http://www.fourwinns.com/model/V408/Wow, it really does look well thought out, at least in that brochure. I like it!
I have to REALLY reach to find much to question. But there are a few nits to pick.
Not sure I like the upward pointing switches at the helm. Seems like a fine way to catch liquid in them. But since it's a hard top that's "less likely" unless you have the forward door or roof open (or spill your beverage).
Oooo, only else notice that FLIR contol joystick? I'm sure that's not a cheap option but night vision? COOL! I'm thinking I'd want the control a little closer to the wheel and throttles though. But it'd be tough to get everything crammed together. On the few occasions I've needed to aim the spotlight I can definitely say I liked having it close. I see it's now moved all the way over the port side of the helm. Loose the starboard side cupholder and move the spot and FLIR over there.
Hey, look, nice vinyl to get marked up by dangling ignition keychains!
The lines on the stern are a bit busy looking. The angled slope on those locker doors looks odd. Seems like style just for the excuse of it not practicality. Not ugly, just off. The glass bottom boat panel on the platform is a clever feature. Another thing to clean though, from the underside. And where do those big fenders and rack go when the kiddies want to look at the fishies? I'd rather see those hatch doors fold flat instead of staying up at a hinge-snapping angle when one of the kids sits on them...
Not sure I like the grill right next to vinyl seating. Grease is just a hassle to get off of seats. That and the cover better stay cool lest someone walking down the starboard gunwale get their hands burnt.
And again there's no step-down from a dock to the swim platform. The way boat manufacturers keep creating those sloped edges to the gunwale/transom area is pretty looking, but it makes for no easy way to step down to the platform. On the 358 it's bad enough, you have to twist your foot around to hit the step squarely. Here it looks even less convenient.
How come they conveniently omit any pictures with a camper canvas installed?
What's the bag up at the anchor locker? A cooler bag? Looks like the port side one has a fender in it? Both are clever ideas. I put a washdown hose in my anchor locker lid and love having it.
The bow walking step is interesting. I prefer having a solid rail up there to have something to hang onto when overreaching for lines and stuff. I could see where the step would be nice in some docking situations. Might make for a hassle when trying to get the anchor turned right side up though.
The bow loungers are great. The bimini for them seems a bit much, yet ANOTHER thing to have to stow properly. Still, a nice touch.
I really wonder about the lack of storage in the forward berth. I really don't like to see large swaths of vinyl along walls. It's just asking for a shoe or other edge to nick it. I'd really much rather see the area using cabinetry for storage. The makeup table mirror and it's storage drawer are nice. Keeps that stuff outta the head. At the cost of losing a closet though, not my idea of a reasonable trade-off.
There's a clear island table shown for the galley. That's clever. Now, where does it get stowed?
Hmmm, two tables in the cabin, that can be turned to make one larger surface. Another clever idea! I could see where having just one table mounted would be handy instead of a single large one.
Yet another situation where the TV is mounted so more than one person can't watch it from comfortable seating. Do the designers never try using a boat during anything other than sunny day time hours?
OH NO! Not the round phone booth shower! Noooooooooooo! Just because other boat makers are using it doesn't mean it's a good idea. Every time I see one of those I keep thinking a Get Smart and the Cone of Silence sort of joke.
But honestly, this is a small set of criticisms against a really nice looking and good looking boat. Bravo on such a nice overall design.
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Just got a 5 page press release from Genmar on the V408. I can post it if anyone is interested. It's a big file.
