“From fishing to cruising and everything in between, the 285 Conquest allows plenty of flexibility!“
Big R, Boston Whaler 29′
Interview with the Captain – Neil Comeau
About the boat
Why did you choose to buy a Boston Whaler?
I chose my Boston whaler conquest per chance. I was looking to move up in size from my 204 Angler WA and stumbled upon this whaler, being sold out of Beverly, Ma. After stepping foot upon the vessel, I knew this was the boat for me as it checked all the boxes. From fishing to cruising and everything in between, the 285 Conquest allows plenty of flexibility!
What other kinds of boats did you consider before buying this particular model (and how did they compare)?
Before pulling the trigger on the Whaler, I also considered a 3070 Pursuit offshore express.
How did you come to find/locate her before purchasing (and what’s the boat’s history if you know it)?
I actually found the boat via craigslist, and it was located over by the old McDonalds in Beverly Harbor. Luck was on my side as the initial buyer backed out last minute.
What features/improvements have you added or do you plan to add?
Since purchasing the boat in July of 2016 I have added twin Garmin 942xs GPS systems, as well as, a Garmin 18 Fantom radar unit. While I was upgrading the electronics I also integrated my system with the NMEA 2000 backbone, and tied in my engine data to my Garmin system.
In 2017, I decided my stereo system was in need of an upgrade, and I decided to install 8 Fusion signature series 7.7″ speakers along with 2 Fusion signature series 10″ subwoofers, all powered by 2 Fusion signature series 5 channel 1600w amplifiers. Needless to say, the stereo system sounds amazing.
Just when I thought I was done with my electronic upgrades, I then decided to add 3 lumashore underwater lights. All my electronic work was performed by Voyager Marine out of Essex, MA.
Lastly, in 2019 I decided to repower my old twin Mercury 225hp Optimax 2 stroke engines with a pair of Mercury 250hp V8 four stroke engines, thanks to the fine work of Portside Marine in Danvers, MA.
After refitting by boat with new engines, I finished it all off by replacing my boats isinglass surround.
What are the features you like most about your boat?
The thing I most love about my boat, aside from all my upgrades, is its versatility. I love taking the boat away from my home port and exploring new areas. This boat allows me to do so, as the cabin features space to sleep up to four!
Who first introduced you to boating/sailing?
I was introduced to boating mostly through friends growing up, and it was not until 2012 that I bought my first boat.
Do you belong to a yacht club or other boating/sailing organizations?
I am currently a member of Palmer’s Cove Yacht Club in Salem, MA.
What boats have you previously owned?
My previous boat was a 1997 Angler 204 WA with a 1996 Suzuki 150hp 2 stroke.
What is the biggest challenge you have in servicing your boat?
Luckily, servicing my boat has been a breeze thanks to the help of my mechanics at Portside Marine in Danvers, MA and Coastline Marine in Marblehead, MA whom I use to haul my boat at the beginning and end of each season.
What’s the story behind the boat’s name?
The story behind my boats name, Big R, is that’s the name that was on it before I bought it. The guy I bought it off of on Beverly had named it after his father Rene, and I saw it fitting that my dad’s name is Rodney, so why mess with a good thing!!
CHECK IT OUT
Click the gallery below for more photos and information about Big R!
