Just because one likes to fish, one need not give up creature comforts. Proof is in Boston Whaler’s 325 Conquest, which the company calls its “SUV of the Sea.”
As do the best of its automotive counterparts, this new member of the Conquest line of ruggedly beautiful boats adds a layer of luxury and sophistication.
The unsinkable hull takes on big water, the helm provides a superb level of command, and the cockpit is absolutely fishing-friendly. Then come cruiser-style amenities. No need to make the difficult decision between a fishing boat and a cabin cruiser—this boat is ambidextrous.
The cockpit can entertain, but fishing is at its heart. Grab a rod from the holder on a roof support (optional), bait it from the insulated, lighted aft livewell, and post it in one of seven stainless-steel transom- and gunnel-mounted rod holders. (Outriggers are an option.)
Fishy action seems almost guaranteed. At battle’s end, the starboard dive door opens wide, so you can drag aboard the catch to take up residence in one of two 40-gallon in-deck fish boxes. Gaff, boat hook and scrub brush stow in a portside storage compartment.
Out of the way when fishing’s underway, flip-up cockpit seats (optional) accommodate several passengers. Another foldout bench seat can replace the fishing/boating tools compartment, and an optional midcockpit table stashes handily in a dry bilge/maintenance compartment.
At the helm, a single-piece glass windshield provides superb visibility, above a panel with room for a pair of widescreen electronics displays. The windshield/hardtop system features electrically actuated vents, a floodlight, dome light, rod holders, courtesy lighting, speakers and washer/wipers. Add optional full side glass for protection from the elements.
The captain, on a manual, fore/aft slide rotating seat, oversees a pair of 300 hp Mercury Verado engines (available up to 400 hp each), with joystick piloting optional. Additions can include open-array radar, a heat system, underwater LED lighting, air conditioning and a bow thruster. The Cruising package adds a dockside water hookup, electric single-burner stove and water heater.
Head below to savor luxury in a cabin boasting a private midboat double berth and a convertible V-berth sleeping/dining area, full-height hanging locker, and deckhouse windows. Overhead, folding horizontal rod racks keep precision fishing tools at ready and in mind.
Standard in the galley are a refrigerator, Corian countertop, microwave and sink with a faucet, all beneath a skylight. Fusion stereo is standard, and a 26” TV is optional. The head compartment houses a toilet, sink and shower, as well as a mirror and screened porthole.
Up top, confidence-building handrails enclose a spacious forward sun lounge.
To port of the helm station, two seats can face each other, with a gas-assist, high-low wood-topped table between them. With a few quick moves, the table drops, and the rear-facing front seat reverses to face forward. From there, one can place the cushions on the half-height table and have an “instant” lounge unit.
Aft of the captain is a prep station with sink; an optional Summer Kitchen package adds a refrigerator, Corian countertop, and pullout grill with a cutting board and drawers.
That fish-admitting dive door we mentioned a bit ago? With its stowable swim ladder, it’s cherished by folks who’ve taken a dip or dive too.
Boston Whaler 325 Conquest Specifications:
LOA: 32’3”
Beam: 10’8”
Draft (hull only): 26”
Dry Weight (no engines): 10,500 lb.
Weight (with engines, fuel, water): 14,290 lb.
Persons Capacity: 14
Maximum Power: 800 hp
Fuel Capacity: 300 gal.
Fresh Water Capacity: 46 gal.
Waste Capacity: 12 gal.
Bridge Clearance: 9’3” with hardtop, 10’7” with hardtop, radar and spotlight
