2019 Boston Whaler 130 Super Sport review

The 130 Super Sport is one of four models in the current Super Sport range, assuming you include the entry 110 Tender tiller-steer model and the 110 Sport side console. The 130 series model sits next in the range, beneath the flagship 160 Super Sport that we have also reviewed.

At a glance, the 130 Super Sport looks identical to the larger boat. Put the two alongside each other, however, and it is evident that the 130 Super Sport is quite a bit smaller even if it does have an identical interior layout. The 130 Super Sport is essentially a scaled-down version of the larger boat.

The 130 Super Sport might be one of the smallest Boston Whalers you can buy, but it is made to the same very high standard. Similar to the larger boats, it is foam-filled to unsinkable Level flotation standard and built using only the finest materials, fixtures and fittings.

Boston Whaler's Australian distributor is Queensland Marine Centre. Based at the Coomera Marine Precinct on the Gold Coast, QMC has package prices for the Boston Whaler 130 Super Sport starting from $31,415. Included in this price is the maximum power 40hp Mercury EFI four-stroke outboard, along with an unbraked single-axle galvanised steel trailer.

Normally, we list starting prices with a base model outboard engine, but in this instance we would advocate powering the 130 Super Sport with the highest power 40hp engine.

An option is to fit a 25hp Mercury engine, but we doubt this smaller motor will have enough grunt to power the boat if there are more than two adults onboard.

The Boston Whaler 130 Super Sport is not just well built, but also nicely appointed. The boat is rated to carry a maximum of four people, but there are five seats to choose from, once you include the optional ice box/cooler, and the lounge cushion for the elevated forward deck.

You also get a side console helm station with a lockable storage compartment, 12-volt power socket, two drink holders, stainless steel steering wheel and side-mounted engine throttle box.

Included are non-feedback mechanical steering, internal stainless steel grab rails and bow and stern cleats, lifting eyes at the bow and stern, navigation lights, rear boarding steps and a portside boarding ladder.

Our test boat was optioned with a number of features that lift the package price by $5K to $36,475. The extra money buys two removable bucket helm chairs (that fit over the standard bench seat), the aforementioned ice box/cooler and cushion, a tinted and curved windshield, dash applique/accent, rear hull accent gelcoat colour (grey), two rod holders, and synthetic teak grip pads for the rear boarding steps.

The interior layout in the Boston Whaler 130 Super Sport suits many boating activities. The aft seating is reconfigurable and the moulded bow platform doubles readily as a casting platform for anglers, or a sun lounge for family boaters.

The forward platform is elevated 345mm above the main cockpit floor, so once the cushion is removed anglers can easily step up to cast lures and flies. Equally, a height of 345mm above the floor allows the platform to be used as an aft-facing bench seat, or as a recliner sun pad.

The fibreglass finish on the surface of the casting deck has a non-slip grip pattern, but I would consider boosting this with a good non-slip paint finish, or better yet, some SeaDek-style foam rubber matting.

Beneath a wide hatch in the forward platform is a broad anchor locker. There is ample space for the anchor and rode, as well as deck lines, small fenders, and more.

Surrounding hardware includes a stainless steel bow cleat (316 grade), bow eye/roller, stainless hatch hinges, and sturdy internal side rails that stretch the length of the boat.

The compact side console helm station is situated forward of amidships, alongside the optional, and removable cooler/ice box. If you've got the family onboard, the ice box doubles as a bench seat. If I was fishing two-up, then I'd probably remove the ice box to create more move-about fishing space in the centre of the boat.

It's worth noting here that the Boston Whaler 130 Super Sport is so stable that you can stand and walk about the cockpit without fear of upsetting the trim of the boat, or falling overboard. It doesn't have a great deal of internal freeboard, but it sits rock solid in the water, quite a feat in a boat with a waterline length of less than 4.0m.

As noted, the helm console is smallish in size, but it does have a lockable storage compartment into which I would stow safety gear or life jackets.

The dash and fascia is compact, with just enough space for engine gauges, switches and the stainless steel steering wheel.

You could flush-fit a marine radio beneath the steering wheel, but a fish finder/GPS combo unit will need to be bracket-mounted to one side of the console - perhaps even on the outer gunwhale.

The Boston Whaler 130 Super Sport is designed to be driven with the skipper seated at the helm, either from the standard, full-width bench seat, or from the optional, and comfortable bucket chair fitted to our test boat. The wheel and throttle are well positioned and there is ample footwell space under the console to extend your legs.

I am not sure I would bother with the optional windshield. It looks good, but doesn't provide much protection from the wind or weather.

Aft of the helm bench seat, the flat cockpit floor stretches 900mm to the transom to yield enough space to stand and fish from the stern of the boat.

The fuel line, steering and throttle rigging gear runs down the starboard side, aft of the helm console. It can't be run internally behind the side decks as that space is foam-filled and sealed off to achieve the boat's Level flotation standard.

The cockpit is otherwise uncluttered as the engine battery is boxed and positioned under the bench seat, alongside the included 24.6-litre red portable fuel tank.

Other notable cockpit features include the elevated rear boarding steps/platforms (fitted with the optional faux teak rubbing matting), a pair of stainless steel cleats, two optional rod holders affixed to the side rails, cockpit drain plug, and a telescopic boarding ladder.

Running at speed on the bay or harbour it is easy to forget that the Boston Whaler 130 Super Sport is less than 4.0m long. It handles, rides and performs like a larger boat.

That said, whilst the ride is generally comfortable, you do need to slow down in heavy chop to keep the hull in the water. You don't want it getting air and leaping off waves as it will land firmly on occasion, as you would expect from a very small boat.

Generally speaking, however, the ride, handling and performance is first class. Paired with the maximum power 40hp Mercury outboard, the hull performs well, achieving a top speed of 28 knots.

It is not particularly quick from a standing start, but there is ample power and acceleration once the boat is up and running on the plane.

The Boston Whaler 130 Super Sport is also wonderfully stable, quiet, and reasonably dry, again taking into account the boat's diminutive dimensions.

The stability, safety and load carrying capacity of the Boston Whaler 130 Super Sport was demonstrated during our boat test when I was called upon to rescue some people from a small sailing catamaran that looking to be sinking.

The catamaran was under sail, but it was over-loaded with people and unable to make headway against the outgoing tide, which was steadily carrying the craft out toward the Gold Coast Seaway entrance.

At first glance I did not realise there was a problem, but as I was motoring past I spotted the skipper waving frantically to attract my attention. I thought initially that he needed a tow, but it transpired that he wanted me to take half is crew (three adults) onto the little Super Sport and to ferry them back to shore. His catamaran would then be light enough for him to sail it back to safety.

This sounded logical enough so I drew alongside the half submerged catamaran, hoping to have his crew members climb over to the Super Sport in an orderly fashion, one at a time.

Unfortunately they were much too scared and jittery for that. To my significant alarm, three of them clambered over the side of the Super Sport simultaneously, without any thought of the risk of capsizing the boat. Thankfully, the little Boston Whaler 130 Super Sport was up to the task, the stable, shallow vee hull proving rock solid, barely dipping as the three soaking wet adults struggled over the side and onboard.

It is this kind of capability and quality that serves to strengthen Boston Whaler's renowned, and worldwide reputation for safety and seaworthiness. I fear many other 4.0m monohulls would have rolled in this same situation. Bravo Boston Whaler!

Performance

Range on 95% of 24.6L fuel supply at 4000rpm: 60.9nm

The Boston Whaler 130 Super Sport is wonderful little boat. Yes, it is more expensive than comparable models from rival brands, but it is well built, nicely finished and outfitted, immensely safe and seaworthy. We have no hesitation in recommending this fine quality craft for a range of sheltered water boating and fishing applications.

Specifications
Model: Boston Whaler 130 Super Sport
Length overall: 4.27m
Hull length: 3.99m
Beam: 1.78m
Draft: 230mm
Deadrise: 13 degrees
Hull weight: 315kg
Weight on trailer: 640kg (est)
Maximum power: 40hp
Maximum engine weight: 107kg
Engine as tested: Mercury 40hp EFI four-stroke
Fuel capacity: 24.6L (portable tank)
Flotation standard: Level
Passengers: Four

Priced from: $31,415 including a Mercury 40hp EFI four-stroke longshaft (20-inch) outboard and a single axle (unbraked) galvanised steel trailer.

Price as tested: $36,475 including a Mercury 40hp EFI four-stroke longshaft (20-inch) outboard, single axle galvanised steel trailer (no brakes) sports bucket seats (pair), bow lounge cushion, ice box with cushion, windshield, dash applique/accent, rear hull accent gelcoat colour (grey), two rod holders, and synthetic teak boarding steps.

Supplied by: Queensland Marine Centre