Boston Whaler 380 Realm expands the 'Expedition Series'

Boston Whaler went into the 2018 Miami International Boat Show all guns blazing, with a new Boston Whaler 380 Realm with quad 350hp Mercury Outboards designed to tame our increasingly adventurous offshore boating spirit.

Coming hot on the keels of the new Boston Whaler 350 Realm that we review in full in Florida just months before the new Boston Whaler 380 broke cover, the new flagship of the Realm Series is said to combine incredible capability and performance with outstanding comfort, a purposeful array of amenities, and clever design choices throughout.

Making its World Premiere at February's Miami International Boat Show, the 380 Realm joins the Boston Whaler 350 Realm (our video) as the first models in a new family of boats from the Unsinkable Legend.

"The 380 Realm is designed to make any on-water goal possible," said Boston Whaler Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Customer Service Jeff Vaughn.

"It's geared for impressive capability and total comfort, expanding the definition of 'all-day boat' into something that encompasses cruising, fishing, entertaining, overnighting, long-distance travel and more.

"It is a clear reflection of the 60

ADOPTION OF THE CENTRE CONSOLE
The 380 Realm's spacious centre console layout has been designed to include ample seating and effortless transitions from one area to the next. Starboard-side boarding steps make entering the boat easy, as well.

But it's the glass windscreen and integrated hardtop that takes the Boston Whaler 380 Realm to the next level.

A brilliant new windshield design features a glass door that can be secured in the open position, even while underway, providing easy bow access and unobstructed views.

The windshield, combined with the Realm's large integrated hardtop, lends superior protection from the elements, so a hiccup in the weather doesn't mean an end to the fun.

PILES OF SEATING OPTIONS
In the bow, a wide lounge seat forward of the console seats three across and features fold-down armrests with cup holders. The bow also holds additional forward deck seating, opposite the lounge, and a standard insulated cooler. Options including a drop-in bow table, filler cushions, and an extendable sun shade add versatility to this inviting social zone.

Heading aft, the design of the cockpit makes full use of the boat's wide beam. Two rows of seating include a row of helm seating, with armrests and flip-up bolsters to ensure ergonomic positioning for captain and passengers. This row and the mezzanine row both include air-conditioning vents, and both convert to face aft, forming a natural cockpit gathering space.

Additional seating includes a convertible aft seat that folds out from the transom and tucks neatly away when not in use, and a swivelling portside companion seat.

FROM PARTY TO FISHING AND BACK AGAIN
As with the 350 Realm, one of the 380 Realm's most notable feature is the massive under-seat cooler in the mezzanine row. Available with a refrigeration system, this compartment with organiser rack can hold days' worth of drinks and food, and can be accessed either by lifting up the seat (handy for loading) or through an access door in the front (perfect for grabbing a cold beverage).

Additionally, the cockpit includes a robust portside prep centre with grill and fridge, so feeding the whole crew is a breeze - and doesn't require ducking below deck.

For serious anglers, the prep centre's grill and fridge can be replaced with an optional live well.

An integrated hardtop spans the mid-ship cockpit seating area and includes an extendable Sureshade sunshade, which stretches over the cockpit as needed to provide extra protection from midday rays.

The hardtop also offers an electric sunroof and skylight option, allowing natural light to flow freely. Accent lighting is well integrated throughout the boat, lending a stylish glow after sundown.

QUAD PERFORMANCE
Performance is said to be another outstanding aspect of the 380 Realm. Quad 350hp Mercury Verado FourStroke engines paired with a 1700lt fuel tank are designed to provide impressive range.

Whaler's precision-engineered, variable running surface hull ensures a soft, smooth, dry ride, whether far offshore or close to home, the boatbuilder says, adding that advanced Seakeeper gyro-stabilization technology is available, providing a marked reduction in boat roll and virtually eliminating seasickness.

The large, well-designed helm station accommodates three display screens, and several state-of-the-art Raymarine® electronics/navigation packages are available to ensure confident command.

SLEEPING OPTIONS
The cabin of the 380 Realm adds another dimension to the boat's capabilities. A V-berth features a dining table that converts seamlessly into a double bed, offering a great place to duck out of the sun, put the grandkids down for a nap, or steal away on an impromptu weekend getaway.

Boaters will appreciate the ease and privacy of the fully enclosed, stand-up wet head with vanity sink and shower. Other amenities in the cabin include a forward entertainment area with flatscreen TV, and an efficient galley with a microwave, fridge and sink. Ample cabinet space is one more example of the Realm's smart, capacious storage.

"This is what Boston Whaler's six-decade legacy is all about: constantly challenging ourselves to push the limits and provide new ways for boaters to experience the water," said Whaler President Nick Stickler.

"We're proud to expand our lineup with such a highly capable, beautifully designed addition to the Realm series."

The first of the new Boston Whaler Realm 350 Boats arrives at Queensland Marine Centre in late-April 2018 for an official Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show release from May 24-27. More on the Boston Whaler 350 Realm.