HookedOnFishingBoats.com

There is one thing all boaters agree on: sinking sucks. That’s why we look for boats we can trust, that we know are up to the job. Boats like Boston Whaler’s 345. Whaler builds their big boats just like the little ones, with foam sandwiched by glass. Sink? Not only is it unlikely, it’s impossible. And that gives you a real feeling of confidence as you clear the inlet at zero-dark-early in the morning.

Hard Body

Other construction features are just as impressive: cleats and hardware are backed with phenolic Whaleboard backing plates, hatches are fully finished on each side, and wiring is tinned-copper. One thing I don’t like though, is that there's no way to access the rope locker from below. It'll be a major hassle to untangle the mess when the windlass decides to jam up.

The fishing features you expect to find in a boat like this are present and accounted for. There are two gunwale rodholders on each side, three wing rocket launchers on each side, and three in the transom. The lighted well holds 40 gallons of livies, while the dial-controlled refrigerator/freezer in the starboard cockpit unit chills your rigged baits. The toe rails have built-in downrigger ball holders, the cabin has rodracks, the sole has integrated fishboxes, and there’s a tackle station with multiple drawers.

But you knew a boat like this would have all these goodies. So, where are the surprises? In the comfort zone. In fact, that seems to be the 345’s theme: it’ll make you comfortable with running offshore, and it’ll make you physically comfortable as well. Here’s what I mean: if you happen to kick back in the cabin you can click a button, and the electric backrest integrated in the queen-sized berth tilts up to prop you at the perfect viewing angle for watching the 20” flat-screen TV. Wow—didn’t expect that on a Whaler, did you? I’ll bet you didn’t expect to find an electric cockpit grill in the port cockpit module, either. Now think about crawling into the bilge. On most outboard boats this is a real chore, but a necessary one whenever you need to check the tanks, pumps, or through-hulls. But on the 345 Conquest you can lift a huge center deck hatch, (which raises on a gas-assist strut,) to easily access everything without being cramped or contorted.

Wait a sec—don’t move away from that grill too quickly. Let’s go back there and pull out the tray, underneath. There’s a cooler that slides out, with a cushion on top that makes it a great bait-watching seat. Well… maybe a cushioned cooler would count as a “great” seat on some boats. But the Conquest is all about comfy, remember? So instead of sitting here walk up to the passenger’s lounge. The forward seat is angled up, so it forms an aft-looking bait-watching couch. It’s amazingly relaxing, just like everything else about this boat. Especially the unsinkable part.

Whaler’s web site is www.whaler.com.