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Four Winns V305

The windshield is coupled with a hardtop that gives the V305 the coupe styling of larger, V-series yachts.

The Four Winns V305 is the only 30-foot cruiser I’ve tested that sleeps six without berthing the kids in sleeping bags on a cockpit lounge. And it’s available in two versions to suit varied boating habits.

While the traditional version — with its low-profile windshield — neared completion, I jumped aboard the Euro-styled model. This features a tall, raking windshield that provided excellent protection and awesome sightlines during my test. The windshield is coupled with a hardtop that gives the V305 the coupe styling of larger, V-series yachts. It succeeds in fulfilling the comfort-enhancing mission of boaters not geographically blessed with abundant warm weather. The traditional version should hit the water anytime now.

Both have super-amenable cabins, since the cockpit galley — with its cooktop, refrigerator, sink and optional grill — means the cabin need house only a compact “breakfast center” with microwave, coffeemaker and counter. This makes room for a convertible U-shaped dinette lounge, aft of the V-berth, which sleeps two. With the aft and V-berths, the deck plan allows lots of uncrowded comfort. Two 13-foot-long hull windows ensure a flood of light. These are made possible by the extra height of the V305’s hull. Forward deck hatches open opposite each other, so you can always capture a breeze, and a sliding companionway screen is standard.

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Other cool features include the low, easy-access swim platform, with the boot stripe carried around its aft edge. A rumble seat folds out, yet retains stowage within. Consider the optional Volvo Penta sterndrive joystick I tested. The ’stick makes docking a snap. Easy, spacious and innovative are the hallmarks of the Four Winns V305.

Extra Points
Choose a tall, protective windshield or a traditional lowprofile model.

The hull windows and hatches allow so much sun, I wore my shades belowdecks.

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Swim platform is low to the water for easy access to splash-time fun.

Carrying the boot stripe around the aft edge of the platform is a neat detail.
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Test Drive**
» Test Engines: Twin Volvo Penta 5.0 GXI/DP Joystick Sterndrives

» Test Props: Volvo Penta F4 Propsets SS

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» Test Load: People (390 LB.); Fuel (80 GAL.)

» Top Speed: 43.1 MPH @ 5,110 RPM

» Time to Plane: 5.3 sec.

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» Time to 30 MPH: 9.7 sec.

» Most Economical Cruise Speed: 26.9 MPH @ 3,500 RPM, 17.6 GPH, 1.52 MPG

Vital Stats
» Length Overall: 30’5″
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» Beam:** 10’2″

» Dry Weight: 10,800 LB.

» Seating/Weight Capacity: Yacht Certified

» Fuel Capacity: 120 GAL.
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» Max HP:** 540

» MSRP: $194,708

**» NMMA Certified
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