posted 06-20-2008 05:43 PM ET (US)     

I see the new promo that's being offered on them: $15,000 in a gas card or 130 Sport, but I'd like to hear what they're selling for, too. Do current economics present an opportunity to get a great deal on a 345 Conquest?

Any thoughts on the 345 Conquest would be appreciated.

Cheers!
~CLK

posted 06-20-2008 10:33 PM ET (US)         

I maninly use my boat, & would a 345 Conquest, for fishing in salt & fresh water.

posted 06-21-2008 10:04 PM ET (US)            

These two Marine Max Stores are located 50 miles from each other.

http://www.marinemax.com/Page.aspx/diid/1375334/list/InventoryList/ pageId/85/view/Details/2008-Boston-Whaler-Conquest-345.aspx

posted 06-22-2008 03:30 PM ET (US)            

Another thing that many don't consider is cabin storage. Will it make the wife happy, or at least satisfied? I know this is a bit of a [kowtow] to the missus, but often, it is the wife who "allows" the purchase of a boat. Are there places to stow bed linens and clothes? Is the galley set up to stow utensils and dinnerware, glasses, that sort of thing?

The best advice is to sea-trial her, put her through her paces. If the ocean/body of water is flat that day, do some figure eights, rile up the surface, then charge back through. Do a "collision avoidance" turn, WOT, hard over port and starboard. See how the hull reacts. Get up on plane without tabs, then do the same with. Note the differences. Back down, see what kind of water she takes on, or doesn't. Check the bilge before coming back in. How dry, or wet, is it?

posted 06-22-2008 10:42 PM ET (US)         

My dealership has had three 345 Conquests - one special order, just prior to January, and two others for inventory. I'm looking at their last inventory boat.

The boat does have a plush cabin, but it is marketed as a fishing boat, albeit a luxury cruising and fishing boat. I'm really into fishing, and have no problem with having nice accommodations.

When it comes to operating boats in the [larger than 25-foot] range I'm new to boating. I've quickly adapted to operating and handling my 305 Conquest, and have put about 175 hours on her - almost entirely fishing by myself.

As far as the 345 Conquest goes - I've spent a lot of time on the boat checking things out - I've done a few minor runs on her, but not in any serious weather. Having said that, I don't consider myself as someone who has the experience, to make fine, or even general distinctions, about a boat this size, in terms of handling and operation. I really don't have much to compare it to, other than my 305 Conquest, and I have nothing to compare my 305 too. Hence, my curiosity on other's take on the boat.

As far as the 305 vs the 345:
--I like the fishability of the 305 better. The cockpit of both boats are about the same, but the 305 has more cockpit storage space and draws, particularly large built-in tackle draws, that are actually worth using. Plus, it has a larger sink. The 345 would require that I store some of my fishing tackle and gear (stuff I use throughout each fishing trip) down in the cabin - whereas on the 305 - it's always in the cockpit.

--on the 345, although the center helm seating is/looks really cool, I find it leaves less room for 2 people to move around in, vs the 305, plus the access to the cockpit in much more narrow.

--The 345 has an auto-pilot, and I put a TR-1 Gladiator on my 305. When I'm fishing, I like to sit back in the cockpit, usually atop of the stern. I can do this and still see thru the windshield to what's in front of me. On the 345, they put a coaming bolster and backrest on top of the stern, so you can't sit atop it, but can use the fold-out stern bench, however, you're unable to see ahead of the boat.

--Electronics. I've installed separate 13" Lowrance screens - one dedicated strictly to my sonar, the other for my GPS, chart plotter and radar. Also, I've added the Lowrance Broadband Sounder for my sonar. The 345 comes the NorthStar System. I really don't know anything about the Northstar stuff - how good it is, what's its reputation, reliability, quality - what's the availability of parts, should something 'go wrong'? It's an expensive electronics package, but I doubt if I were starting from scratch, that the Northstar stuff would be on my short list. Maybe it's great stuff - I just don't know.

--The cabin and living space on the 345 is far superior to the 305. It's like a micro-condo down there. It alone could be a destination spot. It's big enough, that normal gear and 'stuff', doesn't end up taking over the whole cabin - a bed can be used as a bed, and a table a table - not just places to stack stuff. The mid-berth lounge is big enough to spread out and read a book on, and the idea of lying in bed and watching Sport Center, after or before, a big day of fishing - seems pretty cool. I put satellite TV on my 305, plus another fold down, 12 volt TV and DVD screen (there was one already in the cabin), in the helm station, which is easier to watch, then the one in the cabin. But the 345 wins hands down vs the 305, in terms of accommodations and creature comforts.

--Although the 345 is 4' longer than the 305, it seems much bigger, particular in the bow. I can handle and dock my 305 by myself pretty well now, and I'm sure I'd get used to the 345 as well, but it is a bigger boat. The bow thruster makes me feel more comfortable about handling it. Once again, much of my fishing will be done by myself. Occasionally and hopefully, I can make longer trips with a few friends, but I need to realize, the majority of the time, it's going to be me alone, handling the boat. (I'm not married yet, so I don't need to get a wife's OK on the purchase, or the linens).

Once again - thanks for the input. Although I have had some time on the 345, I'm not very satisfied with own ability to make important observations and distinctions. Any other thoughts about the 345 Conquest, or personal speculations, would be appreciated.

Cheers!
~CLK

posted 06-23-2008 04:55 PM ET (US)         

quote:

---

(I'm not married yet, so I don't need to get a wife's ok on the purchase, or the linens)

---

ROLF I knew I made a few sacrifices with a Mrs and 3 kids forgot to add a 345 to the list when having an argument.

I hope you get the new 345 and a mate (in that order) plus a good trade up price on your nearly new 305.

Although strictly out of my league did you try the 345 with just 2 of the 3 engines running?

I would hate to think of you limping home (should one develop a fault) after such a purchase, as this should be a major benefit over the 305.

posted 06-24-2008 09:43 PM ET (US)            

I take it the 345 has triple 250s, and in it's configuration out of the factory, center motor follows starboard (shadow mode). So basically, docking procedure is split shifts, just like twins. USE that thruster! Get used to it and you'll love it. Excellent for holding a position while docking, and SUPER when you need to push the bow off against a stiff breeze or a kicking current. Thrusters may be way over priced, but when you have one, they are wonderful!

posted 06-24-2008 11:21 PM ET (US)         

I previously said, "When it comes to operating boats in the 25'+ range - I'm 'new' to boating."

I'm not sure why I said "25'+" - a more accurate length would be 20'. Back in the 80's, my family had a 18' Outrage. Then later, I spent sometime on a 21' boat - my point was and is, that I'm new to handling boats in the 32-36 foot range. The idea of a bow thruster, makes the 345 seem more accessible to me, in terms of handling and operating.

One thing that's weighing on my mind, is the electronics. If you price out the NorthStar system (on the BW site) of what's on the boat I'm looking at, the price comes to roughly $43K [12" Delx Eltcs and Nav pkg = $24K. Add Disp Screen = $12K. Autopilot = $7K]. For me, that's alot of money for stuff that I don't know much about, and am not sure of it's reputation and quality. I'm somewhat new to boating, but I'd previously heard of Raymarine, and from my fishing experience, I knew of Lowrance, Furuno, Garmin, etc. But I'd never heard of Northstar, and it's not a brand that, like I said before, would be on my short list of electronics, if I was rigging this, or any other boat, from scratch. To make things worse, I get the feeling that most of the salespeople at my dealership are unfamiliar with the system, too. Plus, should something break, or go 'wrong', I'm not sure how easy it is to get parts. With other brands, such as Lowrance, Furuno, Raymarine - I can to my local marine store, or outdoor and fishing store.

Anyways, thanks again everyone for your thoughts, opinions, etc. Please feel free to add more, should something come to mind.

posted 06-25-2008 02:28 PM ET (US)         

I would assume with mid engine off and using the other two, docking maneuvers should be better as they are further apart. Add the bow thruster and your spinning on a sixpence.

On my Humble 210 I have Navstar GPS, VHF and fish finder these were from a very good New Zealand company, which was bought out and sold alongside, but re-branded as part of Northstar. How it was integrated across the range of Northstar I’m not sure. Brunswick then sold it off in 2007 to Norwegian Navico who were Simrad Yachting and Lowrance Electronics (who you have heard of). They now include B&G, Eagle, MX Marine, Lowrance, Navman, Northstar, and Simrad brands all manufactured and distributed under the Navico umbrella

As Seabob4 and I have no objections in assisting you spend your money. I like you would have preferred a full integrated system from one of the Top 4 international brands that are not limited to just small crafts instrumentation. Having said that you would assume given BW reputation and quality there should be some assurance for these products. The 8000i looks very nice and your BW dealer is always there for support as they are OEM.

posted 06-25-2008 10:57 PM ET (US)         

Thanks for the info on the electronics - I appreciate it.

I'm going to take another look, & perhaps ride, in the 345 tomorrow. Will update should anything come of it.

posted 06-26-2008 08:36 PM ET (US)         

Take your camera :)

JimH

The only other possible reason could be to use up stock materials that have a shelf life and or to cut down delivery time if they just manufacuter bare hull.

posted 07-01-2008 11:19 AM ET (US)            

You have certainly done your homework on this, paying attention to all of the details. That is a must when considering such a large financial decision.

I am very familiar with the 345. I have been to the last 2 Bimini events and ridden on it. Last weekend BW had a boat show at a yacht club that I'm a member of. They kept the 345 at my dock for the week because it's close to where the boat show was.

I have had pleasure of riding on the 345 at night (about a 15 mile trip)and seen how the FLIR works. It is awesome. Being someone that frequently boats at night, I was very enthused about that feature. I have also been on several rides on the 345 during the day with Capt. Wil Rogers. Overall, I find that the 345 is very impressive. The boat handles very well. I can also tell you from 1st hand experience that it will plane with 2 engines.

The cabin is very nice. I like the layout and the size. You currently have a 305. I have a 98' 285 which is very close in size and layout to your boat. The head on the 345 is twice the size of that on a 305 which is nice. There is also an AC vent in the head.. The 345 cabin is much roomier than the 305. As far as creature comforts in the cabin area as well as headroom, the 345 is head and shoulders above the 305.

Personally, I like the speed factor. For a boat that size, it just flies. Those engines are awesome. They are very quiet and very powerful. When you are on a long trip and your can throttle up and get there, it’s a real nice option to have.

I am a huge fan of the 345. Good luck with your decision.

posted 07-01-2008 08:30 PM ET (US)         

Thanks for your insights - I appreciate it.

I was at the dealership today & took a harder look at the electronics. We took the boat out & about - nothing big - just getting it moving over water. Got a brief demo on the Northstar 8000i package. This included two 12" screens (chartplotter, GPS, radar, sonar & entertainment capabilities) & the autopilot unit. It was nice how all the electronics were integrated, & pre-plumbed, for other potential add-ons. However, for the most part, this stuff seemed to function like other, comparable, electronics.

One other thing I noticed - I believe the genset on the 345 is more quiet, than on the 305. They're both extremely quiet, but I think the larger hull, or the configuration of the lazerette of the 345, subdues the noise/vibration more.

Still kicking the idea around,.......

posted 07-03-2008 08:25 AM ET (US)            

http://www.tiarayachts.com/Brix?pageID=50

http://www.albemarleboats.com/offshore/330XF.html

http://www.bertram.com/brochure-photos.aspx?modelid=106825

The hunt is half of the fun. See them and drive them.

posted 07-03-2008 08:59 PM ET (US)         

Brian: I do like the looks of the Bertram. I looked up the closest dealer to me, & plan to give them a call.

In my marina, there's a nice looking 30' Tiara. Once again, it's an inboard, & I'm not sure if it, or a Bertram would work, for how I plan to fish/troll. I'm not fishing for marlin or tuna - usually salmon.

Gave some more thought to the 345 Conquest & what my options are. Problem is, the boat in stock has the (expensive & slow) Northstar stuff on it, which I'm not intersted in, & the dealer says that if I want a different boat (wo/Northstar, so I can put something else on it, i.e. Raymarine), it will have to be an ordered boat - thus a 2009 (more expensive) & not include current manufacture incentives. I'm starting to get an odd feeling about these incentives & my dealership - just not sitting right with me. I might start looking elsewhere.