Long awaited, the TH36 is the Four Winns interpretation of the powercat. A new model that attempts to marry the world of the bow rider (a motorboat offering a second, distinct living area on the foredeck, accessed typically via an opening in the windshield) with that of the catamaran, guaranteeing a high level of versatility and comfort.
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Conditions: wind 3 to 4 knots, light chop
After its surprise presentation as a prototype at the 2022 Cannes Yachting Festival, the TH36 is now ready to shine in dealer’s showrooms. It’s an interesting boat in many ways, starting with the fact that it belongs to Four Winns. Indeed, the history of this prestigious brand is inextricably linked with that of American boating. Founded in 1975 by the three Winns brothers and their father, Four Winns has become a veritable icon for the bow-rider sector. Purchased in 2014 by the Bénéteau Group, the brand has benefited from a complete repositioning since 2020. After the renewal of the H series, this time Four Winns is presenting something totally new, since it’s a catamaran. In fact, the idea was to propel the brand into the future by giving it a more international dimension, but without breaking its image or denying its DNA. What’s more, the team in charge wanted to find a way to support their customers’ progression by offering them a larger model. After much deliberation, the choice fell on a catamaran, called TH (Twin Hull) by the manufacturer. The multihull segment is booming, with some experts predicting that it will account for over 30% of new boats within 10 years. A figure that is of great interest to the Bénéteau Group. In addition to market development, the powercat offers numerous advantages, starting with the space available on board, stability, ease of handling and fuel economy. Once the decision was made, the challenge was to blend the traditional Four Winns universe with this new concept, to appeal not only to brand regulars, but also to new customers and multihull enthusiasts. To achieve this, the team called on the renowned Garroni studio, which designed a bow-rider-like boat, but supported by two hulls and offering a deck layout as original as it is versatile. Brand manager Nicolas Harvey describes the TH36 as “a deck boat on steroids“. Whether you like the formula or not... you can clearly see where they’re coming from.
Space to spare
The fact is, from the very first glance, you’ll be seduced by its lines. From a distance and in profile, the TH36 doesn’t look like a multihull, but more like a big bow rider with a much higher deck line and a wide T-Top protecting the crew and housing the radar and antennas. Up close, the volume of the boat is even more surprising, but then again, this is a 36-footer. With its straight - and even slightly inverted - bows, its long hull portholes that lets you imagine a good habitability, and its stern ending in a large platform on which the engines are attached, the TH36 doesn’t leave anyone indifferent. You can clearly recognize the Italian studio’s touch here.
It’s only once you’re on board that you really realize the difference with a «classic» bow rider. At 14‘7” (4.47 m) wide, the Four Winns is almost 3’ (1 m) wider than a monohull of equivalent length. As a result, the designers took full advantage of this space to create an original deck layout, designed above all with life on board in mind. This begins with the aft platform: truly huge, it takes advantage of the space between the two hulls and the two engines to offer a genuine private beach. A large swim ladder is integrated, and a system of removable barriers can be used to close off the cockpit at the stern or, by positioning them differently, to act as guardrails and lifting handles for the swim platform. I think it’s clever. Then there’s the rear bench seat, which is equally ingenious. It can be set up as a U-shaped bench seat for four to six people, with a table in the middle, or as a large sunbathing area, or it can be split in two to create a path through the middle and provide seating on either side, not to mention the integrated storage compartments under the seats.
Continuing forward, on the starboard side, there’s a small rear-facing seat and a large drawer refrigerator. On the opposite side, the cockpit features a galley unit with sink, a cooking hob, and a storage space.
Despite this generous layout, there’s still plenty of room to move around. The wide central passage leads directly to the bow rider. Organized in the same way as on a monohull, this bow rider almost makes you forget you’re on a catamaran, except for the available width. In fact, six people can sit here, which is quite rare for this category of boat. Of course, a table can be placed between the two bench seats, and a cushion can be used to transform each side into a sun lounger, offering an unprecedented surface area. As an option, this bow-rider can also be equipped with a bimini. Another good point: the Four Winns is equipped with a post anchor and a very roomy anchor locker. Finally, thanks to its high hulls, the TH36 features almost 6-foot (2 m) deep storage compartments under the bow seats with supports for fenders and enough room for a water tank.
Two comfortable cabins with private heads
The final area of interest on deck is the helm station. Offset to starboard, it adopts a very modern style, with a raised, almost a floating section to accommodate the screens. There are also neatly designed switches. As for the controls (throttles and joystick), they are positioned on the right-hand armrest and fall neatly to hand. The optional joystick makes maneuvering even easier. The only minor regrets are that a small glove box is missing, and we were surprised by the absence of a holder/charger for a smartphone, even though this accessory is present on the H range.
Although it looks like an open boat, the TH36 hides one last surprise, and not a small one. Each hull houses a comfortable cabin with double berth and private head with a separate shower. The headroom of over 6 feet (1.8 m) is comfortable, and there’s even plenty of storage space. The long porthole provides maximum light and an unobstructed view of the sea. For more privacy, simply close the blind to protect you from prying eyes. The ship-yard has taken great care of this space with some interesting details including reading lights and USB sockets at the head of the bed, as well as air conditioning. The two cabins are strictly identical, with one exception: a microwave oven is located in the port companionway, whereas on the starboard side, this space is given over to the electrical panel.
Back in the cockpit, you’ll appreciate the hard-top, which provides shelter from the sun and rain. Last but not least, this cockpit can be completely enclosed by a canvas, a real plus for leaving the catamaran at anchor or enlarging the interior space for coastal cruising. The boat also features something unique: it’s the only powercat in its class to have real side-decks (11 in / 27 cm wide). These are well protected by handrails and side windows that are as effective for style as they are reassuring in use.
Quite well-finished, the TH36 benefits from standard equipment, including a swim ladder, a bilge pump and a 2.3-cubic foot (65-liter) refrigerator. You can also choose one of the option packs or explore the options list to tailor the powercat to your needs.
Smooth sailing
While Garroni is responsible for the styling, Four Winns has enlisted the services of one of the world’s leading catamaran specialists, Marc Lombard Design, for the dynamic aspects. The result is a double hull with narrow, tapering bows for good wave-piercing ability, and strakes for grip and guidance. A forward-starting chine further enhances stability. The thick nacelle ensures overall rigidity, while retaining enough volume between the hulls for the catamaran to build up a shock-absorbing cushion of air when sailing fast. On the water, these features translate into a very smooth ride. Quite fast, the TH36, once in its lines and on its air cushion, provides an optimal comfort on board. As a catamaran, lateral stability is excellent, but good work has also been done on weight distribution, giving the boat excellent trim. The same feeling on curves: unlike some multihulls, the Four Winns doesn’t oversteer, but stays almost flat, even when cornering sharply. In fact, this boat was designed from the beginning as a powercat, and with a magician like Marc Lombard at the helm, we’re not surprised by the result. These abilities confirm the dual purpose of this multihull - first and foremost family-oriented, but also a little sporty!
Regarding the performance, the Four Winns is certified up to 700 HP. For our test, on hull #1, we had 2 x 350 HP Mercury six cylinders (old generation). With this power, the powercat planes in 5.5 seconds and takes 11 seconds to reach 20 knots. These figures are in line with the program, and far from ridiculous. At top speed, we hit 31 knots. Cruising speed is between 18 and 20 knots, which already allows for some fine cruising. Even better, the Twin Hull saves fuel, as our average consumption for both engines was around 7 gal/hour (26.4 l/h), which is really reasonable. In its commercial version, the TH36 will be offered in two engine configurations, with either 2 x 300 HP Mercury V8 or 2 x 350 HP Mercury V10. The latter configuration should make the powercat sportier and enable it to flirt with the 40-knot bar, which is enough for most boaters in my opinion.
Conclusion
By giving themselves the means to bring this project to fruition, the Four Winns team has made a stunning entry into the multihull world, managing to reconcile the brand’s DNA and history with its evolution. Because, as you may have guessed, the TH36 also foreshadows the future of this iconic American brand. A result that will surprise more than a few regulars, and above all appeal to a whole new clientele. Teasing, versatile and very seaworthy, the Four Winns is ready for almost any activity, from fishing to coastal cruising, from water-skiing to picnics in a secluded cove.
Available space
Cabin comfort
Lack of handrail on side of console
High price
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Architect: Marc Lombard Design
Design: Studio Garroni
Length overall: 38’5” (11.71 m)
Beam: 14’7” (4.47 m)
Light displacement: 15,955 lbs (7,237 kg)
Max power: 2 x 350 HP
Recommended power: 2 x 300 HP
Max speed: 30 to 40 knots
Fuel: 2x 123 US gal (2 x 465 l)
Water: 2 x 25 US gal (2 x 95 l)
Cabins: 2
Berths: 4
CE Category: B8 / C12
Price:
€ 520,000 with 2 x 300 HP V8 Mercury
€ 554,000 with 2 x 350 HP V10 Mercury
Main options (€ ex-tax)
Electronics pack 6,990
Audio package 2,290
Air conditioning 14,000
Underwater lights5,600
Front bimini 1,590
Microwave oven 500
Bow table 1,000
Cockpit closing canvas 8,150
Generator 6.4 kW 23,750
