Boat Test: 2025 Boston Whaler 365 Conquest
Fish and cruise in comfort aboard this luxurious crossover.
Courtesy Boston Whaler
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Overview
Multipurpose boats sometimes have a weak link in their design where a token effort is given to one area to check a box. But the design team of the Boston Whaler 365 Conquest—led by Kristin McGinnis—managed to create a boat that’s as serious about fishing as it is cruising or entertaining. Boating’s Editor-in-Chief, Kevin Falvey, and I were part of a Boating Writers International judging panel for the NMMA Innovation Awards in 2024, which awarded the 365 Conquest the top prize in the cruiser category, and we were impressed with its versatility and user-friendly design. My day aboard on the water further confirmed our decision.
Three 19-inch Simrad screens is a nice upgrade to the standard 16-inch units.
Courtesy Boston Whaler
Interior and Accessories
One of the benefits of the 365 Conquest’s 12-foot beam is its 53 square feet of uncluttered cockpit space. In fishing mode, this gives multiple anglers room to fish without bumping elbows, and the 28-inch minimum freeboard helps keep them on the dry side of the gunwale. For landing the big one or easing into the water for a swim or dive, there’s a starboard-side entry door that also holds the boarding ladder for convenience.
There’s plenty of comfortable seating for those watching the trolling spread, with a fold-down jumpseat to port ($3,884) and a nearby elevated double-wide seat. To shift into entertainment mode, just install the twin teak tables ($10,645) found under the electronically actuated in-floor boat systems compartment and start grilling some skewered shrimp on the electric barbie located on the optional transom summer kitchen ($8,333), which also includes a pullout freezer, three storage drawers, and a sink and spigot. With convenient 120-volt outlets, plug in a blender and start spinning up the frozen margaritas. Hardcore anglers will likely opt for a fold-down transom bench seat instead of the kitchen. An optional electronic SureShade ($15,598) deploys from the hardtop to keep those aft protected from the noonday sun.
The dinette transforms into a berth with the press of two buttons.
Courtesy Boston Whaler
Heading below into what Boston Whaler calls its Dynamic Cabin, the roominess is impressive for a 36-foot-6-inch boat, thanks, in part, due to its 6-foot-9-inch headroom. At the bow is a dining group with a trapezoidal teak table and booth seating for six. Boston Whaler designers created a James Bond moment with the dinette, which transforms into a berth with the press of two buttons. The first one lowers the table electronically, and then the next one causes two bench seat bottoms to close like a giant clamshell, forming an island berth. There’s ample room to hop aboard from the sides, and there are angled bolsters for lounging comfort when reading or watching TV on the standard 32-inch flat-screen.
A yacht-worthy dry head on the starboard side has a shower door to keep the spray from the rain showerhead and handheld wand confined. On the dry side is an electric-flush porcelain toilet, a vessel sink, and a large vanity with plenty of storage. Amidships on our test boat was a 72-inch-long couch for lounging or use as a single berth, or owners can replace it with a mini galley with a refrigerator, burner and microwave. Behind the teak steps into the cabin lies a double-wide amidships berth with 48 inches of headroom on the port side, easing the claustrophobia reflex these berths often trigger.
The raised helm deck features a panoramic view, and a standard Fischer Panda 12 kW diesel-generator-powered 16,000 Btu air-conditioning system keeps everyone cool on hot days. There’s a standard Stamoid and rigid Makrolon polycarbonate weather enclosure with a door to the cockpit for those in more temperate climates and a full-glass enclosure option ($9,199) for those up north. To port is a seating group with twin booth seats that flank the three-position teak table that drops down to support filler cushions, transforming the area into a recliner lounge or even a berth. When it’s time to run, the forwardmost seatback tilts back, which also slides the seat base aft to create a two-person co-pilot seat and, on our boat, there was even a 19-inch Simrad screen, so they can actively assist the skipper who has twin 19-inch Simrads at the helm as part of an upgrade from the standard 16-inch units that run $15,806 for all three MFD displays.
The upper helm station offers 360-degree viewing.
Courtesy Boston Whaler
Engines
Our test boat featured twin Mercury Verado 600 outboards, representing a $29,839 upgrade over triple 400 Verados and offering extra boost out of the hole with a two-speed transmission that propelled the Conquest to plane in 5.5 seconds and to 30 mph in just 7.4 seconds. Its top speed peaked at 58.3 mph. Because only the lower units move on the V-12 engines, the integrated electronic power-steering system is very responsive and, at docking speeds, proves extremely agile thanks to its 45-degree range of motion in either direction instead of the usual 30 degrees of most outboards. A standard Joystick Piloting for Outboards system makes docking time a low-stress moment.
Those shopping for a premium multipurpose cruiser fishing boat with Yamaha power (Whaler is Mercury only) should also check out the Pursuit OS 355. It has a larger livewell and slightly more deadrise but sleeps only four compared with five to seven for the Boston Whaler.
Read Next: Boston Whaler 330 Vantage
The optional bow sun lounge features an adjustable backrest.
Courtesy Boston Whaler
How We Tested
- Engines: Twin 600 hp Mercury Verado V-12 outboards
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Verado 16.5″ x 26″ 4-blade (front), 3-blade (rear); stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 2.95:1 (first gear), 2.50:1 (second gear) Fuel Load: 90 gal. Water on Board: 20 gal. Crew Weight: 560 lb.
- Optional bow sun lounge with adjustable backrest is a tanning oasis and also features grab rails and drink holders.
- An available upper helm station ($64,179) gives two a bird’s-eye view.
- We applaud the transom-mounted fixture that allows for quick engine flushing.
- Small livewell for a fishing boat this size.
- Black dash insets are annoyingly reflective, and the white console tops create reflective ghosts on the windshield.
- Narrow 8-inch walkway on the transom.
Boston Whaler 365 Conquest Certified Test Results
Boating Magazine
Contact Boston Whaler
Boston Whaler – Edgewater, Florida; 877-294-5645; bostonwhaler.com
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