Spotlight: Boston Whaler 315 Conquest

New Whaler with wheelhouse and family/fish innovation

Boston Whaler's 315, the third new Conquest for 2012, features an integrated windshield-hardtop system that optimises vision and improves weather protection. There are optional full-glass or half-glass-and-clear-curtain sides, lock-up rear pilothouse or open rear bulkhead with curtain.

Replacing the popular 305 Conquest, which had its hardtop ‘floating’ on an alloy frame and surrounding clears, the 315’s integrated hardtop marks a Whaler trend to enclosed bridges. See video at the foot of the Spotlight.

This layout now extends down to the new 285 Conquest. Boatpoint and Boatsales was the first to test this powerful new boat outside the US of A. Watch this space for our imminent write-up.

Meantime, the integrated hardtop and full-depth windscreen add to the big-boat feel of this mid-range Whaler, while offering hitherto new levels of weather protection for a party of four or more around the helm.

Add radar dome, spotlight and (Taco Grand Slam) outriggers and you're ready to head offshore come fair weather or foul.

Unobstructed sight lines are said to extend from the all-new helm seat designed with ergonomics in mind, while polished cast-piece armrests and flip-up bolster facilitate safe vessel command when seated or standing.

State-of-the-art Raymarine multifunction nav. screens, with iPod/iPhone connectivity, grace the boat's simplified dash.

Serious fishers and families will appreciate the multipurpose starboard bait/lunch prep area behind the helm seat, with cutting board, sink, drink holders and roomy storage underneath. A solid-surface countertop and refrigerator are options.

The new port lounge offers forward- and aft-facing seating beneath the hardtop -- ideal for travelling or monitoring the lures on the troll. There’s a small clip-in drinks table or add an infill cushion to create a chaise lounge at anchor.

While not compromising fishing ability, the multipurpose design logic extends to the spacious cockpit, with flip-out transom lounge, optional port and starboard side trolling or bench seats, and an optional cockpit table with teak-look overlay.

Underfloor are two large plumbed fish boxes/wet wells with macerator pumps. An 100-litre plus oval live well in the transom doubles as a cooler, while under-gunwale storage exists for gaff and tag poles. There's a big spread of rod holders, while the toe rails have downrigger-weight holders.

While the special port storage compartment serves as a large tackle and gear centre, you can add the patent-pending concealed 'Summer Kitchen" with electric grill, solid-surface countertop and fold-out cutting board. A roll-out sunshade can be ordered to cover the entire cockpit while entertaining.

Whaler fans will notice the almost European flavour and upgraded finishes in the cabin. Features include plenty of headroom, a skylight over the galley, opening portlights, fridge, cooktop, rod racks and good storage despite the foam-filled Unibond 'unsinkable' hull.

The timber dinette in the bow converts with filler cushions into a master double bed. It also folds in half to provide a more open feel when a large table is not needed. The mid-cabin is said to be spacious as well.

A Vacuflush freshwater head, stainless steel sink, Corian countertop, and pullout shower feature in the enclosed bathroom.

Below the water, the 315 Conquest is founded on a new performance-optimised hull with a sharp 20 degrees of deadrise courtesy of Whaler’s engineers. The intent was to generate an "incredibly soft and dry ride, impressive performance, and great handling," says Whaler.

Paired with standard twin Mercury Verado 250hp outboards (300hp upgrade) with DTS shifts and power-assist steering, the 315 Conquest should be a painless boat to drive. A bowthruster is fitted as standard for jockeying about the marina.

Andrew Bennett, principal of Queensland Marine Centre, has ordered the first 315 outside America. The boat is expected to arrive on the Gold Coast in September, with a starting price a tad over $300,000 we're told. More at www.qmc.com.au.

Quick specs:

Price: From just over $300,000 at time of writing

LOA: 9.53m

Beam: 3.25m

Draft (hull only): 0.51m

Weight (dry, no engine): 3,392kg

Maximum Weight Capacity: 1,950kg

Swamped Capacity: 953kg

Persons Capacity: 14

Maximum Horsepower/engine weight: 600hp/630kg

Minimum Horsepower: 500hp

Deadrise at Transom: 20 degrees

Fuel Capacity: 1102 litres

Transom Height: 25"

Water: 174 litres

Holding tank: 24.6 litres

Bridge clearance with hardtop: 2.74m

Bridge clearance with top, radar and spotlight: 3.12m

Dealer: First one outside USA arrived Queensland Marine Centre in September. Go to www.qmc.com.au.

Spotlight: Boston Whaler 315 Conquest

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