They Say: The Boston Whaler 280 Outrage is a hardcore center console with all the amenities to keep a family happy.
We Say: An important aspect of this newly designed 27’7″-by-9’4″ Outrage hull is the deadrise. Measuring 23 degrees at the transom, it’s the deepest-V Whaler yet and gives the 280 Outrage a more comfortable ride. Flying over wakes on test day, it didn’t pound or shudder. We heard no squeaking, creaking, or groaning either. Whaler uses a “ring deck” design, assembling the 280 Outrage as a three-piece boat. Hull and liner are bonded and fastened as one piece, and then capped with a deck ring. This improves strength and adds 5″ of cockpit space, compared to two-piece construction. The 40-gallon livewell has a blue interior and clear hatch to monitor bait. Two 6′-long, knee-deep, macerated fishboxes and 20 rodholders cater to serious anglers. Add to this a laundry list of creature comforts including the high/low dual molded footrests at the helm, an electric windshield vent, 10 cupholders, and a slide-out cooler that doubles as sunpad filler and the 280 Outrage can fish or play at will.
Who Will Want One: The family guy with a big checkbook who wants a boat with the chops to hit the canyons.
Other Choices: Check out the Pursuit C280 or the Grady-White Release 283, both premium center consoles at the higher end of the pricing spectrum.
MSRP: Test power – $167,653 ****
