During a Facebook Live broadcast from the New York Boat Show on last Friday, Boston Whaler unveiled the newest member of its award-winning Vantage series: the all-new 280 Vantage. Ideal for boaters who want the flexibility of a multi-capable open-bow model, the Vantage delivers exceptional versatility and ease of use.
“Vantage is an all-access pass to everything families want to do on the water,” said Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Customer Service Jeff Vaughn. “The 280 is the result of extensive consumer research and feedback. It builds on the best attributes of the Vantage series to deliver tremendous capability and comfort, along with low-maintenance, headache-free operation.”
Chief among those attributes are the Vantage’s superior safety and ride quality. The 280 features a precision-engineered hull that delivers remarkable stability and softness while underway, with cutting-edge navigation and propulsion technology that ensure smooth handling and intuitive control. Novice and experienced boaters alike will enjoy captaining with total confidence, thanks to features and options including Raymarine electronics, VesselView display, and dual Mercury FourStroke engines with SmartCraft gauges or optional Joystick Piloting. Further, the boat’s deep freeboard provides an added sense of security for all passengers, while the standard integrated hardtop and glass windshield offer great visibility and protection from the elements. And thanks to Whaler’s proprietary foam-injected Unibond™ construction, the Vantage boasts a unique swamped capacity that guarantees true unsinkability, no matter how much weight or water it takes on.
The 280 comes equipped for a wide range of boating activities, from entertaining to fishing to watersports and beyond. Amenities for socializing include a convenient cockpit grill station, which tucks neatly away when not in use; 
and an electrically actuated SureShade, which extends from the hardtop to shade the cockpit. A standard portside dive door aids in boarding the boat from the dock or from the water.
New features make the 280 Vantage a capable fishing boat, as well. Integrated stainless steel rod holders are located strategically throughout the boat, and a transom livewell puts bait at your fingertips. Two large cockpit fishboxes keep catches fresh and double as extra storage for keeping beverages on ice.
Comfortable seating can be found throughout the boat. In the bow, spacious lounges feature cushioned backrests and drink holders. Whaler’s uniquely convertible helm companion seating offers an array of configurations: facing forward or aft, with the table engaged, or with filler cushions to serve as a sprawling lounge. Aft, a convertible seat flips down or folds into the transom to free up additional cockpit space.
“Whether you plan to entertain, take the grand kids tubing, or head out for an early-morning fishing run, the 280 Vantage is beautifully well suited to the task,” said Vaughn. “We’re thrilled to enhance our lineup with this versatile, family-friendly new option.”
