Overview
The test boat for the features video was optioned toward families, with a nod to fishing. She shows how an offshore fishing boat can add family features and come out a versatile boat.
“Clearly this is a good representative example of how to take an offshore fishing boat and add family features to the options list and come out with a versatile boat.”
Bow Arrangement
- Layout: Completely redesigned, with traditional V-seats replaced by seating that wraps around the bow
- Wraparound Seating: Bolsters, grab handles and drink holders, facing the console lounger
- Console Lounger: Forward-facing, double wide, with flip-down armrests on both sides
- Table (Optional): Lowers to create a sun pad
- Storage: Under the forward seat, under the deck and in a massive compartment running from the console to the anchor locker, with dedicated holders for two 5-gallon buckets, four optional dive tank holders, a ditch bag and rods
- Hatches: Finished on the underside, held open by gas struts, with water channeled to overboard drains
“The forward-facing lounger is sure to be a popular spot when underway, as it provides comfort combined with outstanding views.”
Boarding Amenities
- Swim Platform: Starboard side, with a recessed reboarding ladder and a grab handle
- Cockpit Door: From the swim platform
- Freshwater Shower: For rinsing off before coming aboard
- Dive Door: Standard hull-side door, with a ladder that mounts into a deck receiver and a swing-out grab handle
- Dive Ladder Storage: In the forward bulkhead of the head compartment
Cockpit Arrangement And Equipment
- Transom Bench: Pullout bench for two
- Aft-Facing Seating: Opposite the bench, converting to a serving table
- Refrigerated Drawer: Starboard side of the helm seating
- Fish Boxes: Two insulated boxes, one on each side
- Rod Holders: 19, including five rocket launchers on the hardtop
- Trolling Seats: Flip out on both sides, so more people can watch the lines
- Hardtop: Outrigger mounting points, spreader lights fore and aft, and hard points for antennas
- Bolsters: Padded, for comfort while fighting fish
- Rod Storage: Under the gunwales
- Tow Rails: Stainless steel, for safety offshore
- Livewell: In the center of the transom
- Tackle Drawers: Three, on stainless slides, to port of the helm seat
- Washdowns: Fresh and raw water in the port quarter
Interior Spaces
Head Compartment:
- Type: Enclosed
- Headroom: 5 feet, 10 inches standing
- Counter: Plenty of counter space, with a sink and storage underneath
- Rod Access: Rods pass through from the bow storage
- Ventilation: Opening port light
“I’d like to see a grab handle up above to ease getting into the head compartment, otherwise you go in backwards.”
Advantages And Disadvantages
Advantages
- All-new hull that redefines Whaler handling for the better
- Lighter, sportier feel than expected, handling like a smaller boat
- Trademark Whaler wave penetration for offshore work
- 411-mile range at best cruise
- Joystick docking lets anyone dock her like a pro
- Convenient central mechanical room with access to pumps, through-hulls and filters
- Standard hull-side dive door
- Redesigned wraparound bow seating with massive storage
- 19 rod holders, insulated fish boxes and flip-out trolling seats
- Enclosed head with 5'10" headroom
Disadvantages
- No overhead grab handle for entering the head, so you go in backwards
- Bow table, dive tank holders, Skyhook and auto heading are optional
