends all the way down one side, across the transom, then doubles back along the starboard side and ends at the wet bar. The bar’s counter has plenty of room for making snacks plus a sink and refrigerator unit below. A centerline walkthrough gives access to the molded swim platform and the two Mediterranean sun pads. There is also generous storage under the sun pad support hatches.

Behind the Wheel

I really liked the 310’s helm, which was well organized with all the necessary gauges and a GPS on top and switches below. Stereo and VHF controls are right next to the sporty three-spoke wheel and the DTS (digital throttles and shift) engine controls from Mercury. Topping that off is a power assisted helm seat that is extra wide for utmost comfort.

I also liked what the 310 has to offer in size, especially in my back yard where the water is rough most of the time. That long running surface tames the chop with no problem. And with twin motors, my guests and I can explore distant destinations with greater confidence. Handling and performance were good for a boat with this much fiberglass, but I felt she had a bit more prop cavitation than I would have preferred, especially in tight slalom maneuvers. Otherwise, if you want to be in a league of your own and have the biggest bowrider at the sand bar this weekend, then the Horizon 310 is it.

• Top speed for the Four Winns H310 (2008-) is 42.2 MPH (67.9 KPH), burning 43.1 gallons per hour (GPH) or 163.13 liters per hour (LPH).


• Best cruise for the Four Winns H310 (2008-) is 27.8 MPH (44.7 KPH), and the boat gets 1.55 miles per gallon (MPG) or 0.66 kilometers per liter (KPL), giving the boat a cruising range of 182 miles (292.9 kilometers).


• Tested power is 2 x 320-hp MerCruiser 6.2 L.

Four Winns H310 (2008-) Standard and Optional Equipment

Marine Electronics
GPS/Chart
VHF Radio
Systems
Air Cond./Heat
CD Stereo
Head: Fixed
Shore Power
Trailer
Trim Tabs
TV/DVD
Windlass
Galley
Microwave
Refrigerator
Exterior Features
Carpet: Cockpit
Swim Ladder
Swim Platform
Tower: Watersports
Transom Door
Transom Shower
Wet bar
Canvas
Bimini Top
Boats More Than 30 Feet
Generator

= Standard = Optional