Virtue V10 Cabin: The Polish Approach to a 10-Meter, Four-Season Boat

Testing the new Virtue V10 Cabin was a dual experience. The boat was the second part. And I must say that if mindset matters (and it certainly does), the Virtue V10 Cabin was able to overturn my initial expectations. The first part of the experience was the test itself. It took place in Augustów, in the northwest of Poland—closer to the Lithuanian and Belarusian borders than to Warsaw, which is about a 3.5-hour drive away through an unchanging landscape of plains stretching to the horizon.

The weather in northern Poland in mid-December is not the most pleasant: foggy and cold, with the sun setting below the horizon by 3:30 PM. This meteorological disposition does not naturally inspire enthusiasm. Which is a pity, because Augustów sits on the shores of Lake Necko. The Virtue V10 Cabin was docked at one of the wooden piers of Marina Borki, the most exclusive resort in the area. Augustów is a tourist town surrounded by several lakes, including Lake Białe Augustowskie and Lake Rospuda, which are part of the picturesque Augustów Lakes region—a natural area highly appreciated for tourism, boating, and water sports.

The Boat

Alright, but what about the boat? Getting into the right geographic mood is crucial, especially because the Virtue V10 Cabin was designed for those who use their boat year-round, even in less favorable climates. The further north I travel, the more I realize how blessed we Mediterraneans are and, consequently, how spoiled we have been by nature.

The Cabin version of the Virtue V10 is an evolution of the Virtue V10, the first creation of the Polish shipyard Virtue. The hull design remains unchanged, incorporating Swedish Petestep technology—a system with 2.5 steps that reduce friction and improve navigation comfort by directing spray downward and aft rather than laterally.

The test took place in perfectly calm waters. We were the only ones navigating (which is understandable given the time of year). The only other vessel was a small fishing boat hidden among the reeds on the lake's shore. So, the conditions were not particularly challenging, but the boat's agility was evident. Powered by twin 300 HP Mercury Verado engines, the Virtue V10 Cabin demonstrated clear performance.

Beyond the top speed of 49.9 knots, still with ongoing trim optimizations, we had Humprey technicians on board to finalize the interceptor setup. The Virtue V10 Cabin impressed me because, despite offering the feeling of a larger boat due to its cabin, it remains as responsive as you would expect from a 10-meter vessel.

It is not a dragster in acceleration but rather a top-speed sprinter, as the numbers above suggest. Of course, in these conditions, it is difficult to stress a modern boat built by a shipyard with a skilled workforce—mature enough to be experienced but young enough to embrace innovation.

Unique Design Features

One notable feature is the innovative superstructure opening system. To access the forward deck, side walkways are used, reached through lateral openings in the cabin, one on each side, creating a walkaround feel while maintaining an enclosed cabin.

The cabin redesign has also resulted in more longitudinal space between the steering wheel and the seat, allowing even larger individuals to move comfortably. The helm station is well-equipped with:

-Two Garmin displays
-Physical switches for main controls
-Bow thruster joystick with remote control
-Interceptor controller
-Charging/phone holder
-Double electronic throttle
-Cup holders, of course

The pilot and co-pilot seatback flips to transform into a forward-facing bench for the dining table, complemented by an additional seating area aft. A sliding glass roof by Webasto enhances summer usability, opening a significant portion of the superstructure.

Comfort and Liveability

On the upper section, there is a mast for navigation lights, radar, and LED lighting, crucial at these latitudes where daylight is scarce. Naturally, a heating system is installed, making the cabin cozy within minutes even in northern European conditions. For those wondering, air conditioning is also available upon request, as each unit is custom-built rather than mass-produced.

Despite accommodating up to five people, the space remains sufficient to avoid feeling cramped—though there are only four truly comfortable seats. The 1.95-meter headroom and full-glass perimeter enhance the sense of openness. The dining table lowers to convert into a second double berth.

A few aesthetic refinements are planned, such as redesigning the hinge covers on the cabin doors for a more seamless look, which will be addressed from the second production unit onward.

For overnight stays, the forward cabin features a V-berth, extending to the port side with a small settee. On the starboard side, there is additional counter space and a hatch above the bed. A properly sized head compartment is located to the right of the companionway, suitable for a weekend cruiser.

Exterior and Deck Layout

The external layout includes:

-A forward sun pad
-An aft bench
-Folding bulwarks for added deck space
-When closed, the bulwarks provide secure perimeter protection, enhancing safety in rough waters.

Conclusion

The Virtue V10 Cabin has all the features to appeal to boaters navigating at high latitudes (around 55° north) or those in milder regions looking for a vessel capable of year-round operation.

Technical Specifications - Virtue V10 Cabin

Length (without engine): 9.9 m - Beam: 2.9 m - Draft (engine raised): 0.52 m - Draft (single engine): 0.95 m - Draft (twin engines): 0.83 m - Weight (without engine): 3,200 kg - Max capacity (CE Cat C): 8 people - Sleeping accommodations: 2+2 - Fuel capacity: 400 L - Freshwater tank: 60 L - Black water tank: 40 L - Engines (test model): Twin Mercury Verado 2×300 HP

 

Giacomo Giulietti

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