The dual console is making some serious headway on the comeback trail, and Boston Whaler has bolstered the revival with a 23- and a 27-footer in its new Vantage series. These are new boats from the keel up.
“We designed specific, unique hulls for these dual console boats,” says Jeff Vaughn, vice president of sales, marketing and customer service for Boston Whaler. “We have a unique hull, and because that hull only needs to be a dual console, there is less compromise in the boatbuilding process.”
The companion console is an example of the 230’s comfort and convenience. The seat folds into a variety of positions so that passengers can face forward or aft and partially or fully recline. It also can be used as a leaning post, says Vaughn. The transom seats on these boats also show the builder’s innovation, he says. The seats are 4 to 5 inches deeper, and when they are unfolded, the backrest pops up. “It is truly sofa-like,” says Vaughn.
The 230 (pictured here) and 270 will be powered with Mercury Verado 4-strokes. With a 300-hp Verado, the 230 gets 2.6 mpg at 34 mph. With twin 225 Verados, the 270 gets 2 mpg at 31 mph. “We have boats that plane really quickly,” says Vaughn. “Both boats’ top speeds are in the 50-mph range. The main thing is not necessarily the mileage but the way the boats feel when you run them.”
The 230 Vantage with a single 300-hp Verado is $97,133. Pricing for the 270 Vantage was unavailable. www.bostonwhaler.com
December 2012 issue
