2026 Boston Whaler 280 Vantage
$420,054
$428,054
Boat in Kilmarnock, VA 22482 US
Built in 2026
280 Vantage
2 Engines (2x Mercury)
27.8 feet
Gas
Fiberglass/Reinforced
The price shown is the suggested retail price less Spring Savings rebate (good thru 5/31/26) - please contact us for the sale price and dealer incentives!
TRAILER PICTURED NOT INCLUDED, BUT AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE.
CALL TO RESERVE THIS GORGEOUS DUAL CONSOLE BY BOSTON WHALER. EQUIPPED WITH ALL YOUR BOATING NECESSITIES, AND DUAL JOYSTICK MERCURY ENGINES TO MAKE YOUR DOCKING A BREEZE.
BOAT COMES EQUIPPED WITH:
- DUAL JOYSTICK 250-HP V8 WHITE MERCURY ENGINES
- PLATINUM GELCOAT HULL (SIDES)
- CHROME GRAPHICS
- BLACK CANVAS
- WHITE FRAME
- WHITE UNDERSIDE OF HARDTOP
- BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM
- BEACH BOARDING LADDER
- COCKPIT COVER
- COCKPIT TABLE
- CORIAN COUNTERTOP
- FIBERGLASS HARDTOP W/SPEAKERS
- FISHING PACKAGE - includes: 19 gallon transom livewell with light, raw water washdown, stainless-steel toe rails with under gunnel storage shelf and lockable rod storage in starboard side console
- NAVIGATION PACKAGE, DELUXE ELECTRONICS SIMRAD SINGLE - 12" display (combines premium electronics options with Port and starboard acrylic dash and switch panels for integrated look and functionality), Simrad® NSX 12" MFD (GPS, chart plotter, fishfinder), Active Imaging 3 in 1 transom mount transducer (CHIRP, SideScan, DownScan), C-Map® Discover™ X Chart Card: North America/Canada, integrated Mercury SmartCraft Connect, custom black acrylic dash areas, stereo system JL audio integration into Simrad Navigation Package, glovebox, port console
- SUNSHADE
- VACU-FLUSH HEAD W/PUMPOUT & OVERBOARD DISCHARGE
- VHF RADIO (SIMRAD)
- WEATHER CURTAIN
- WHITE RUBRAIL W/ STAINLESS STEEL INSERT
The 280 Vantage builds on the legacy of the award-winning Vantage series, delivering exceptional stability, comfort and ease of operation. With its family-friendly dual-console layout and smart, convertible seating, the 280 provides plenty of space for everyone to stretch out and relax. Try a new activity, or try a whole range of them: The 280 Vantage is an all-access pass to everything your family wants to do on the water, from discovering remote beaches to finding thrills at the end of a towrope or fishing line.
- Convertible portside lounge seating adjusts to an array of configurations
- Easy access from the dock or the water via the standard portside dive door
- Dedicated fishing features include cockpit fishboxes, transom livewell and strategically-placed rod holders
- Thoughtfully designed windshield provides unobstructed visibility with great weather protection
- Optional hardtop can be equipped with an electrically acuated cockpit Shureshade
- All hardware 316-L stainless steel
- All rails welded 316-L stainless steel
- 28” cockpit depth
- 8” stainless steel cleats – bow (2), pop-up stern (2), pop-up spring line (2)
- Anchor windlass with 200’ of rode, chain and anchor
- Bow and stern eyes
- Cockpit coaming bolsters
- Cockpit courtesy lights – dual color blue/white
- Covered telescoping swim ladder with stainless steel grab rail
- Drink holders (12)
- Heavy-duty rub rail
- Insulated in-floor fishboxes with pump-out (2) (located aft) (25 gallons)
- Livewell with light (19 gallons)
- Molded fiberglass port side dive/boarding door with removable stainless-steel dive ladder and deployable grab rail
- Motorwell drains
- Rod holders (gunnel-mounted, stainless steel) (3)
- Self-bailing cockpit sole
- Stainless steel grab rails
- Transom door with stainless steel latch
- Coaming pocket with courtesy light and drink holders (2)
- Sink with freshwater faucet
- Starboard aft facing seat with integrated cooler (11 gallons)
- Stainless steel grab rail
- Integrated storage (deleted with refrigerator)
- Bow bolster
- Bow cushions with backrests
- Bow walkthrough block off panel
- Drink holders (4)
- Fiberglass lids with latches (3)
- Integrated centerline bow cooler (12 gallons)
- Recessed storage / cup holder compartment
- Welded stainless steel forward side rails
- USB charging receptacle (dual)
- 12V receptacle
- Access panel to electronics
- Cast stainless steel steering wheel with urethane grip
- Compass
- Courtesy light
- Dash visor
- Drink holders (2)
- Electronics mounting surface
- Helm and companion footrests
- Electrical switch panel with circuit breaker protection
- Storage bucket
- Tempered bonded glass windshield
- Trash door
- Windshield wiper (starboard)
- Dash visor
- Decorative floor inlay
- Interior light
- Gasketed lockable entry door with dual gaskets and draw down latch
- Molded fiberglass console liner
- Portable head with pump-out
- Sink with faucet and Corian countertop
- Stainless steel grab rail
- Stainless steel storage hooks (2)
- Storage locker
- Storage inboard with material keeper
- Aft facing seating at starboard prep station
- Bow seating area with lounge backrests and armrests (port and starboard)
- Convertible port lounge seat with gasketed storage
- Deluxe custom Boston Whaler helm seat with high/low pedestal
- Fold-out stern seat with backrest
- Bow anchor locker with drain and windlass
- Captain’s pocket storage with USB outlet below the dash
- Cockpit storage center
- Console storage with stainless steel latch
- Head storage compartment
- Insulated bow storage lockers (port and starboard with overboard drains)
- Centerline insulated cooler with overboard drain
- 250 V8 Black Dual Mercury Verado engines with hydraulic power steering
- Automatic bilge pump
- Battery trays (4)
- Electric horn
- Freshwater system (20 gallons) with bow and stern sprayers
- Fuel tank (185 gallons)
- LED navigation lights
- Livewell (19 gallons) (located transom, port side)
- Recessed electric trim tabs with indicators
- SmartCraft deluxe gauge package
- Stainless steel propellers
- Tilt steering
- Transducer mount area
- Grab rails (located on centerline, stainless steel) (2)
- Lighting – LED navigation lights
- Lighting – LED overhead courtesy lighting (blue) (4)
- Lighting – LED courtesy map light (red/white) (1)
- Rod holders (4) (white or black depending on frame color selection)
- Tow bit (white or black depending on frame color selection)
- Welded aluminum integrated frame with tempered glass windshield (white or black depending on frame color selection)
- Display key engine data on your smartphone (Android or Apple iPhone)
- Bluetooth connection via Vessel View Mobile app (compatible while connected to stereo)
- Troubleshooting assistance with dealer notification
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 5/14/26 | Price decreased | $420,054(-1.9%) |
| 4/1/26 | Price increased | $428,054(+2.4%) |
| 1/6/26 | Price decreased | $418,054(-2.3%) |
| 7/10/25 | Price increased | $428,054(+41.2%) |
| 6/28/25 | Initial price | $303,160 |
Videos from Chesapeake Boat Basin on this 2026 Boston Whaler 280 Vantage
2026 Boston Whaler 280 Vantage Video Tours
Boattest.com Review
Overview
The Boston Whaler 280 Vantage is a thoughtfully designed crossover boat that successfully balances spaciousness, functionality, and seaworthiness. It offers a versatile layout with ample seating and storage options, combined with a solid performance profile. This model addresses customer feedback by raising the bow for improved seaworthiness and incorporates features that enhance both comfort and utility.
Exterior Design and Deck Layout
The 280 Vantage features an open cockpit with generous dimensions—four feet fore and aft and seven feet, eight inches side to side—protected by 28-inch high bulwarks. Seating is abundant and adaptable, including a transom bench, a seat behind the refreshment center, and a versatile forward-facing seat that converts into an aft-facing chaise or sun pad. Storage is integrated beneath seating areas, with dedicated compartments for items such as a five-gallon bucket, bow table, and pedestal. The boat includes multiple reboarding options: a port-side dive door with an inward-opening ladder and swing-out handle, a concealed ladder on the starboard swim platform, and a bow ladder adjacent to a Lumar windlass and polished anchor setup. The bow seating wraps fully around with storage underneath, including a built-in cooler. Additional features include a freshwater shower near the ladder, stereo speakers integrated into the bulwarks, and a hardtop providing six feet, eight inches of clearance with grab rails, lighting, and enclosure capability.
Refreshment Center and Fishing Amenities
On the starboard side, the refreshment center is equipped with a Corian countertop, storage compartments, a removable section, and a sink that can be replaced with an electric grill. An electric refrigerator is located below the counter. Fishing features are well represented with a standard 19-gallon live well, two 25-gallon macerated fish boxes, and 12 rod holders around the boat, with options to add five more and rod storage beneath the starboard bow seating.
Helm and Operational Features
The helm is ergonomically designed with a soft-touch dash housing a compass and a 12-inch multifunction display integrated with twin Mercury outboards. Additional instrumentation includes a separate outboard display, Fusion stereo controls, rocker switches, VHF Raymarine radio, trim tab controls, and ignition switches. The helm seat is high-end, ventilated, with flip armrests and bolster, and offers swivel and slide adjustments. Storage cubbies with connectivity are conveniently placed, though padding for sensitive items would be beneficial. The mechanical room hatch in the cockpit provides access to power steering pumps, live well pumps, bilge pumps, batteries, and other essential systems, emphasizing ease of maintenance.
Private Accommodations and Head
The boat includes a head compartment with four feet, six inches of headroom and three feet of sitting headroom. It features a Corian countertop, laminated wood cabinetry, and a sink. The head door is secured with a magnetic catch and opens to provide convenient access.
Power and Performance
The 280 Vantage offers engine options ranging from twin 250 to twin 400 horsepower outboards. The test model was equipped with twin 300-horsepower Mercury Verado engines paired with advanced mid-sections and 16 by 20 echo-inertia props. The boat achieved a top speed of 56.7 miles per hour at 5,900 RPM. Optimal cruising speed was 32.9 miles per hour at 3,500 RPM, with a fuel consumption of 15.9 gallons per hour, resulting in a range of approximately 345 statute miles while maintaining a 10% fuel reserve from the 185-gallon capacity. Acceleration was brisk, with planing in 3.5 seconds, reaching 20 miles per hour in 5.8 seconds, and 30 miles per hour in 7.7 seconds. Handling characteristics were predictable and responsive, with no chine walk or sliding during turns, providing a stable and comfortable ride even through wakes.
Conclusion
The Boston Whaler 280 Vantage impresses with its combination of spacious and flexible design, thoughtful amenities, and strong performance. Its multiple seating configurations, ample storage, and fishing features make it a versatile platform for both leisure and sport. The ergonomic helm and well-considered mechanical access enhance usability and maintenance. Overall, the 280 Vantage delivers a well-rounded boating experience that meets the demands of diverse users without compromising on comfort or seaworthiness.
Overview from around the web 2026 Boston Whaler 280 Vantage
Customers are praising the 2026 Boston Whaler 280 Vantage for its exceptional versatility and performance
Many highlight its smooth ride and impressive handling, even in choppy conditions, making it ideal for both leisurely cruising and more adventurous water activities. The spacious and thoughtfully designed layout receives frequent compliments, with ample seating and storage that enhance comfort for family and friends. Users also appreciate the high-quality construction and attention to detail that Boston Whaler is known for, noting the boat’s durability and reliability. Overall, the 280 Vantage is celebrated as a well-rounded, dependable vessel that delivers a premium boating experience.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 2026 Boston Whaler 280 Vantage offers a compelling blend of performance, versatility, and classic Whaler reliability. Here are some of the key pros and cons:
Pros
Versatile Design: The 280 Vantage is designed for a wide range of activities, from fishing and cruising to watersports and entertaining, making it a true all-around boat.
Spacious Layout: With ample seating and thoughtfully designed storage compartments, it comfortably accommodates family and friends for day trips or longer outings.
Performance: Powered by reliable outboard engines, the 280 Vantage delivers smooth, stable handling and impressive speed, even in choppy waters.
Durability: Boston Whaler’s renowned unsinkable hull construction provides peace of mind and exceptional safety.
Premium Features: Modern electronics, high-quality upholstery, and customizable options enhance comfort and convenience.
Fishing Amenities: Equipped with rod holders, livewells, and fish boxes, it’s well-suited for serious anglers.
Cons
Price Point: As a premium boat with many features, the 280 Vantage comes with a higher price tag compared to some competitors.
Size Limitations: While spacious for its class, it may feel tight for larger groups or extended overnight trips.
Fuel Consumption: Powerful engines necessary for performance can result in higher fuel usage.
Complexity of Options: The range of available customizations might be overwhelming for buyers seeking a simpler setup.
Made For
The 2026 Boston Whaler 280 Vantage is designed for boating enthusiasts who seek a versatile, high-performance vessel that excels in both family outings and adventurous day trips. Ideal for those who appreciate a blend of comfort, safety, and reliability, this boat caters to anglers, watersports lovers, and cruisers alike. Its spacious layout and innovative features make it perfect for families, groups of friends, and anyone looking to enjoy a seamless on-water experience with confidence and style.
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Meet the Broker
Address
Boat Location
Contact Chesapeake Boat Basin about 2026 Boston Whaler 280 Vantage
1686 Waverly Avenue, Kilmarnock, VA, 22482
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