Boston Whaler 240 Vantage (2021-)

Brief Summary

The Boston Whaler 240 Vantage is the next iteration in the growth of the popular Vantage series. It supersedes the 230 Vantage with many improvements garnered by the voice of the customer to make such a well-received boat even better.

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	25'6" 7.58 m
Beam	8'6" 2.59 m
Dry Weight	4,360 lbs. 1,977.66 kg
Tested Weight	6,041 lbs. 2,740.15 kg
Draft	18" 45.72 cm
Deadrise/Transom	20°
Bridge Clearance	8'4" 2.54 m
Weight Capacity	2,800 lbs. 1,270.05 kg
Person Capacity	11
Fuel Capacity	111 gallons 420.18 L
Water Capacity	18 gallons 68.14 L
Total Weight	6,041 lbs. 2,740.15 kg

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane	3.9
0 to 30	12 seconds
Props	14.5 x 17 Enertia
Load	3 persons; 50% fuel; 50 lbs. gear
Climate	94 deg.; 86 humid; winds: 0-5; seas: level

Engine Options

Tested Engine	1 x 350-hp Mercury Verado
Std. Power	1 x 250-hp Mercury Verado
Opt. Power	1 x 400-hp Mercury Verado

Captain's Report

By Capt. Steve

Overview

The dual-console segment of the industry has been one of the fastest-growing in the industry, so even though Boston Whaler has benefitted from this growth with the Vantage line, it never sits still and moved forward to improve the models. And so the 240 is born.

Mission

The 240 Vantage was designed as a “do it all” boat.  It entertains well, serves as a family gathering spot, is just as comfortable at the dock as it is on a beach and she fishes well.  Now to be clear, this isn’t another of those boats where the builder simply adds some cushions to a fish boat and calls it a crossover.  This brings so much more to the table and does it in true Whaler fashion.  Nothing gets done halfway. Company president Nick Stickler tells us, “The 240 is ideal for boaters who want to take advantage of everything the water has to offer.”

Major Features

• Family-friendly layout with optional cockpit prep center
• Convertible portside lounge seating adjusts to multiple configurations
• Redesigned bow available with both windlass and boarding ladder
• Portside console includes head and sink for all-day comfort
• Optional integrated hardtop provides additional weather protection
• Intuitive helm station available with stylish new glass dash
• Fishing features include convenient rod storage accessible via the bow, a centerline fishbox and an optional aft livewell

Performance

The Boston Whaler 240 vantage has an LOA of 25’6” (7.58 m), a beam of 8’6” (2.59 m) and a draft of 18” (45.72 cm).  With an empty weight of 4,360 lbs. (1,978 kg), 61% fuel, three people and test power, we had an estimated test weight of 6,041 lbs. (2,740 kg). 

With a single 350-hp Mercury Verado turning a 14.5 x 17 Enertia prop and wound up to 5900 RPM, our speed topped out at 47.7 mph.  Best cruise came in at 4000 RPM and 26.9 mph.  It was at that speed that the 10.7 gph fuel burn translated into 2.5 mpg and a range of 252 statute miles… all while still holding back a 10% reserve of the boat’s 111-gallon (420 L) total fuel supply. 

Handling

She’s quick to respond to the throttle, coming up on plane in an average of 3.9 seconds, continuing to 20 MPH in 7.7 seconds and cruising right on through 30 in 12 seconds. 

Of course, we tested in flat calm water, and for a Boston Whaler that’s a little disappointing because they never cease to impress when the going gets rough.  We did manage to scrounge up some random wakes and it showed no surprises, keeping the ride dry and penetrating right through the waves rather than pounding through.  Turns were on point with no chine walk or adverse slide.  Overall, she felt larger than she is due to the solid feel throughout. 

Boat Inspection

Cockpit

The cockpit gathering area is where most of the action will take place, be it fishing or lunch on the hook.  The open section measures 6’3” x 3’6” (1.91 m x 1.07 m).  For seating, we have a port side seat chaise lounge style that can convert from aft-facing to forward-facing, lie flat creating a sun pad and even convert to a forward-facing chaise.  Naturally, there’s storage underneath, including a built-in cooler. The helm seat rotates around to join the seating and of course, there’s a transom seat that deploys remarkably easy.  To the starboard side, there’s a refreshment center that makes a convenient serving area.  Underneath is storage. 

There’s a hardtop that adds a tow point 7’6” (2.29 m) off the deck.  Underneath, the headroom is 6’8" (2.03 m) and supports are integrated into the hull.  Grab rails are all around.  We can add pole-mounted sunshades both aft and forward, and the whole area under the hardtop can be enclosed.   

Fishing Features

Of course, fishing is included in this area, starting with the 13-gallon (49.21 L) livewell in the stern.   Rod holders are along the caprails and going up and across the optional hardtop.  There's even a macerated fish locker right in between the two consoles where we usually see in-deck storage.   Toe rails have been added to the sides for added security when working a fish.   

Head

In the port console is the head compartment.  A magnetic catch holds the door in the open position, so it won't swing shut on little fingers.  There’s 4’ (1.22 m) of headroom that leaves 2’6” (.76 m) of sitting headroom.  There are hooks for hanging wet gear.  A sink over to the port hand side is recessed into the counter that I'd like to see made from Corian, much like in the cockpit.  

Helm

The helm is starboard mounted.  There's a compass directly in line with the helm.  A 12” (30.48 cm) display is in the panel along with the Fusion stereo and the Mercury VesselView display.  Two stainless steel beverage holders are alongside a recessed, self-draining area for putting stuff, and it includes connectivity since it's probably where the cellphones are going to go. The steering wheel is mounted to a tilt base.  To both sides are rocker switches.  Over to the right-hand side is both active trim for the engine and trim tab controls.  The throttle and shift are over to the right-hand bulwarks, nicely in line with the armrest.   

Bow

The bow is another area that has benefited from the design change thanks to the “voice of the customer.” Where the previous model had more of a squared-off bow, this one brings it more to a point in the traditional fashion. This allowed Boston Whaler to create an anchor hatch that is offset to one side, so now the boat can accommodate not only an anchor and windlass but a beach reboarding ladder that deploys to the starboard side.

The bow is accessed through the 21” (53.34 cm) wide walkthrough.  Seating consists of two lounges that wrap around the front.  High bolsters and the grab rails recessed just inside the cap rails and 17” (43.18 cm) above the seats add to the safety. Naturally, there’s storage underneath the seats.  There's a pedestal table with a rubberized nonskid simulated teak surface.  It can be lowered to make the whole area into a sun pad. 

Options to Consider

• Active Engine Trim
• Air compressor system
• Stainless Steel Anchor
• Anchor windlass
• Battery charging system
• Beach boarding ladder
• Bow tow eye
• Fiberglass hardtop
• Cooler
• Fishing Package - livewell (13 gallons) with light, raw water washdown, stainless steel toe rails with under gunnel storage shelf, two stainless steel transom-mounted rod holders
• Seadek Flooring
• Freshwater shower – bow and stern sprayers
• Grey water system
• Split bow rail
• White rub rail with stainless steel insert
• Starboard Utility Center
• Sunshade at bow
• Sunshade at cockpit
• Bow table with filler cushion
• Cockpit table with dedicated storage
• Tow arch
• Trailer – aluminum with disc brakes, dual torsion axles, guide-on stanchions, LED lights, radial tires, spare tire
• VacuFlush toilet
• Windshield cap (stainless steel)

Observations

The Vantage line has been remarkably successful for Boston Whaler, and rightfully so.  It seems to be an ideal crossover between spending a day with the family, to spending the day with the fishing buddies.  Being a dual console provides for so much functionality, it’s hard to imagine that the design could be improved on.  But that’s what we said with the 230 Vantage… and here we are.