Boston Whaler 285 Conquest
Cruise or Fish…Almost Anywhere
We were keen to profile the new Boston Whaler 285 Conquest because it is such an amazingly versatile machine. With twin 225 HP Mercury Verado four-stroke outboard engines, it is very fast, smooth and quiet, and impressively economical too. That turn of speed can get you from a marina to the fishing grounds, or from a downtown marina to the islands in record time.
The cockpit is designed for serious fishing, but port and starboard foldout seats in the cockpit sides, plus another across the transom give you plenty of seating for social times too. Toe rails, cockpit coaming bolsters, rod holders everywhere, a transom live well and a plethora of storage and rod lockers make it clear this is a fishing boat. For long days trolling, there is a great new manual sunshade that extends out over the full cockpit. Fishing or cruising; this is a great feature.
The 285 Conquest also has great side decks, bow and cabin rails and plenty of space on the hardtop to mount radar, lights and antennae. Don’t forget the transom has swim platform space, a ladder and cockpit shower too.
The helm area can be fully enclosed for the northern boaters in the group and the helm has great outward visibility as well as unrestricted sightlines to the stern for fishing. The companion seat has a super-clever seat back that allows forward facing seating for travel, or rearward for fishing. There’s a removable picnic table too. For west coast use, there is a diesel heat option, while in warm weather the two skylights and windshield vents for fresh air will be appreciated.
The cabin includes a convertible dinette in the vee-berth with a hi/low dining table, overhead hatch and storage. The galley area to port includes a single Kenyon stove, Contoure microwave, a 12/120 V Dometic refrigerator and a sink cover that cleverly turns into a counter extension.
Remembering that this is a 28-foot fishing boat, you might be surprised to know there’s a full wet head with two hooks to hang wet gear and clothing, lighting, mirror, opening port hole, VacuFlush head and shower too.
In addition, the Boston Whaler 285 Conquest includes a mid-cabin double berth. An impressive feature is the generator option; in this case they have a diesel or gas option to help power all the gear and accessories onboard. What a versatile boat – fish for a day, cruise for a vacation…this one does it all!
Length – 27’ 10”/8.51 m
Beam – 9’ 6 ”/2.9 m
Weight – (dry no engines) 7,300 lb./3,311 kgs
Engine – Twin Mercury Verado 225 with SmartCraft
To see if this boat is available, go to www.boatcan.com to check listings!
