Boston Whaler 230 Vantage Review

Boston Whaler’s 230 Vantage is a feature-packed 23-footer that offers all the safety, comfort and thoughtful appointments boaters have come to expect from Boston Whaler in a spacious dual-console runabout that’s easily trailerable.

The spacious bow offers comfortable seating in either forward-facing or rear-facing positions. A removable, pedestal-mount table makes this area a great lunch spot, or stow the table and insert a filler cushion to convert the bow into a large, expansive sun pad. Up front, an available four-step telescopic boarding ladder on the bow deck provides easy access when you beach the boat for a picnic. Recessed cleats and a self-draining anchor pocket in the stem are nice touches. Spring for the optional electric windlass to make anchoring push-button easy.

The four-step telescoping bow ladder is great when you beach the boat for a picnic.

As you pass through that large walk-through windshield into the main cockpit (with self-draining floor), you’ll notice that the pass-through is slightly offset. This thoughtful arrangement allows for a double-wide companion seat, and provides more space for the head concealed within the passenger console. The rear facing of the passenger console incorporates a padded back rest, which when combined with the innovative port-side passenger seat provides a number of seating options. Fold the seat back all the way forward so it lays flat, and you have a comfy rear-facing lounge. The seat back can also be positioned upright, in either rear-facing or forward-facing positions, providing tremendous utility in a single design. The pedestal-mount table can also mount to the rear facing of the seat, for use in the main cockpit. When combined with the fold-out stern seat and the sink with cooler storage located just behind the driver’s helm seat, it creates a second potential lunch spot. Add a Bimini top and you have the option of dining in the shade.

The offset console pass-through allows more space in the port-side console for the head.

The helm console is clean, uncluttered and to the point. A large Raymarine display dominates the dash, along with a compass, a pair of Mercury SmartCraft digital gauges (speedometer and tach), the stereo control head, controls for the recessed electric trim tabs and a neat row of rocker switches right of the tilting stainless steel steering wheel. An in-floor rod locker between the twin consoles provides a safe place to store fishing gear, while under-gunnel storage shelves provide convenient storage for smaller items like sunscreen or mosquito repellant.

The helm is clean and business-like.

The sink, located behind the helm seat, is part of a fishing prep station that consists of the sink and drain, a small faucet, a cutting board and a 36-quart cooler. While designed for preparing bait, it’s equally useful for preparing lunch. An optional fishing package adds a 14-gallon live well, a raw-water wash-down system and transom-mounted rod holders.

For those who like to ski, the 230 Vantage can be ordered with a watersports tower with navigation light and tow bit. An optional Fusion stereo system pumps out music to ski to, or you can go one further and order a premium audio package that consists of an upgraded amp, premium speakers, and subwoofer. Out back, an integral extended swim platform with recessed telescoping dive ladder and grab rail facilitates reboarding.

The Bikini top and watersports tower is a popular option.

The 230 Vantage accepts outboards to 300 hp, but most will likely be packaged with a Mercury Verado 225, which will push the 230 Vantage into the low 40 mph range.

Options for the 230 Vantage include a fishing package, a watersports tower, a cockpit cover and a full weather curtain set, making it easy to appoint the boat just as you like it.

Although designed as a bait prep station, the starboard-side sink and countertop doubles as a handy surface for preparing snacks.

Visit BostonWhaler.com for more information.

Boston Whaler 230 Vantage
Length: 23’2”
Beam: 8’6”
Dry weight: 3,900 lbs.
Passenger capacity: 10
Fuel capacity: 111 gals.
Water capacity: 20 gals.
Maximum Power: 300 hp