Sneak Peak: Boston Whaler 230 Vantage

Boston Whaler 230 Vantage

Oct 10, 2019

The September forecast was a rare high of 24 degrees Celsius, full sun and only a slight breeze when our CY team of myself and Editor Andy Adams visited Gordon Bay Marine on Lake Joseph.

Austin, our Product Specialist, took us out on the Boston Whaler 230 Vantage with a striking white Mercury Verado 350hp outboard on white hull. Whaler’s robust 316L stainless steel features stand out on the white hull to offer a perfect dose of polish and class to the package.

The SternWe idled out to the open bay and there was not another boat in sight – time to play! Andy took the helm so I took my usual place in the bow to put it to the test. A few of my favourite bow features:

• High bow rails and a complimentary lower grab hand rail provide a very secure ride.

• The square bow offers space for fold away beach stairs. This feature would offer ease of boarding for littles or adults while beached.

Andy captained for what seemed like hours! When he finally agreed to give up the helm, I was not turning down the opportunity to take this boat for a run. The 230 Vantage with Mercury power handles so well that I couldn’t resist bumping the throttle up a little. Circling around into our own wake, the Whaler skipped over it seemingly unimpeded. I contemplated a pirate mission so that we could stay out all day but quickly came to my senses.

Port LoungePassengers loved the four position port lounge seat

Back at the dock, Andy and I completed one final review of the boat. Andy took many notes I and discovered my final favourite feature – a four position port lounge seat. This wide seat moved easily from forward to aft facing to chaise and full recline positions – full comfort for all boating activities. I could certainly trade the helm seat in exchange for this one.

Watch for Andy Adams’ full review in an upcoming issue of Canadian Yachting.

Bow Ladder

 

 

 

 

 

bow ladder

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jill Snider– Jill Snider

Jill Snider is a graduate of the Marine Technology & Recreation, Georgian College and has worked in the marina industry for over 20 years.  She is passionate about the industry and brings a depth of marina experience to the Canadian Yachting team.

Related Articles

Video Gallery

ENVGO NV1: Back to the Future

By Andy Adams

Up to this point, I feel that most electric boats have not been very exciting. The motors have been mainly small portable models for dinghies. There are some high-horsepower motors available, but they look like regular outboard motors to be used on conventional boats. Until now, there hasn’t been an electric boat that really makes a statement. Enter the ENVGO NV1.

Read More

Destinations

Canada’s Superior: the North Shore

Story and photos by Jennifer M. Smith

We’d been north before on a short two-week cruise. At the time, we were unprepared for the isolation, the lack of cell phone coverage, and the spotty VHF reception. Since then we’ve repowered, installed Starlink, and retired from work. Now, with confidence in our engine and our connectivity and more time to sail, we were Superior-ready.


Read More

Lifestyle