Boston Whaler 330 Vantage Review

The Boston Whaler 330 Vantage is at heart a fishing boat, and proving the point, Whaler makes comfort features like the summer kitchen optional while livewells and rod holders come standard. At the same time, the 330 is an excellent family dayboat, with a small cabin making overnighting possible. Additional options can be purchased to enhance comfort, improving the model’s hospitality strengths and watersports capabilities, or to take the boat farther offshore with an electronics package to help you search for saltwater fish. Capt. Trip of BoatTest.com, our content partner, recently reviewed the 2025 model:

Video by: BoatTest.com

Key Features of the Boston Whaler 330 Vantage

The Boston Whaler 330 Vantage’s fishing features are centered in the cockpit. With 11 rod holders, a 27-gal. livewell on the transom, two insulated fishboxes in the cockpit deck, an insulated fishbox in the bow deck, and a fishfinder as part of the standard Simrad electronics, there is no avoiding that the 330 Vantage is ready to fish. Boston Whaler also put real thought into how fisherfolk would use the summer kitchen option, delivering a five-gallon bucket, outlet for tools like an electric fillet knife, solid cutting board, and refrigerator/freezer drawers. 

But the 330 can do much more than fish. The dinette seats four comfortably and an optional bow table adds space for a few more; in all, a party as large as 12 passengers could likely sit at once for a casual meal. Most seats create some stowage, with the notable exception of the folding transom bench that gets replaced by the summer kitchen option. However, that stowage is often purposed for accessories like the dive ladder and necessities like docking lines, so there’s comparatively little space for overnight supplies. The wet head does have an acrylic cabinet and a combo sink faucet/shower head.

The small and well-ventilated starboard cabin will be a good changing room and a useful shelter for a couple or a small family overnight. Keep in mind the shower is for a quick rinse on a hot day unless a water heater is optioned. 

Throughout, high 35” coamings and rails emphasize safety. Wraparound bow seating includes a cushion insert to convert to a sunpad, and the stowage compartments (because of Boston Whaler’s insulated hull construction) double as coolers. The anchor locker includes a boarding ladder and freshwater rinse—a nice touch after beach runs—along with handheld controls for the anchor. Amidships, the dinette converts to an aft-facing sunpad. Near the stern, a side access door facilitates boarding at the dock, and it’s equipped with a bracket for a dive ladder that allows swimmers (and fish) in and out of the water away from the outboard engines. A transom walkway and small swim platforms with a telescoping ladder provide additional jumping-off and towing points farther aft. At the bow and in the cockpit, plenty of cupholders and a JL audio system (controlled at the helm) add to the party.

The adjustable captain’s and companion’s chairs with flip-down bolster and air conditioning vents will make transits comfortable, whether standing or seated. All controls and radios are easily reached, and with bench seating at the port console as well, the skipper remains part of the conversation. The standard setup has a half-glass windshield, but taking the full-height windshield option allows protection at top speed and better visibility. 

The helm is well-equipped with twin Simrad displays, optional Mercury joystick control, Lenco trim tabs, a VHF, JL Audio control, and a tilt-base steering wheel.

Boston Whaler 330 Vantage Performance

BoatTest’s Boston Whaler 330 Vantage came equipped with twin Mercury 400 Verados and Rev X 22-pitch props. (The boat’s standard equipment is twin Mercury 300 Verados.) With two people onboard and about 30 percent of the 285-gallon fuel tank, the 330 Vantage hit a top speed of 54.2 mph at 6250 RPM. The most efficient cruise was at 4500 RPM and 37.7 mph, yielding 1.2 mpg and a range of about 258 miles with a 10-percent fuel reserve.

Acceleration numbers were strong for a 15,000-pound boat:

• 0–10 mph in 4.3 seconds
• 0–20 mph in 7.3 seconds
• 0–30 mph in 11.3 seconds

Handling was smooth and confident. The hull tracked well through turns, leaning in without sliding, and felt solid, thanks in part to Whaler’s foam-filled construction. Visibility at the helm was excellent from both seated and standing positions, and controls were within easy reach.

With a walk-through windshield, convertible dinette, and open sides, fishing from the bow or finding a place to lounge doesn’t isolate you from the action.

Navigating The Used Market

The Boston Whaler 330 Vantage was introduced with the 2025 model and evolved from the 320 Vantage (2013-2024), which has a robust used market. The 330 adds a foot of length, builds out the head, and swaps the summer kitchen to the transom and bench seating to starboard. 

With this brand’s “unsinkable” construction and strong reputation, Boston Whalers hold value relatively well.

Boston Whaler 330 Vantage Pricing

As of early 2025, most boats will be listed as price on application (POA). Base models are just under $450,000 from the manufacturer, but some basic options and upgrades push the price upward. Most dealers will have on hand boats priced between $520,000 and $600,000 and incorporating key options like the summer kitchen package, electric SureShade, lithium battery banks, and upgraded electronics. 

Within a step of the summer kitchen are the livewell and two fishboxes, making it easy to imagine fresh blackfish on the grill. BoatTest photo.

Conclusion

The Boston Whaler 330 Vantage is built for boaters ready to fish in comfort or entertain a large crew. With solid construction, a capable ride, and thoughtful features throughout, it’s easy to see how the 330 will build on the 320 Vantage’s popularity. 

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Boston Whaler 330 Vantage Technical Specifications

L.O.A.: 33' 0" (10.06 m) 

L.O.A. with platforms: 34' 3" (10.44 m) 

Beam: 10' 4" (3.15 m) 

Draft: 25" (0.63 m) 

Weight (dry, no engine): 11,302 lbs (5,126 kg) 

Weight (with engines, fuel and water): 14,784 lbs (6,706 kg) 

Maximum Weight Capacity: 2,865 lbs (1,300 kg) 

Swamped Capacity: 6,500 lbs (2,948 kg) 

Capacity: 14 passengers

Maximum Horsepower: 800 hp (597 kW) 

Minimum Horsepower: 600 hp (372 kW) 

Maximum Engine Weight: 1,520 lbs (689 kg) 

Transom Height: 25" (0.63 m) 

Deadrise at Transom: 21° 

Fuel Capacity: 285 gallons (1,078 L) 

Waste Capacity: 6.5 gallons (24.6 L) 

Water Capacity: 30 gallons (113.5 L) 

Bridge Clearance (with top): 9' 3" (2.94 m) 

Estimated Bridge Clearance with Open Array radar: 10' 1" (3.02 m) est.

See Manufacturer Website: Boston Whaler 330 Vantage