This was also the case with our test boat, the Boston Whaler 210 Vantage, which made its debut at the Miami Boatshow 2024. A leisure boat designed as a bowrider and approved for nine people. With CE category C, it is suitable for cruising on inland waterways, such as our test water, Lake Schwerin, as well as on coastal waters. The Boston Whaler 210 Vantage is a versatile boat designed for water sports, fishing or simply relaxing days on the water. In the bow there is a seating unit with a table that can be converted into a sun lounger. There is plenty of storage space under the cushions and an anchor locker at the front with a lid that has a recess for the anchor line. From the open bow, you can access the cockpit via a wide centre passage with a folding window (in a solid frame with locking mechanism) and wind protection (door) in the footwell.
Suitable space
The driver's cabin is installed on the starboard side of the passageway and a toilet room on the opposite side. The latter can be accessed via a door in front of the co-driver's seat and offers sufficient space for adults. The co-driver's seat unit (extra) on our test boat can be converted into a sun lounger using the folding backrest. At the rear of the cockpit there is a table (extra charge) that can be stowed away in the toilet compartment when not in use. The two rear seats are also a good idea: Their back cushions can be folded down, the outer side with anti-slip structures then close off at the level of the bathing platform, which guarantees trip-free access from aft. The bathing ladder is located on the starboard side under a cover, guaranteeing easy access out of the water. There is also a stern shower - which can be used to rinse the salt off your body, among other things.
Trademark of Boston Whaler
You feel safe and well positioned in the driver's seat. It is sportily upholstered and well moulded. The gearstick and steering wheel (height-adjustable) are easy to control from there. A Boston Whaler trademark: the knob on the steering wheel. The instruments are easy to read and the switches are easy to operate. The view through the windscreen in the sturdy frame is good. Windscreen wipers? Not a thing. On the test day, the Schwerin lake was choppy with a wind force of around 4 Bft. A choppy sea that the Boston Whaler skips over smoothly and dryly (around 26 knots), even at around 40 knots the ride was still safe and not too rough. The Mercury Active trim system controls the boat's attitude. The trim tabs on our test boat are on the accessories list and can be used in a sideways position.
When cornering fast, the hull makes sporty turns and the propeller takes a quick breath of air when you turn from a tight gyro back to straight ahead. On the slalom course, the test boat is always easy to control and the stern comes in softly when the rudder is torn. If you are looking for range, the F250 from Mercury turns at 3,500 rpm and glides over the water at a good 20 knots, with a fuel consumption of 1.30 litres per nautical mile, resulting in a respectable range of almost 200 nautical miles plus 15% reserve with the 303-litre tank. At full throttle at 43 knots, this results in a value of 131 nautical miles. Water skiers, wakeboarders and tube riders can also be easily towed. This is ensured by the powerful motorisation, which guarantees a fast transition from displacement to planing speed.
Good workmanship and installations
At displacement speeds of between around 4 and 6.5 knots, the Boston Whaler yaws, which is not unusual for this type of boat. Harbour manoeuvres are easy with tight turning circles and direct reversing behaviour (engaged backwards). The test boat is equipped with a music system with Bose built-in loudspeakers to ensure that cruising or mooring is accompanied by good sound. A special feature can be found under the driving position, where there is a rubbish bin that can be filled from the outside. The overall workmanship leaves a good impression, from the solid fittings and handrails to the first-class upholstery and careful plastic processing with foam-filled cavities. The installations on the test boat receive equal praise.
Conclusion
The Boston Whaler 210 Vantage is a sporty boat for trips on a wide variety of waters with family or friends. It offers a high level of safety and good handling characteristics.
Technical data
- Shipyard: Boston Whaler / USA
- Type: 210 Vanatage
- CE category: C/9
- Hull and deck: Plastic
- Length over everything: 6,47 m
- Width: 2,59 m
- Displacement (n.d.): 1,728 kg
- Draught (o. M.): 0,46 m
- Clearance height: 1,50 m
- Fuel tank: 303 l
- Cockpit size: 2.02 m x 3.70 m
- Seat height: above toilet 0.87 m
- Sun lounger: Foredeck 1.10 m x 1.70 m, cockpit 0.98 m x 1.87 m
- Freeboard: 0.50 m (for hedge walk)
- Turning circles (boat lengths): forwards tr 1 1/4, bb 1 1/4 tr; backwards 1 bb, 1 tr.
- Change course: from. Stb. to Bb. 4 s; from Bb. to Stb. 4 s
- Motorisation: Mercury V8 F250 EFI,
- Price: on request
- Distribution: atlanticmarine.com
Measured values
- Speed Speed Consumption Range
- 1,000 rpm 4.2 knots 1.03 l/sm 249 nm
- 2,000 rpm 6.9 knots 1.58 l/sm 163 nm
- 3,500 rpm 20.2 knots 1.30 l/sm 199 nm
- 4,500 rpm 30.5 knots 1.47 l/sm 175 nm
- 5,500 rpm 39.0 knots 1.75 l/sm 147 nm
- 6,100 rpm 43.0 knots 1.96 l/sm 131 nm
Ralf Marquard
Deputy Editor in Chief BOOTE
