The Grady-White Freedom 335 and Boston Whaler Vantage 270

There is little doubt among experts that the introduction of the sport utility vehicle (SUV) nearly spelled the end for one of the automotive world’s most successful designs—the family station wagon. And while we’re certainly not suggesting that dual-console boats are going to replace center-console or bowrider makes, manufacturers are obviously taking note of the design’s popularity, with introductions this year from manufacturers like Everglades, Cobia, Grady-White, and even Boston Whaler—the very manufacturer that cemented its reputation in the center-console world decades ago.

So what exactly is a dual-console? Quite simply, it’s a boat that has twin consoles situated just forward of or directly amidships (one is generally a single seat and the other a helm) with a pass-through deck along the centerline to the bow. As a result, these boats generally have more ample seating capabilities and are more comfortable for cruising and longer-distance destination-hopping. The absence of centerline-oriented helm and seating allows for hardtops and fixed hardware arches that can be used not only for protection from the elements, but for watersports such as skiing and wakeboarding. And unlike most of their carpeted and upholstered bowrider brethren, many modern dual-consoles feature gelcoat interiors with self-bailing cockpits. This means easy blood-and-gut washdowns for anglers and the ability to take spray and wash in heavy weather.

Perhaps most attractive to boat production companies is that a dual-console deck assembly is quite easily melded with existing seaworthy hull forms. Grady-White’s Freedom 335, for example, shares quite a bit of Grady’s Canyon 336 DNA. Boston Whaler’s Vantage series shares some design cues with its Dauntless line. What you end up with is a design that appeals not only to anglers, but to boaters who also need to keep their families entertained when engaged in weekend warrior activities.

Two noteworthy introductions to this market niche come from well-known center-console manufacturers Grady-White and Boston Whaler. Grady-White unveiled its Freedom 335 dual-console model as the largest production dual-console on the market in February at the Miami International Boat Show. Boston Whaler jumped into the dual-console market in October with the introduction of its 230 Vantage 270 Vantage models. If you’re looking for center-console ruggedness and seaworthiness but still have the need to keep the family and neighbors entertained on the occasion weekend, perhaps a dual-console is the sport utility vessel you’ve been yearning for.

Grady-White Freedom 335 Specifications

LOA (Centerline): 33’ 6”

Beam: 11’ 7”

Draft: 26”

Weight: 11,900 pounds

Fuel: 312 gallons

Maximum Horsepower: 700

MSRP: $380,370 (Two Yamaha 350-horsepower, four-stroke outboards)

Boston Whaler Vantage 270 Specifications

LOA (Centerline): 26’ 10”

Beam: 9’ 0”

Draft: 20”

Weight: 5,200 pounds (dry weight, no engine(s))

Fuel: 170 gallons

Maximum Horsepower: 450 horsepower

MSRP: N/A

by Gary Reich