Versatility is highly desirable for most of us Chesapeake boat owners. Some of us fish, we tow toys and boards, we explore, we watch sunsets, we just like to take boat rides. We even find ways to work in our boats. However, designing truly functional versatility requires a blend of engineering expertise with deep on-the-water experience.
The design team behind Boston Whaler’s 240 Vantage hits a sweet spot there: it’s big enough to offer a roomy cockpit, seating for 11 people, and a functional changing room/head that’s large enough for adults. Even so, the 240 is small enough to perform well with a single engine. Moreover, with its optional fishing package, it adapts well to a range of Chesapeake fisheries, it’s able enough to handle open Bay waters on all but the gnarliest days, and, of course, its hull is unsinkable because of Whaler’s foam-filled Unibond construction.
Like the other Vantage models, the 240 is an asymmetrical dual console boat. The port console is wider to accommodate the head, while the starboard console holds a well-equipped helm and substantial, lockable storage (including racks for fishing rods). An optional but highly desirable hardtop includes rodholders and grab rails. Optional fabric enclosures protect spray and rain to extend the Chesapeake boating season.
Between the consoles lies a long storage area for toys and boards. The bow holds wraparound seating and storage, with a table optional. The bow deck has both a windlass for the through-bow-mounted anchor and a telescoping stainless steel ladder for visits to sandbars (or to park the boat for wade fishing).
The helm provides space for a Simrad 9” or 12” chartplotter/sonar, an interfaced Simrad VHF, hydraulic steering, and Mercury VesselView and Active Trim. Aft of the skipper’s swivel seat is an optional utility center that includes a storage drawer, space for a 5-gallon bucket, a Corian countertop, and a stainless grab handle. To port, the companion seat is a convertible lounge. At the transom is a folding, upholstered stern seat, with a door to the stern deck. The sole holds a fishbox with pumpout and a large hatch for easy access to plumbing and tanks. The useful (optional) Fishing Package includes a 13-gallon livewell in the port transom, a raw water washdown, stainless toe rails, and transom-mounted rodholders.
With a sharp, wave-cleaving bow, a moderately deep 200 running bottom, sharp lifting strakes, wide chines, and prudent speed adjustments by the skipper, the 240’s hull handles the Chesapeake’s open waters ably with minimal spray. Any water that does come aboard runs overboard from the self-bailing cockpit.
Power options for the 240 Vantage include Mercury outboards of 250, 300 and 400 horsepower. The strong, smooth 300-hp V-8 is the sweet spot. It balances the hull well while offering plenty of power for towing or carrying a large group. The most efficient range of cruising speeds is 17-32 knots (3,500-4,500 rpm), with a cruising range of 200-230 nautical miles. Top speed is 43 knots.
According to Boston Whaler’s website, the base price for the 240 Vantage is $168, 930 with a 250-hp V-8 Mercury, but adding electronics, a hardtop, tables, the Fishing Package, and other valuable options takes the price to around $235,000. Chesapeake Whalertowne understands the needs of Bay boaters and orders stock boats to meet those needs. Check with them if a 240 Vantage offers the broad range of capabilities you are looking for.
SPECIFICATIONS
LOA: 24’6”
Beam: 8’6”
Draft: 18”
Transom Deadrise: 200
Persons Capacity: 11
Fuel Capacity: 111 gal.
Freshwater Capacity: 18 gal.
Weight: 4,360 lbs. (dry, no engine)
Weight with engine, fuel, & batteries: 5,837 lbs.
Max HP: 400
Bridge Clearance: 8’4” w/ hardtop
