285 Conquest

The 285 Conquest (not to be confused with the newer 285 Conquest introduced in 2011) is a rock-solid express from a company that always gets it right. Constructed with Boston Whaler’s patented Unibond system, the 285 is unsinkable—always a comforting thought. Her raised sheerline gives her a muscular look to match Whaler’s reputation for building rugged and seakindly boats. The cockpit is large and uncluttered with insulated fish boxes in the sole, a 20-gallon livewell in the port corner, a folding bench seat on the centerline, and a transom door to starboard. The bulkhead under the aft-facing seat holds a tackle center. On the raised helm deck, a curved seat for two opposite the helm converts to a full-length lounge. There’s space in the dash for mounting two big-screen video displays. An optional sunshade cranks out to cover the whole cockpit. The 285’s well-appointed interior features an enclosed head with shower, convertible dinette (with a removable dining table), galley pod, and a transverse double berth beneath the helm deck. About 40 knots max with 225 Mercs. Again, this model was replaced in 2011 with new 285 Conquest.