2025 Boston Whaler 330 Vantage

Overview

The big-dual-console category is hotly contested. We’re talking about 30-something-size DCs with twin- and even triple-outboard power, boats developed for the mission of taking out a group of family and/or friends, with hulls that can safely challenge big water. 

Yet, versatility is the secret sauce behind the popularity of DC models, and big dual-consoles such as the new 330 Vantage from Boston Whaler offer versatility in spades. This is a boat from which you can stage a gathering, enjoy watersports, swim and snorkel, fish offshore, cruise long ­distances, and even spend the night in a pinch. 

Then, of course, there is Whaler’s legendary unsinkable hull construction to help ensure the safety of everyone on board. On top of all this, the 330 offers superb ­performance, with a top speed exceeding 57 mph in our test with twin Mercury 400 hp Verado V-10 outboards. 

Successor to the Boston Whaler 320 Vantage, the 330 offers the ­availability of a windshield that extends to the hardtop, as well as a standard half-windshield version. We recommend the full-height windshield option ($8,154), and here’s why: We stayed out too long on test day and were caught in an afternoon deluge. We closed the middle portion of the ­windshield, a task made easy by a new hinge system that renders the ­expansive section of tempered glass as light as a feather, then secured the walk-through door. The result was a dry and comfy passage, with the ­dual-wiper system maintaining good visibility. If you want just a bit of fresh air after it stops raining, open the motorized vent atop the full windshield.

Interior and Accessories

The port console is larger than the starboard side, creating a more ­expansive step-down head compartment than you might otherwise imagine. Accessible via a large door opposite the double-wide ­port-console ­seating, it includes a wet shower, VacuFlush toilet, and vanity with a countertop sink and a wood-grain cabinet below, LED lighting, and a tinted fixed skylight. Vents usher in fresh air, with an optional air-conditioning system ($13,467) for both interiors, as well as the helm.

The starboard console interior features a ­settee that converts into a cozy berth, wood-grain cabinets, fresh-air vents, and a tinted fixed skylight, as well as LED lights, for illumination. Both console interiors sport wood flooring. 

On the previous version of this boat, a prep center occupied the starboard area abaft the captain’s chair. However, a settee resides in this space aboard the 330 Vantage. 

There is an option for a transom prep center ($4,664) that includes a solid-surface top, sink, faucet, and a drawer-style fridge. You can add a 120-volt grill for $3,527. Without the prep center, a foldout transom bench expands the ­seating possibilities. 

A 27-gallon livewell in the starboard quarter, along with up to 14 rod holders and three big insulated in-sole fish lockers, enhance the 330’s angling capabilities.

The portside seating consists of two facing seats with a compact flip-up table with an option for a full-size pedestal table ($2,025). But with the tables stowed, you can convert this area to an aft- or forward-facing lounger.

An expansive hardtop protects the mid-cockpit. A pair of optional hatches ($3,227) will usher in fresh air. An optional motorized ­SureShade ($13,812) telescopes from the ­hardtop over the aft cockpit.

The dash boasts a pair of Simrad 12-inch multifunction displays for navigating, finding fish, monitoring engine parameters, and ­controlling onboard systems such as the optional Seakeeper 3 gyrostabilizer ($77,303). There’s also a single Simrad 16-inch display, if you prefer. The swiveling captain’s chair is height adjustable and has armrests and a flip-up bolster. The throttle controls and joystick lay within a natural reach, which makes handling easy.  

The 330 bow seating includes a pair of ­inviting forward-facing loungers. Add the filler cushion to create an expansive sun pad. ­Replace the filler cushion with the optional bow table ($2,951) to enjoy a picnic at the sandbar. Or use the optional bow ladder ($875) hidden next to the windlass in the anchor locker to take a dip, and when you climb back aboard, wash the sand away from your feet with the handy pullout shower. With the optional water heater ($1,346), you can take a warm shower.

Read Next: Boston Whaler 210 Vantage

The starboard-side door in the cockpit ­features a detachable boarding ladder to go snorkeling or take a dip. A foldout handle gives you a nice grip when climbing back aboard. The door also makes short work of hauling in a big fish and eases boarding from a floating dock.

A number of other models compete with Whaler in the 33ish-foot DC category, so you might want to shop around. One of the other leaders is the Pursuit DC 326 dual-console ($458,480 base model). It’s a foot shorter but a half-foot wider in the beam. It’s available with a full windshield and an integrated hardtop, well-appointed console interiors, a starboard-side boarding door, and a summer galley abaft the helm seat. Twin Yamaha F300 outboards pushed the Pursuit DC 326 to a top speed of 48.5 mph in our test.

If you are shopping around among the many big dual-consoles on the market today, you ­really can’t afford to overlook the new Boston Whaler 330 Vantage.

High Points

• Your choice of half- or full-height windshield. 
• Asymmetrical interior allows for a roomy head compartment in the port console.
• Moderate-deep-V-hull design offers a smooth ride and great stability at rest. 

Low Points

• The mechanism for the detachable boarding ladder for the side door is a toe-stubber. 
• Opening the hatches in the hardtop is a bit of a stretch, even for a 6-foot-tall crewmember.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin Mercury 400 hp V-10 Verado outboards
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Rev X 16.5″ x 22″ 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.08:1 Fuel Load: 180 gal. Crew Weight: 550 lb.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation