Boat Test: 2025 Boston Whaler 210 Vantage

Overview

The 210 Vantage is the newest and smallest of Boston Whaler’s dual-console fleet. It shows its versatility immediately upon entrance to the cockpit, where its comfy, flip-up jump-seat backrests fold down flat to the deck when not in use to create a roomy, raised casting platform for anglers.

Interior and Accessories

Up front, the recliner couches and backrests feature the perfect amount of recline. High gunwales and low-profile grab rails offer excellent security without impeding fishability. An optional side-mounted table ($2,006) supports a filler cushion and transforms the bow into a playpen. Or stow the cushions to create a raised casting ­platform.

Engine

I was surprised that our test Whaler came with a 3.4L V-6 Mercury FourStroke 200—the smallest engine available. But many dual-console buyers ­aren’t go-fast boaters, and with a light load of two people and 30 ­gallons of gas, the 200 reached plane in 4 seconds without excess bowrise and cruised to 30 mph in 8.4 seconds. Top speed? 42.9 mph. You can bump up the power to a 225 hp version of the 3.4L V-6, which posted a top speed of 45.6 mph during Mercury testing, or go for the Merc 4.6L V-8, which cracked 50 mph during another factory test.

The 210 Vantage comes standard with Mercury’s Active Trim, which keeps the boat in proper trim automatically. The 210 weighs a beefy 3,810 pounds, which lent a more substantial feel than some other dual-consoles I’ve tested. A big reason for that is the Whaler’s Unibond construction, wherein closed-cell foam is injected into every available cavity between the hull and liner to make it ­unsinkable. Our test boat’s optional 12-inch Simrad NSX chart plotter ­flush-mounted into the dash. The portside console features a cozy head ­compartment with a pump-out toilet when equipped with the Plumbing Package ($1,568), which also includes a stern ­shower fed by a 9-gallon tank.

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Other options? Get the portside lounge ($4,690) with its three-position backrest that can provide comfortable seating for two facing rearward or forward when cruising. Anglers will want the Fishing Package ($1,943), which requires the portside lounge option to house the 18-gallon livewell. The bundle also includes raw-water washdown and two ­additional rod holders. The option also includes a lockable rod storage ­compartment.

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury V-6 FourStroke 200 hp
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Enertia 16″ x 15″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 30 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 380 lb.

High Points

• Extended swim platformettes help those boarding from the dock or the water. 
• The 26-inch minimum cockpit depth is above average for a boat this length and improves safety.
• A wind dam in the walk-through reduces the breeze into the cockpit on cool days.

Low Points

• Opening the storage hatches in the bow requires reaching under the cushions. Side paddle latches would be an improvement.
• The backrest on the optional port lounger gives only those sitting in one direction the proper amount of recline. The other side is vertical.
• The head compartment needs a sink for post-use wash-ups.  

Toughest Competitor

The Grady-White Freedom 215 sports eerily similar specs to the 210 Vantage. Boston Whaler offers Mercury exclusively, and the Grady-White is exclusively Yamaha. The Vantage 210 is heavier by 660 pounds and is rated to carry nine people, which is one more than the Freedom 215, which is offered at an MSRP of $114,480 with a Yamaha F200.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation