Inside & Out

INSIDE OUT the award-winning 345 conquest elevates time on the water by proving there’s more than one way to use onboard space Story by Amy Wideman | Photos courtesy of Boston Whaler

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Your boat takes you to places both far and wide and near and dear. It’s a vessel in more ways than one, containing that rare, powerful combination of possibility and certainty. It’ll take you offshore to where the wahoo are biting as confidently as it will transport your family to a trove of shared memories. We climb aboard and our perspective shifts, so that facing outward—at nature, at the sun and the water and the sky—and facing inward—toward how boating makes us feel— occur simultaneously.

It’s a bit of a trip, in the best way possible. And it’s a roundabout way of saying, when what’s outside and what’s inside are in harmony, everything just flows a whole lot better.

Boston Whaler designed the all-new 345 Conquest with this sense of harmony in mind, knowing that Whaler owners expect huge capability and major versatility from their boats. The zones of the Conquest that are most open to the outdoors—cockpit, deck, swim platform—serve an array of functions, while the more enclosed areas—helm, port lounge, cabin—boast equal flexibility.

The prime example is a feature that’s already earning raves from industry experts: the Dynamic Cabin System, a recipient of the 2014 NMMA Innovation Award. From a pure enjoyment standpoint, the cabin is an inviting place to get away from the sun, to relax in airconditioned comfort and to connect with a group of friends or a good book. A full galley, refined head and sophisticated entertainment area provide all the amenities you could want during a long day at sea, an overnight trip, or a raft-up that stretches into the wee hours.

A large settee along one side of the cabin converts to form guest sleeping quarters. (And parents of little ones will no doubt appreciate the nap-zone potential.) Abundant, dedicated storage—like optional rod racks above the settee and a cedar-lined locker—keep everything tidily out of sight.

The part of the cabin with the highest “wow” factor, however, is hands-down the V-berth. Here, a large forward dining table offers seating for your whole crew to enjoy a meal or a spirited game of cards, with elbowroom to spare. And when the time comes to call it a night, the dining area converts electronically to form a plush queen-sized bed that’s easily accessible by steps on both sides and available with stylish blue LED lighting. at’s right, electronically. With the simple push of a button. No more wrestling with cushions or telescoping tables. e 345 Conquest

quite literally does the work for you. It’s not only beautiful on the inside, it’s smart on the inside.

While introducing the feature at February’s Miami Boat Show, Whaler Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Customer Service Jeff Vaughn took to the mic to expand on the subject. “e conversion from table to bed is effortless, and it instantly transforms the whole space,” he said. “It’s an advancement we’re very proud of. e Dynamic Cabin System demonstrates perfectly our commitment to innovation, in the form of purposeful, cutting-edge design that comfortably and fluidly accommodates a variety of uses.”

Topside, there’s lots to love as well. Consider the reimagined helm companion area. Family members and friends will want to join the captain in climate-controlled comfort inside the integrated open windshield/hard-top enclosure—in other words, the best of both indoor and outdoor time. e helm companion space is designed to foster better conversations while lending a clear view of the horizon, with a portside seat that converts via an optional filler cushion into a full lounge. Whether your copilot is a son or daughter home from college or a lifelong fishing buddy, the handy starboard cockpit wet bar—complete with refrigerator/freezer, sink, storage and cutting board—means they don’t have to duck into the cabin just to grab a snack or wash up after a catch.

For the captain’s benefit, the console features an intuitive layout with an easy-to-read display. Ergonomics are well accounted for, with bolsters that flip up or down and an integrated footrest. As for that indefinable thrill factor? Consider it defined: Offshore or close to home, the 345 Conquest performs like a dream. Triple Mercury® Verado FourStroke engines with the state-of-the-art SmartCraft™ VesselView display delivers a smooth, quiet ride and incredible efficiency. Available Raymarine® packages—including the advanced gS Series—and available high-definition digital radar provide industry-leading navigation aid.

The helm area on the 345 Conquest features state-of-the-art navigation equipment and convertible seats for ultimate comfort and conďŹ dence. (Below) For getting out of the heat, relaxing with a movie or book, or tucking in for the night, the award-winning Dynamic Cabin System gives you options.

RELIABLE PERFORMANCE, TREMENDOUS FISHING CAPABILITY, ERGONOMIC COMFORT, AND THE RIGHT COMPLEMENT OF FEATURES, WITHOUT HASSLES OR HEADACHES.

As often as not, the main action takes place in the cockpit.

Whaler’s design team ensured that the 345 Conquest was well prepared to accommodate every itinerary, from serious fishing trips to summer cookouts to impromptu swims. The port lounge area’s reversible portside seat switches easily to face aft, with a footrest below the seat that pulls out to let passengers rest their soles. Whenever there’s a fish being reeled in or a cannonball being perfected, observers will find it’s an ideal cheering section.

The cockpit also features a convenient work surface that slides out smoothly, lifts to reveal a handy electric grill, and tucks away securely when your prep work is done or the burgers have all been served. Large drawers provide additional storage underneath, making it a cinch to stay organized.

“The new 345 Conquest is tailor-made for experienced boaters who know exactly what they want in a boat: reliable performance, tremendous fishing capability, ergonomic comfort, and the right complement of features, without hassles or headaches,” Vaughn said.

“While the technology of this boat is cutting-edge, it has the intuitiveness that is a hallmark of the Conquest family, taken to a whole new level.”