2004 Four Winns 378 Vista

By: Mike Burns

Over the last several years, mid-sized express cruisers have grown increasingly popular. Many manufacturers have been modifying their cruiser lineup to meet customer demands, and Four Winns is no exception.

For the 2002 model year, Four Winns made the leap to increase the model size in their Vista lineup and thus developed the 378 Vista. It was, and still is, the flagship of their entire fleet. We recently had the opportunity to check out a beautifully appointed 2004 model.

The 378 Vista is a well-styled boat with flowing lines and a graceful looking forward-facing radar arch and hardtop. I would qualify the expansive cockpit as one of the larger ones to be found on a 37 footer. Cockpit features include a large U-shaped bench and a functional wet bar, which comes complete with icemaker, on-demand water and plenty of storage. Our test boat even featured a LCD flat screen TV mounted over the wet bar and hooked up to the on-board satellite TV system.

The forward section of the cockpit features a unique seating arrangement at the raised helm. A wide double bench seat is available for the operator and a guest, and there is also a perpendicular bench seat that is centred amidships. Here, you will also find a set of moulded steps for access to the walk-thru windshield that makes for easy access to the foredeck.

The helm itself is very well laid out with plenty of room to flush-mount electronics. The owner of our test boat recently added some state-of-the-art electronics, including a GPS plotter with radar overlay and also features an interface with the autopilot.

Some express cruisers, even larger ones, can feel somewhat confined or even claustrophobic down below. This is not so with the 378 Vista and its unique layout. Rather than having a typical mid-cabin configuration, this model features an expansive main salon with two convertible sofas. One is located along the aft bulkhead and the other along the starboard side. Our test boat features a privacy curtain for the forward cabin, but a bulkhead with privacy door is optional. Personally, I like the open concept and the spacious feel that it has to offer.

Off to port, the well-equipped galley comes equipped with many of the features you’d expect. Of note is the pair of under-counter refrigerators, each equipped with built-in freezers. Also featured in the galley is the LCD flat screen TV mounted to the upper cabinet and a built-in receiver for the Satellite TV system.

A variety of engine packages from various manufacturers were available for this model. A pair of Volvo Penta 8.1 Gi gasoline inboards powered our test boat. Producing ample thrust throughout the power curve, these engines got the 378 Vista on plane in 4.8 seconds. At 3300 rpm, we cruised comfortably at 21.1 mph, and at WOT we topped out at 31.6 mph and 4400 rpm.

As with any boat, there is a bit of give and take when it comes to layout and amenities. I think the engineers at Four Winns did very well with the 378 Vista.There are several innovative design features throughout and the overall layout, both in the cockpit and down below, is very impressive.

As most of you know, boating is a very social activity and you’ll certainly appreciate the amount of room available when entertaining on-board this boat.

POWER / PERFORMANCE
TEST BOAT ENGINE: Twin Volvo
Penta 8.1 Gi gasoline inboards
CRUISING SPEED (rpm/mph):
3300 / 21.1
TIME ON PLANE: 4.8 seconds
TOP SPEED (rpm/mph):
4400 / 31.6
SOUND LEVEL AT CRUISE:
91 dbA
SOUND LEVEL AT WOT: 97 dbA