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Boston Whaler describes models in its Dauntless series as multifunctional center-console bay boats, and the 280 represents the new apex of this three-boat family. The 280 includes a big bow casting platform, a 19-gallon livewell, and a large fish box with a pump-out. Increased storage capacity helps keep gear organized. An outrigger package is also available. The deluxe helm seating quickly converts into an aft-facing seat at the push of a button, and a gyrostabilizer minimizes roll. The new boat includes Simrad navigation electronics, a JL Audio system and digital switching. An optional swim patio deploys from the port side of the aft cockpit for convenient access to the water. Seating options include a lounge seat on front console, bow seating with pull-up backrests, and a flip-up bench seat for two in the stern deck. The 280 is available with single or twin Mercury outboards. For twins, boaters can choose between dual 250 or 300 outboards, both with joystick piloting options.

Boston Whaler – bostonwhaler.com

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Renowned builder Boston Whaler has added a 36-foot model boasting a wealth of new technology—including the latest in propulsion, connectivity, and a first-of-its-kind boat electrification system—to its popular Outrage series. The smart layout on the new 360 Outrage maximizes use of space. The bow configuration offers greater fishability, more storage, and easier access to the anchor locker and windlass. There’s seating for three at the helm, with bolsters and armrests, and fore and aft adjustment on the middle seat. The cockpit is more customizable than the predecessor model, thanks to a new transom prep station that can be optioned as a summer kitchen complete with a grill and Corian countertop. Rear-facing cockpit seating features a flip-down work surface for rigging tackle or fixing snacks. The cabin includes an enclosed wet head with VacuFlush toilet, and a deployable berth that flips up to secure belongings and access storage for sizable items, including rods. Gunwale racks, 16 flush-mount holders and a five-rod rocket launcher on the hardtop let you carry an arsenal.

Boston Whaler – bostonwhaler.com

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The Miami International Boat Show, the world’s largest event of its kind, returned to a recently renovated Miami Beach Convention Center in 2022, after using the Miami Marine Stadium in Virginia Key as its main venue the past few years. As expected, the show presented the opportunity to see the latest and greatest in boats and marine products. Here’s a look at this year’s crop of new fishing boats making their debut. 

Bayliner T24CC

Blackfin 302 DC

Boston Whaler 360 Outrage

Caymas 401 CC

Fountain 32NX

Lowe 22 Bay

Robalo 266 Cayman

Sailfish 320 CC

Scout 400 LXF

Sea Fox 268 Traveler

Solace 32 CS

Stingray 273CC

Tidewater 380 CC

The post New Boats From the 2022 Miami Boat Show appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

Boston Whaler continually revamps its lineup. For 2021, the midsize Dauntless models were updated with cleaner, more roomy layouts, with added standard features and options. The 220 now boasts added fishability and comfort, offering anglers a versatile, well-equipped center-console that’s family-friendly, and easy to run, trailer and store.

Fishability

The aft raised deck changed in the 2021 model: It’s no longer stepped, but rather level, affording extra space to port and starboard for casting and landing fish.

The expansive raised deck at the bow provides plenty of casting room as well and, with cushions, serves as a sizable sun pad. Two large hatches open to a dedicated anchor locker and a large fish box/dry storage compartment with overboard drains, leaving space for an optional trolling motor forward.

A bench-style pilot seat accommodates two at the helm and sits over a cooler that can be plumbed as a 32-gallon livewell, the exact setup on our test boat.

Two leaning posts are offered as upgrades: a competition model with an aluminum frame, fold-down armrests, flip-up bolsters, four rod holders and a slide-out 75-quart cooler; or a deluxe model featuring a fiberglass base with a 30-gallon livewell, and holders for cups, a knife, leader spools and four rods.

Amenities

Our test boat carried the T-top with canvas shade with a rocket launcher for four rods. A fiberglass hardtop is an available option.

The console, with inside space for storage, is protected by an acrylic windshield. The helm includes a Mercury SmartCraft gauge package, a circuit breaker switch panel and hydraulic tilt steering and room for the optional Fusion stereo head, VHF radio, and a single 12-inch or a pair of 9-inch MFDs.

Options include a Mercury VesselView monitoring, a removable bow table, trim tabs, raw-water washdown, freshwater shower with 12-­gallon tank, 8- or 10-foot Power-Pole, anchor roller, 36-volt Motorguide Xi-5 trolling motor and a battery charger.

Handling and Running

We took the Dauntless out for ride on the ICW in Edgewater, Florida, where the 220′s agility, pep and responsiveness were instantly on display.

The redesigned Dauntless sports a sleeker, still-unsinkable hull that takes on moderate chop with confidence, honoring its builder’s seaworthiness tradition. The 18-degree deadrise and increased freeboard (now 22 inches) make leaving protected bay waters to fish a wreck or troll the reef edge a simple decision.

In maneuverability and responsiveness, the Whaler gets our thumbs-up as well. It performed S-turns and tight, 180-degree turns with ease, even at speed, tracking faithfully without excessive leaning.

Performance

Pushed by a Mercury 250 hp V-8, the boat proved fast on the takeoff, with excellent acceleration throughout its rpm range. It took us less than 4 seconds to jump on plane, went from zero to 30 mph in just 6 seconds, and hit 50 mph at WOT. Bow rise was never a concern, and we determined the 220 Dauntless, with its highest power option, let us cruise at over 30 mph while burning less than 10 gph, while we calculated maximum efficiency at 3,500 rpm doing 22.3 mph, yielding a range of over 260 miles.

Test Conditions

• Weather: Cloudy, 84 degrees
• Location: Edgewater, Florida
• Wind: East, 8 mph
• Sea State: Smooth
• Test Load: Two adults, 39 gallons of fuel, 6 gallons of water

Pricing and Specs

Contact: Boston Whaler – bostonwhaler.com

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Boston Whaler this year celebrates a half-century of production of its perennially popular and iconic Outrage line.

It was 1970 when the 12-year-old company, then based in Quincy, Massachusetts, unveiled the design for its first 21-foot center-console boat, the Outrage.

The Outrage models, in various iterations, have been in production ever since, and some have even been in service that long. The 50-year-old Outrage Hull #001 is still in use at the Marine Biological Laboratory, Quincy, Massachusetts.

To commemorate the Golden Anniversary, Boston Whaler, now based in Edgewater, Florida, has released the 420 Outrage Anniversary Edition, a sophisticated offshore cruiser that’s a far cry from the original in appearance, purpose and performance, yet still carries a powerful legacy and perhaps a promise for the next 50 years.

The post Boston Whaler “Outrage” Turns 50 appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

Boston Whaler balances its 60-year tradition of building unsinkable hulls with its ongoing refinement of boats built on those hulls.

The Boston Whaler brand encompasses seven distinct lines.

Super Sports are peppy load-and-go funsters. Montauks are classic, ever-popular center-consoles 15 to 21 feet. Dauntless models balance watersports and coastal fishing.

Vantage dual-console boats aim first at family-friendliness. The Conquest family has fishing-focused offshore boats with all the comforts of home. Realm 35- and 38-footers blend center-console fishability with cabin-cruiser comfort. And Boston Whaler Outrage boats are battle-ready offshore-fishing machines.

Second among primary-boat brands owned by our survey respondents, and among those most numerous of second and third boats owned by those respondents, Boston Whaler is also one of the top two brands respondents would consider for their next purchase.

Boston Whaler 280 Vantage

The new Boston Whaler 280 Vantage does so many things so well that the company calls the family-friendly dual-console boat the “Swiss Army knife of boating.”

The 280 has a degree more deadrise and a bit sharper entry than its predecessor, the 270 Vantage, for an even dryer, more comfortable ride for the entire family, no matter the activity.

But the 280 Vantage has its eye clearly on fishing, with two aft 25-gallon cockpit fish boxes, lighted 19-gallon transom livewell (92 percent of dual-console anglers in our survey said one’s enough; 75 percent say they usually carry just a few dozen baits), three gunwale-mounted rod holders (59 percent of respondents need four or fewer), plus four more on hardtop supports. Want more, Whaler can add them for you.

Anglers and cruisers alike will enjoy the secure feeling created by a coaming height 2 inches taller than the 270. So especially will parents of young children.

Dual-consoles and our survey respondents are all about the bow seating, and the 280 Vantage’s includes cushions with backrests and armrests atop insulated storage lockers. You can add a bow sunshade or table. A bow redesign accommodates both an anchor windlass and a shore ladder.

An integrated hardtop with tempered-glass windshield can be fitted with an electrically actuated cockpit SureShade and includes a standard tow bit perfect for watersports.

Standard are twin Mercury 250 hp V-8 Verados; options include up 400 hp Verados.

Survey Says: On Target

• Unsinkable
• Powerful Mercury Verado outboard engines

Owners Say

• Unsinkability, safe, and speed to get to the action
• Solid ride in all conditions
• Good all-around boat for family, friends, fishing and diving

Brand Says

• 405 Conquest: “The SUV of the Sea”
• Brilliant design and advanced technology

Reader Response

• “Boston Whalers are like old friends: reliable”

Specs

LOA: 29′1″

Beam: 9′6″

Fuel Capacity: 180 gal.

Dry Weight: 6,700 lb. plus power

Max HP: 800

Certifications: NMMA

More Info

bostonwhaler.com

The post Boston Whaler 280 Vantage: 2021 Boat Buyers Guide appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

Boston Whaler balances its 60-year tradition of building unsinkable hulls with its ongoing refinement of boats built on those hulls.

The Boston Whaler brand encompasses seven distinct lines.

Super Sports are peppy load-and-go funsters. Montauks are classic, ever-popular center-consoles 15 to 21 feet. Dauntless models balance watersports and coastal fishing.

Vantage dual-console boats aim first at family-friendliness. The Conquest family has fishing-focused offshore boats with all the comforts of home. Realm 35- and 38-footers blend center-console fishability with cabin-cruiser comfort. And Boston Whaler Outrage boats are battle-ready offshore-fishing machines.

Second among primary-boat brands owned by our survey respondents, and among those most numerous of second and third boats owned by those respondents, Boston Whaler is also one of the top two brands respondents would consider for their next purchase.

Boston Whaler 405 Conquest

Ready for top-flight fishing or cruising is the Boston Whaler 405 Conquest.

The big cruiser’s cabin contains a master berth with inner-spring mattress, plus a midcabin guest berth, teak cabinets and flooring, enclosed head with separate shower, and galley with cooktop, microwave, refrigerator/freezer, storage—and even lighted wineglass holders.

The angler is served by a transom prep area and a 19-gallon pressurized, lighted, insulated aft livewell. (Of walkaround respondents, 85 percent said they need just a single bait tank.)

The 405 has five gunwale-mounted cockpit rod holders —34 percent of walkaround survey respondents say they’re OK with four; another 46 percent would like six. Five more rod holders line the transom, six more on the hardtop supports. The 405 is also set up for outriggers and/or downriggers.

The stern bench folds away to add fishing space, the setup 48 percent of walkaround survey respondents prefer. Other seats are convertible, facing front or aft.

Optional on the 405 Conquest is Seakeeper gyrostabilizing, which 24 percent of prospective walkaround boat buyers said they’d consider.

Survey Says: On Target

• Unsinkable
• Powerful Mercury Verado outboard engines

Owners Say

• Unsinkability, safe, and speed to get to the action
• Solid ride in all conditions
• Good all-around boat for family, friends, fishing and diving

Brand Says

• 405 Conquest: “The SUV of the Sea”
• Brilliant design and advanced technology

Reader Response

• “Boston Whalers are like old friends: reliable”

Specs

LOA: 41′4″

Beam: 13′6″

Fuel Capacity: 620 gal.

Dry Weight: 22,400 lb. plus power

Max HP: 1,881

Certifications: NMMA

More Info

bostonwhaler.com

The post Boston Whaler 405 Conquest: 2021 Boat Buyers Guide appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

The luxury touch to the 405′s fishability begins with the expanded pilothouse, a wraparound glass enclosure that gives the captain a superior view of the waters ahead and obstacles approaching from abeam while enabling him to keep an easy eye on the fishing action in the cockpit.

Full aft curtains can enclose the area for fishing in inclement weather, but on our clear spring fishing day, we didn’t need curtains, nor the optional air conditioning or heat, to remain comfortable.

There was ample room in the cockpit for more than the two kites we had on board. The space would be magnified by the foldaway transom seat in place of the summer kitchen on our test boat.

The lounge, large enough to seat at least three when deployed, would make a cozy spot to sit and enjoy the ride out. Mezzanine seating to port and starboard of the two-step walkway leading to the command deck offered another option for comfort.

When the nine-hour fishing trip seemed doomed to end in failure, the main-deck dinette converted into a double lounge, accommodating a nap for one crewmember. Additional sleeping options included a spacious master stateroom below, an aft cabin, and the galley’s dinette amidships, all perfect for snoozing.

The cockpit summer kitchen, complete with grill, fridge and fresh water, added social assets without interfering with fishing. It’s trapezoidal footprint left the cockpit corners open, giving access to the livewell located to port on the transom, and allowing secure footing close to the fish, making the fight a more intimate battle.

While kite-fishing, the captain’s work was made simpler by Mercury’s Skyhook functionality, which kept the boat position and speed constant.

Just when the day seemed lost, we came across a school of sailfish and enjoyed hot action for over an hour. The portside boarding door made it easy to manage and dehook the fish, and pose for the obligatory selfies-on-a-stick.

Had these been tuna or swordfish, we simply could have slid them through the door and into the port or starboard electrically chilled fish lockers.

There were 10 standard rod holders on board, three on each gunwale, and four on the transom.

The cockpit sunshade and the height of the hardtop made rocket launchers impractical, but three rod holders on each side of the hardtop supports added storage for six more outfits.

Tackle rigging on the test boat was handy. The mate used both the helm deck bar and the mezzanine drawers. On the port side, one of three drawers pulled out to give the seat a footrest and easier access to the seat.

When not interested in fishing, you can kick back at the bow, where Whaler put an exclusive dual lounge with a reclining backrest that folds flat for sunning.

Cup holders and stereo speakers are conveniently positioned. And if the sun is your enemy, a stowable sunshade can protect the area without obstructing the captain’s view. Unknown to me, a Seakeeper S6 was active when I stepped on board, and even though it was a 40-footer, the Whaler’s pitch and roll seemed softer, muffled if you will, so I asked the captain to deactivate it. He did so by tapping on the screen of a Raymarine—there were dual 19-inch Axiom XLs in place—and deactivating it with the SeaTalk digital controls.

The boat was still comfortable, but it was clearly more so with the Seakeeper on. While kite-fishing, some crewmembers could have gotten sick without it.

Most everything on board had a digital switch on the Raymarine displays via their exclusive SeaTalk bus system.

A graphic user interface made it iPad-easy to navigate to the switches and equipment you wanted to turn on or off. SeaTalk has proven reliable, as have most digital operating buses in the marine market, and the self-diagnosing system can tell you if a device has failed or, say in the case of a light, a bulb has burned out.

So, how did the 405 Conquest run with four Mercury Verado 350s? Beautifully, breaking 51 mph at 6,300 rpm while running at wide-open throttle, and cruising comfortably at 30 mph while burning 47 gph, economical for a boat this size.

Better speed and fuel economy could be achieved by forgoing the installation of the Seakeeper, which would lighten the overall load, but that would be a tradeoff requiring careful consideration at build time.

Specifications

Length: 41′4″ | Beam: 13′6″ | Draft: 31″ | Deadrise: 19 degrees | Fuel: 620 gal. | Weight: 22,400 lb. (plus power) | Max HP: 1,881 | Price: $1,004,009 | Boston Whaler: bostonwhaler.com

Test Conditions

Weather: Sunny | Location: Stuart, Florida | Wind: Southeast, 12 knots | Sea State: 3- to 5-foot chop | Test Load: Four adults, 200 gallons of fuel, 500 pounds of gear

The post Fishability Test: Boston Whaler 405 Conquest appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

Boston Whaler has seven distinct lines, among them the Conquest family: fishing-focused craft that also serve as virtual homes afloat, with dining space, cabin with enclosed head, galley and entertainment zone, and other features to delay the return to port delightfully—and catch plenty of fish while at sea!

405 CONQUEST

Boston Whaler’s 405 Conquest delivers heady performance, serious fishability and versatility for easy cruising.

The cabin boasts master and guest sleeping quarters, teak cabinets and sole, ample rod storage, an enclosed head with separate shower, and galley.

At the helm, a single-piece windshield and half side glass or optional full side glass provides total visibility and protection.

For the angler, an optional deluxe prep center at the transom includes a corian topped bait-prep area with hot and cold water, fillet board, 40-gallon pressurized livewell, tackle drawers, leader holders and net bucket storage. Exchange the bait prep area for a summer kitchen and stick with a 19–gallon pressurized, insulated aft livewell.

Fifteen rod holders include ten on the gunwales and five shot guns. A pair of undergunwale rod holders at starboard and hard top holds six more.

Foldaway cockpit seating adds comfort while keeping the deck clear for a fight—a feature prized by 84 percent in our survey. Mascerated fish boxes are refrigerated and she can be rigged with Gemlux 22-foot graphite outriggers.

Boarding options include a transom door and port side dive door with stowable ladder.

Max available power is quad 400 hp Mercury Verado engines, with Joystick Piloting optional, as well as a Seakeeper gyrostabilizer, which one-third of prospective walkaround boat buyers said they’d consider.

Survey Says: On Target

⋅Unsinkable

⋅Abundant fishing room

⋅Ample rod holders

Owners Say

⋅Able to take my wife on cruises, as well as fish

⋅Can handle rough weather

⋅It has been a trouble-free boat

Brand Says

⋅(Boston Whaler) owners (are) confident to the core

⋅A leader as well as a legend

⋅The most reliable and thoughtfully designed boats on the water

More Info: bostonwhaler.com

The post Boston Whaler 405 Conquest: 2020 Boat Buyers Guide appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

Boston Whaler has seven distinct lines, among them the Conquest family: fishing-focused craft that also serve as virtual homes afloat, with dining space, cabin with enclosed head, galley and entertainment zone, and other features to delay the return to port delightfully—and catch plenty of fish while at sea!

325 Conquest

Boston Whaler’s new 325 Conquest cabin cruiser goes beyond that designation, with versatile touches that make it ideal for fishing and other on-water activities.

The spacious cabin begs for an overnight stay, with a convertible V-berth sleeping and dining area, full-height hanging locker, and deckhouse windows through which natural light pours. There’s even a skylight. The spacious bow sun lounge has handrails for comfort and safety.

At the helm, a full single-piece front glass windshield provides unobstructed vision, while restyled side glass fosters what the company calls a “greater sense of intimacy” with the water.

A complete hull redesign delivers smooth performance, better planing and increased stability. (Safety underway in rough conditions is one of the most important elements of a walkaround design, survey respondents said. Second was unsinkable construction—-essentially a Boston Whaler trademark.)

Standard on the 325 are a pair of 300 hp Mercury Verado engines, with Joystick Piloting and Seakeeper gyrostabilizer optional.

Fishing? A starboard dive door makes it possible to drag large catches onto the deck. A stern seat folds away to create fishing room. The port seat can face aft to watch fishing action.

Other fishing features include a bait-prep center, two 40-gallon in-deck fish boxes, insulated livewell, and three rod racks within the cabin. On deck are four gunwale-mounted stainless-steel rod holders, plus three shotgun rod holders across the transom—just what our survey respondents said they needed in an offshore boat. Four more rocket launchers stand on the hardtop’s ladder.

Survey Says: On Target

⋅Unsinkable

⋅Abundant fishing room

⋅Ample rod holders

Owners Say

⋅Able to take my wife on cruises, as well as fish

⋅Can handle rough weather

⋅It has been a trouble-free boat

Brand Says

⋅(Boston Whaler) owners (are) confident to the core

⋅A leader as well as a legend

⋅The most reliable and thoughtfully designed boats on the water

More Info: bostonwhaler.com

The post Boston Whaler 325 Conquest: 2020 Boat Buyers Guide appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.