Virtue V10: Special hull and state-of-the-art technology combined for ultimate performance
Ralf Marquard
· 14.12.2023
The developers of the Virtue V10 have not only given their boat a modern look, but have also given the hull a special, highly efficient shape. According to the shipyard (Virtue Yachts), the so-called petestep underwater hull ensures reduced friction, which in turn reduces fuel consumption. The Virtue can be motorised with a single or twin outboard engine. Here too, the shipyard is showing its plans for the future, as it also has EVOY electric motors (2 x 120 hp or 1 x 300 hp) in its programme. Combustion engines from Honda and Yamaha are also on the accessories list. However, our test Virtue is powered by special combustion engines: two outboards suitable for Lake Constance Stage II (3.0L GPM DF 150 BSO II). A joint development by GP Marine GmbH and Nasbo-Werft AG - both based in Switzerland. It is based on a Mercury F150 SeaPro, which is equipped with a lambda sensor and a special water-cooled catalytic converter, both of which are located in a newly designed exhaust manifold. The old control unit also had to be replaced with a new one.
The Nasbo shipyard installed two of these modified outboards on our test boat and installed an electronic circuit for easy switching, the commands for which are transmitted to the motors via a servo unit. A hydraulic steering system from Seastar ensures precise and smooth steering.
Unrestricted operation of the Virtue V10 in any driving position
Both are operated from a centre console, which is equipped with a safety glass windscreen (with all-round tubular frame). Reflections in the windscreen are minimal, and a windscreen wiper provides the necessary visibility in the event of rain or splash water. The view of the two optional monitors is also unrestricted. The analogue compass, which is important for us, was not available on the test boat. Passenger and driver are seated on sports seats equipped with shock absorbers. The latter cushion the shocks when the hull is lowered and make rough water sailing a back-friendly experience. The front half of the seat cushions can be folded away, allowing a relaxed ride in a standing position. No matter which driving position you adopt, the gears and controls can be operated without restriction.
Let's go: With the two engines, the skipper can dock and cast off safely and precisely. On our test boat, an optional bow thruster provides additional manoeuvrability. At slow speeds, the Virtue stays on course and doesn't let itself be led astray by weight shifts. When accelerating to a fast gear, the propellers briefly catch air before the Virtue switches to a fast gear. The boat dealer Swiss Nautik wants to improve this point. At planing speed, the V10 also maintains a stable course and is easy to steer with the hydraulic steering. In fast, increasingly tighter circles, the boat pulls round softly, brakes automatically and the propellers then draw air - a little earlier with trim than without. On slalom courses and when the rudder is twisted, the hull reacts softly and safely. The test boat receives the same assessment when jumping over waves generated by commercial vessels.
If you want to get as far as possible at high speed, let the two engines turn 3500 rpm and glide easily across the water at a good 19 knots. With the 450-litre tank, this gives a respectable range of 191 nm plus 15 percent reserve. To ensure that the two outboards are always supplied with clean fuel, the shipyard has installed two easily accessible fuel filters. The tank is made of stainless steel and securely fastened with brackets. The tank system also features shut-off valves and double-bolted hose connections. The batteries are housed in plastic boxes which are firmly secured with straps. The main switch function is performed by relays - emergency operation by hand is also possible. The motor and accessory cables are laid in protective conduits.
Barbecuing on the Virtue V10
Our test boat is equipped with a roof over the front part of the cockpit (an open version without a top is also available), with the driving position and galley below. The latter can be fitted with a wide variety of grill variants as required. A comfortably upholstered and convertible seating area, which can be covered with an awning, is located aft. Between the side wall and the cushion unit, both side decks lead to the split bathing platform. The rear entrances are fitted with doors. On the bathing platform (starboard) there is a bathing ladder that can also be easily operated from the water. If you want a deck shower, there is an extra charge. For sun worshippers, there is another nice spot on the foredeck: the shipyard has installed an extendable sun lounger here.
The cabin is accessed via a companionway with two steps. The well-organised wet room is located to starboard and features a marine toilet and washbasin. A shower including a 20-litre hot water boiler is available for an extra charge. In the bow, a well-padded double berth offers sleeping space for two people. There is plenty of stowage space below deck and on deck.
The safety equipment includes two fire extinguishers and three electric bilge pumps - however, a manually operated bilge pump is not included as standard. Handrails on the sides provide the necessary support on board. To moor the Virtue V10, the shipyard has provided six solid, retractable cleats that are expertly bolted. The workmanship of the plastic and fittings also makes a positive impression.
Technical data for the Virtue V10
The boat
- Shipyard: Virtue Yachts/Poland
- Type: Virtue V10
- CE category: C/8 persons
- Hull and deck:Plastic
- Length (without motors):9,89 m
- Width:2,90 m
- Displacement: from 2765 kg
- Depth: 0,84 m
- Clearance height (without mast): about 2.42 m
- Fuel tank:450 l
- Water tank: 100 l
- Holding tank:60 l
- Berths: 2
- Bunk dimension: 1.60 m x 2.01 m
- Standing height/seating height: Cabin 1.57 m; 0.58 m-0.97 m, WC compartment 1.55 m, under hardtop 2.02 m
- Sunbeds: Foredeck 1.31 m x 1.87 m; cockpit 1.65 m x 1.65 m
- Freeboard (at hedge entrance): 0,40 m
- Interior cockpit side height: 0,73 m
- Turning circles (boat lengths): forwards tr. 1 1/4, bb. 1 1/4; backwards tr. 1 bb. 1; reverse from tr. to bb. 2-3 s; from bb. to tr. 2-3 s
- max. motorisation: 2 x outboard engines with 221 kW (300 hp) each
- Test motorisation: 2 x 3.0 l GPM DF 150 110 kW (150 hp)
- Price (basic version with top and 1 x outboard motor): 236,810 € (incl. 19 %)
- Distribution (test boat): Swiss Nautik GmbH, CH-8280 Kreuzlingen, Switzerland, www.swissnautik.ch
The motor
- Manufacturer: GP Marine GmbH and Nasbo-Werft AG, engine base: Mercury
- Type: 3.0L GPM DF 150
- Motor base: Mercury F150 SeaPro
- Performance: 110 kW/150 hp
- Full load speed: 4800-5300 rpm
- Cylinder: 4 in series
- cubic capacity: 3000 cc
- Fuel: Petrol
- Gear ratio: 1,92 : 1
- Test propeller: RH and LH 4 x 14.6" x 15"
Measurement results
Standard equipment
Hydraulic steering; gearstick; driver's and passenger's seat with shock absorbers; T-top; double berth; cushions; wet room with electric toilet and washbasin¸ fresh water system, holding tank; convertible bench seat in the stern; table; outdoor galley with sink and refrigerator; Sunbed foredeck; folding cockpit sides; stern doors; bathing platform with ladder; escape hatch; fire extinguisher, three electric bilge pumps; handrails; cleats; self-draining anchor locker; battery; main switch; fuel tank; two fuel filters; engine display
Our test judgement
Driving & manoeuvring
- + range
- + safe driving characteristics
Processing & technology
- + clean processing
- + professionally laid cables
Security
- + fire extinguisher
- - Analogue compass and manual bilge pump are not standard
Comfort on board
- + Comfortable seating and reclining areas
- + lowerable side walls
Conclusion
The Virtue V10 is a stylish boat that offers a comfortable open-air area. It is suitable for a variety of activities such as discovery tours, swimming trips, water skiing or even for an overnight trip. It is neatly finished and safe underway with its two 150 hp engines.
