The starboard-helm console is well laid out with great access to the dash electronics, equipment switches and controls. There is also a storage area under the console accessed from the inside centerline. The swiveling helm chair features a flip-up bolster to convert it to a leaning post, and offers good visibility through the windscreen.
One of the coolest things on our test boat was what Whaler calls the Summer Kitchen. Just aft of the starboard helm chair, this optional fully molded fiberglass cabinet has Corian countertops, a full sink with faucet, a grill, a 12-volt stainless-steel under-counter refrigerator, a swing-out Corian grill cover that expands counter space, storage drawers, tool holders, and storage underneath. Do not cheat yourself and get the 54-quart cooler that is standard: Go for the Summer Kitchen with shore power, charging system and inverter for on-the-water use. This feature alone will increase your boating days with family and friends exponentially, and will without question help its resale value when you are ready to move up.
The cockpit is large with plenty of room for fishing. There is a large in-deck hatch to access the lazarette and all of its neatly placed pumps and through-hulls. There is a recessed, foldout transom seat that offers a comfortable ride and yet tucks away nicely so as not to interfere with fishing. When you order the fishing package, you get a 19-gallon livewell and three additional transom-mounted rod holders. There is a walk-through transom door with access to the swim platform.
Our 270 Vantage test boat was rigged with twin Mercury Verado 225 hp outboards. With four aboard and three-quarters fuel, it jumped on plane easily and loped along comfortably on the calm, rolling swell off Port Everglades. It turned nicely with good lateral stability, and exhibited no unnatural seakeeping tendencies during our ride.
If I were a part-time recreational nearshore fisherman, and enjoyed family time on the boat and wanted to have more of that, I would be all over the 270 Vantage. The 270 has features found on much-larger boats, and they are just as well executed. It had the potential to offer a family a lifetime of memories, great catches and good times — something we all want from our time on the water.
Performance with twin 225 hp Mercury Verados
RPM MPH GPH
3,000 17 10.3
4,000 31.1 16.8
5,000 41.1 26.7
6,000 49.8 44.0
6,380 52.6 45.7
Whaler 270 Vantage Specifications
LOA: 26’10” Beam: 9’0” Draft: 20” Max hp: 450 Deadrise: 20 degrees
Water Capacity: 20 gallons Weight: 5,200 pounds Fuel: 175 gallons
Base price: $139,898 with twin Mercury 225 hp Verados
Boston Whaler: 877-294-5645 www.bostonwhaler.com
