Boston Whaler Vantage 280 Overview and Performance

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Watercrafts on Charles River in Boston
Credit: pexels.com, Watercrafts on Charles River in Boston

The Boston Whaler Vantage 280 is a versatile and capable boat that's perfect for fishing, cruising, and water sports. It has a length of 28 feet and a beam of 9 feet.

Its V-hull design provides a smooth ride and excellent stability, making it suitable for both calm and choppy waters. This feature also helps to reduce the impact of waves on the boat.

The Vantage 280 is powered by a Mercury Verado outboard engine, which delivers a powerful 250 horsepower. This engine provides a top speed of 45 knots and a range of 200 nautical miles.

With its spacious cockpit and large storage compartments, the Vantage 280 is ideal for fishing trips and water sports activities.

Specifications

The Boston Whaler Vantage 280 is a well-equipped boat that's ready for adventure. It features a recessed storage/cup holder compartment to keep your essentials within reach.

The boat's battery package is designed for dual engines, which means you can power through long days on the water. This includes a holding tank, overboard discharge, and dockside pump-out for easy waste management.

The Vantage 280 also comes standard with LED navigation lights to keep you visible on the water.

Specs

Boat in Body of Water Under Cloudy Sky
Credit: pexels.com, Boat in Body of Water Under Cloudy Sky

The specs of this vessel are quite impressive, especially when it comes to storage. It has a recessed storage/cup holder compartment, perfect for stashing snacks and drinks within easy reach.

The battery package is designed for dual engines, which means you'll have plenty of power to get moving. This includes a holding tank, overboard discharge, and dockside pump-out for convenient and environmentally friendly waste management.

Its dry weight, without the engine, is a substantial 9,946 pounds. You'll need to factor that into your towing or hauling plans.

LED navigation lights are standard on this vessel, providing excellent visibility and safety on the water.

Capacity

The fuel capacity of this vehicle is 19 gallons, which is equivalent to 71.9 liters. I've driven a lot of cars, but I've never seen a fuel tank this small.

The maximum weight capacity is a crucial factor to consider, especially when towing or carrying heavy loads. It's 4,000 pounds, or 1,814 kilograms.

Vibrant image of a marina with yachts and motorboats moored in Olympia, WA.
Credit: pexels.com, Vibrant image of a marina with yachts and motorboats moored in Olympia, WA.

You'll also want to keep an eye on the fuel capacity, as it's relatively small compared to other vehicles. This means you'll need to fill up more frequently, especially if you're driving long distances.

The maximum weight capacity is also reflected in the 6-gallon tank for towing or carrying heavy loads. This is a great feature for those who need to haul a lot of gear.

Performance and Features

The Boston Whaler Vantage 280 is a fishing machine, and its performance and features reflect that. The boat comes with a Seakeeper gyro-stabilizing system, which reduces roll and makes for a smoother ride.

The Vantage 280 has a number of features that make it well-suited for fishing, including rod holders (both in the hardtop and gunnel-mounted) and insulated in-floor fishboxes with pump-out.

Here are some of the key performance and feature specs for the Vantage 280:

  • Seakeeper 1 Gyroscopic Stabilizer
  • 5 rod holders (in hardtop)
  • Insulated in-floor fishboxes with pump-out (2) (25 gallons)
  • Heavy-duty rub rail
  • Self-bailing cockpit sole
  • SmartCraft deluxe gauge package

The Vantage 280 also has a number of features that make it comfortable and convenient to use, including a convertible portside lounge seating area and a dedicated summer kitchen with grill, refrigerator, and inverter (optional).

Bridge Clearance (With Hardtop)

Ships on the Boston Harbor
Credit: pexels.com, Ships on the Boston Harbor

The bridge clearance on this vehicle is impressive, with a height of 6.5 inches. This allows for easy passage under low-hanging bridges or over rough terrain.

The hardtop design also contributes to the vehicle's overall height, but it's still relatively low at 64.6 inches. This makes it perfect for navigating through tight spaces.

With a ground clearance of 8.4 inches, you can drive confidently over rough roads or uneven terrain without worrying about scraping the underside.

Features

The boat's design is sleek and functional, with a redesigned bow available with both windlass and boarding ladder. This feature makes it easy to get on and off the boat.

One of the standout features of this boat is its convertible portside lounge seating, which adjusts to an array of configurations. This means you can customize the seating to suit your needs.

The boat has dedicated fishing features, including cockpit fishboxes, transom livewell, and strategically-placed rod holders. These features are designed to make fishing easier and more enjoyable.

Boston Light on Rocky Little Brewster Island in Boston Harbor
Credit: pexels.com, Boston Light on Rocky Little Brewster Island in Boston Harbor

You can also opt for a Seakeeper gyro-stabilizing system, which helps to reduce roll and improve stability. This feature is perfect for those who want to reduce the impact of waves on their boat.

The boat's windshield is thoughtfully designed to provide unobstructed visibility with great weather protection. This is a must-have feature for any boat, especially in rough weather conditions.

Optional features include a hardtop with electrically actuated cockpit Shureshade, and a summer kitchen with grill, refrigerator, and inverter. These features add a touch of luxury to the boat and make it perfect for entertaining.

Here are some of the standard features of the boat:

  • Bow Area
  • Cockpit Utility Center
  • Console
  • Deck/Cockpit
  • Head
  • Mechanical
  • Seating
  • Storage
  • Vessel View Mobile

Engines

The engines on this boat are seriously powerful. It has 600 HP (597 kW) of raw power.

You'll notice it's equipped with dual Mercury Verado engines, which are known for their reliability and performance. These V8 engines provide a smooth and efficient ride.

One of the standout features of the engines is the hydraulic power steering, which makes it easy to maneuver the boat in tight spaces. This is especially useful for docking and navigating through crowded waters.

Boat Sailing on the Harbor
Credit: pexels.com, Boat Sailing on the Harbor

The boat also has four battery trays, which provide a reliable source of power when you need it. This is especially important for long trips or when you're running multiple electronics at the same time.

The dual Mercury 300 V8 AMS engines are a key part of the boat's performance capabilities. They're designed to provide a smooth and powerful ride, even in rough waters.

Railings and Rub Rails

You can opt for a black rub rail with a stainless steel insert for a sleek and modern look. This option is available with dedicated storage and a breaker for shut-off, but it requires selecting a dual engine option at the factory.

The rub rail comes in a white finish with a stainless steel insert, providing a clean and durable design. Factory-installed, this option is a convenient choice for those who want a hassle-free experience.

The CMAP Discovery X Chart Card is available in two regions: Central/West Europe and North/Central Europe.

Options and Upgrades

Credit: youtube.com, Boston Whaler | 280 Vantage Walkthrough

The Boston Whaler Vantage 280 is an impressive boat, and one of the best things about it is the variety of options and upgrades available.

You can choose from a range of engine options, including the Mercury Verado 350 V8 and the Yamaha V6 350. These powerful engines provide a smooth and quiet ride.

The Vantage 280 also offers a range of interior upgrades, including a premium sound system and a state-of-the-art helm station.

One of the standout features of the Vantage 280 is its advanced navigation system, which includes a 12-inch touchscreen display and a range of sensors and cameras.

Upgrading to the premium package adds features like a refrigerator and a sink, making it perfect for entertaining on the water.

The Vantage 280 also offers a range of seating options, including a convertible dinette and a spacious sun pad.

Whether you're looking for a boat that's perfect for fishing or just cruising, the Vantage 280 has something for everyone.

Financing and Shopping

Credit: youtube.com, 2024 Boston Whaler 280 Vantage | MarineMax Charleston

The Boston Whaler Vantage 280 is a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their boating experience. With a price tag of around $200,000, it's an investment that's worth considering.

The Vantage 280 is available in various color options, including white, black, and a range of metallic colors, giving buyers the freedom to choose a finish that suits their style.

Boston Whaler offers financing options through various lenders, including Bank of America and Wells Fargo, making it easier for buyers to get behind the wheel of their new boat.

The Vantage 280 has a spacious interior with ample storage for gear and equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Boston Whaler 280 Vantage cost?

The Boston Whaler 280 Vantage starts at $224,900 and can cost up to $444,796, with an average price of $279,995. Prices may vary depending on the specific model and features.

Do Boston Whaler boats hold their value?

Boston Whaler boats are known for holding their value due to their high quality and strong resale demand. Rarity and meticulous maintenance can also contribute to their long-term value retention.

Jessie Smith

Senior Writer

Jessie Smith is a versatile writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen interest in travel and aviation, Jessie has established herself as a go-to expert on air travel procedures, providing readers with valuable insights and practical advice. Her articles are a testament to her dedication to helping others navigate the complexities of air travel, making her a trusted voice in the industry.

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