Capt. Steve Says…

I don’t really complain that much… do I? Well perhaps, but that’s because so many builders keep missing the target. Four Winns, however, seems to be one of the few that have a grasp on the realities of boating and rather than leave room for error, they tend to be on the opposite end of the spectrum and try to see how innovative they can be with their brand of outside the box thinking. So it was with a bit of excitement, rather than pessimism, that I stepped aboard the all new V378.

The cockpit layout…

The cockpit layout isn’t new from Four Winns, but it’s still an innovative layout that you don’t see in a typical express cruiser. Realizing that when the boat is underway, the main attraction is at the helm, Four Winns has taken the port side lounger and slid it to the center of the boat, next to the helm and companion seating. To me this is brilliant, as my guests will all be within earshot while I’m at the controls. To get below deck, you have to walk behind the port lounge. This has a slight drawback, in that getting to the bow via the windshield walkthrough, will require the occupants in the lounge seat to either get up and out of the way, or curl their legs up to let people pass through the narrow walkway. Since this won’t exactly be a busy thoroughfare, that’s a pretty reasonable tradeoff. Stepping down to the aft cockpit, we have a roomy gathering area, laid out in typical fashion with the U-shaped lounge to starboard and over to port, an entertainment center with a blender, sink, and surprise… a refrigerator AND (not or) an icemaker. The flat screen seems to be a required option in the cockpit nowadays, but why have a TV with this scenery?



There is plenty of room in this cockpit. I like the kidney shaped teak table. The entertainment center has a refrigerator and icemaker. Note the narrow walkthrough to the foredeck. A fair trade to having the group closer together while underway. Note the additional storage behind the port lounge.

Helm…

There’s a lot to like at the helm, and I have to say that nearly all my usual complaints are addressed here. The nav display is to port so the companion can handle the “where are we” chore. My complaint about no place to put “stuff” is taken care of. There’s storage under the seats, and convenient storage for cell phones and glasses in the armrest. I love the side window vents. They’re hinged at the back so they open out from the front, scooping gobs of air into the helm area. I’d like to see the ignitions over to starboard, under the engine controls, so that they’d be out of “knee” range. Twin helm seats with separate bolsters are a plus.



Check out the side window vents that scoop in air. Separate seats and bolsters keep everyone comfortable.

Going down…

Down below, the roominess continues. I love how the galley has two refrigerators with the option for converting the second to a freezer, and that’s about the only option you have here. Everything else is standard, a 16,000 BTU air conditioner, the central vac, telephone jacks. The mid cabin has a second settee that easily, and electrically, converts to a berth.



Down below is very spacious, with two sofas and galley that is well stocked with standard items. A second sofa aft converts to a second berth.

Specifications…

The Four Winns V378 has a LOA of 41'3" / 12.57 m, a beam of 12'9" / 3.89 m, and her draft is 42" / 107 cm. She weighs approximately 20,200-20,800 lbs. / 9,160-9,440 kg depending on engine choice, which by the way, is narrowed down to two… twin gas 400-hp Volvo 550Gs (standard), or twin 370-hp Volvo IPS500 diesels (add $24,776). She holds 300 gal. / 1136 L of fuel, and 66 gal. / 250 L gallons of water.

We plan on testing this model soon for performance and range numbers, but for now, it’s easy to see that this Four Winns V378 is a boat that leaves you wanting for little else than a full tank to take you where you want to go. Her base price is $434,800, and considering her long list of standard features, that’s reasonable. You should see that this boat makes your short list, and then take a personal tour.

Four Winns V378 (2009-) Standard and Optional Equipment

Marine Electronics
GPS/Chart
Systems
Battery Charger/Converter
CD Stereo
Head: Fixed
Trim Tabs
TV/DVD
Water Heater
Windlass
Galley
Coffeemaker
Icemaker
Microwave
Refrigerator
Stove
Exterior Features
Carpet: Cockpit
Hardtop
Swim Ladder
Swim Platform
Transom Door
Wet bar
Canvas
Camper Back
Boats More Than 30 Feet
Generator
Vacuum

= Standard = Optional