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I am looking to buy a boat for fishing and cruising primarily in the Chesapeake Bay. I own a 17' foot whaler but need something larger for open water fishing on the bay. I am looking at a 2006 305 Conquest powered with twin 225HP Verado engines. I am told the engines have had some repairs early on to fuel floats and other problems discovered in the first generation of Verados.

I wonder whether the 225HP might be taxed a bit even though they were among 3 power packages recommended by whaler at the time. Also, I wonder whether any other forum members have any experiences, pro or con, to share on this model boat and engines. Obviously, I'll be spending a fair chunk of money and I want to be sure I am not buying more problems than I want.

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I have the same boat with twin 250’s… Other than the fuel floats (replaced under warranty) and recently a pencil coil – engines have been flawless. She is a heavy boat and I believe the 225s were the minimum. Here is a link (http://www.bostonwhaler.com/boat_graphics/electronic_brochure/Company94/_58_1115201051205PM.pdf ) to the 2010 perf specs - that’s as far as the site goes back and unfortunately they don’t have the 225’s listed, but may give you a good reference point. I will see if there and any discrepancies between the 2010 and 2006 spec sheet (also believe it has the 225s on that). I think I know the boat you are referring too – the dealer is top notch if the same boat (good deal IMO if it is)

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Thanks for your response. I was surfing the web the other day and found something which listed three power options for the 2006 model year. The 225 hp was the lowest included. I would prefer 250 but, I can't imagine Whaler would have offered 225's if they didn't think they would do the job.

I know the 305 is a heavy boat. Years ago I took a new one out for a sea trial and was impressed with the power of the engines and the ride. I can't remember which engines were on that boat though. I was impressed with the fact you couldn't hear the engines. In fact, after standing on the dock for 5 minutes talking to the sales guy I said let's fire her up and go for a ride. He said they were running the whole time we were talking. I was impressed because I didn't hear a thing.

I assume you're happy with the stability and ride of the boat based on what you said.

I had read some of the horror reports of the first generation Verados which gave me some pause. I don't want to buy a boat and have engine problems.

By the way, I liked the updating you did on your dad's boat. Very nice.

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Yes – I am extremely happy with the boat and thanks for the compliments on the “Currset”.

Yes there were issues with the Gen1 Verados, but to my knowledge they were mostly focused on the fuel modules. I would see if the all the service bulletins have been done on the engines and if the scheduled maintenance has been done/documented – if so, I (personally) wouldn’t be too concerned. Also – if we are referencing the same boat the hours are low.

With regards to the engine performance, I will see if I can dig up the perf specs for that year (the 2010 on the last page does have 225 data) but I think the only thing that will truly answer your question(s) would be to take the boat out for a run and see what/what not that 50hp delta does/doesn’t do for you and your utilization of the boat.

For instance, I remember discussing with some whaler folks that (for the 305 specifically at the time) the performance difference between twin-300’s and twin 250’s was negligible. I love to fish but don’t have a need to get to the fishing grounds “as fast as possible”. That coupled with comparable (optimum) cruising speeds, and not having to use 93 octane gas ($) – the 250s were my choice. The point is if the 225 will meet your boating requirements then all you need is 225’s :)

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Good points. Thank you.