2020 Boston Whaler 280 Outrage review

Award-winning US boat-builder Boston Whaler has been making fine quality fishing and sports boats since 1958. Founded in Massachusetts, but now based in Edgewater, Florida, Boston Whaler boats are revered the world over.

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Today’s Boston Whaler boat range has expanded to around 36 different models starting with the diminutive, 3.4-metre 110 tender and rounding out with the magnificent Boston Whaler 420 Outrage centre console tested in 2018.

In between is a range of open console boats for bay, flats and offshore fishing, along with a series of dual-console bowriders (Vantage models) and the Conquest family of cabin cruisers.

For offshore fishing, the boats of most appeal are the Outrage centre consoles. We've tested several of these over the years, and each one has impressed.

Understandably then, we were all revved up to review one of the latest models to arrive Down Under, the Boston Whaler 280 Outrage with two of Mercury's finest 300hp V8 outboards bolted to the transom.

Gold Coast Boston Whaler dealer Queensland Marine Centre has package prices for the 280 Outrage starting from $332,600 when paired with the smaller, 250hp V8 Mercury Verado outboard engines equipped with Mecury's Digital Throttle and Shift (DTS).

Our test boat was quite heavily optioned, starting with an outboard engine upgrade to the two white 300hp V8 Verados, along with an electronics pack including a Raymarine 16-inch multifunction display; VHF radio; and a Fusion audio system with speakers.

The test rig also gained a custom dark maroon-coloured hull and hardtop wrap; the fibreglass hardtop with electronics box; concealed electric anchor windlass and thru-stem anchor; bow and stern sunshades; bow and stern tables; bow cushions and forward coaming bolsters; scuba tank rack; Radial outriggers; and more.

Options raise the price to a substantial $369,359 – and that's with no trailer.

Boston Whaler's new-generation hulls are designed with a finer mid-section so the boats sit flatter at speed. This was evident in the Boston Whaler 280 Outrage. Gun the throttles and the boat slides onto the plane with less bow incline than its predecessor.

In the previous hull (and other older generation models) you might have thought about tucking the motors down a little for a quicker hole-shot. That is no longer necessary as the hull maintains a flatter, more level angle on take-off and when accelerating up through the rev range.

All Boston Whalers are made using the best quality fixtures, fittings and fabrics, and the patented Unibond construction technique is world-class.

The latter involves injecting liquid foam under high pressure into the voids between the inner and outer hulls, creating a fibreglass/foam/fibreglass sandwich. This technique creates what is ultimately an immensely strong and durable single-piece structure.

As well as the hull, foam is used in other places to provide positive flotation and make each Boston Whaler unsinkable. I can't think of a safer, more seaworthy boat than a Boston Whaler.

Boston Whaler's Outrage models have a reputation as excellent offshore fishing boats, but some past models were purpose-designed for fishing and little else. Modern examples are more family-friendly, combining fishability with soft-touch features such as extra seating, lounging, storage, and toilet facilities.

This new design approach is evident in the Boston Whaler 280 Outrage. Ahead of the dual-width centre console there is a large, forward-facing chaise-style seat/sun pad. It is big and comfortable enough for one person to sprawl out, or for two to sit side-by-side.

Beneath the sun pad lounge is a large storage compartment complete with optional dive tank racks and space for large gear bags, buckets, and more.

Cleverly, a space above the aft wall in the compartment allows you to slide in rod tips, so several fishing rods can stow securely.

Family boaters will also appreciate the aft-facing moulded bow seat and the optional SeaDek-surfaced table that slots in between the bow seat and sun pad to create a dining/cocktail area.

Beneath the centre bow cushion is another storage compartment. As with all hatches and lids throughout the boat, this sturdy storage locker hatch has a moulded fibreglass finish on both sides, a watertight gasket around the perimeter and a gas strut to hold it open.

Other bow features include a large anchor well in the forepeak with optional hidden electric anchor windlass (operated from the bow and/or the helm), and a through-the-stem plough anchor, low-set stainless steel hand-rails, cup holders, a pair of rod holders and two recessed bow cleats.

The padded coaming bolsters (they completely encircle the inside of the boat) form comfortable seat backrests at the bow, and at the stern where there is a stainless steel-hinged folding cockpit bench seat.

A well-padded dual-width helm seat on the aft leaning post completes the seating/lounging areas. The latter has flip-up front bolsters for the skipper and co-pilot so you can stand or sit comfortably before the helm and console.

From the helm the skipper has a clear view of the surroundings and engine/electronics displays. Our test boat was rigged with a single 16-inch Raymarine MFD mounted below a full-width row of rocker switches, and a compass on the dash overhead.

All instruments were neatly flush-fitted into the large, gloss black coloured fascia. There was also a VHF radio and a glove box for stowing car keys, mobile phones and wallets/purses.

A second large storage compartment/radio box is located overhead beneath the optional hardtop, along with LED lighting and cockpit spreader lights, mounts for the optional outriggers, a zip-up soft bag for storing life jackets, and an aft rocket-launcher rod rack.

The tempered glass windscreen provides an unrestricted view and has a power-actuated vent panel at the top to flow fresh air to the helm.

As with most modern centre consoles, the tilt-adjust steering wheel is offset to the port side of the console, alongside a binnacle throttle. The controls were a breeze to use; the electric power steering was smooth and lightly weighted, the digital throttles direct and responsive.

Family boaters and anglers will all appreciate the included portable marine head located in a large space inside the centre console. The compartment is easy to climb down into from the starboard, opening up once you step inside. It doesn't quite have full standing headroom but there is ample space to move about.

The console compartment also houses the ship's primary electrical switchboard, the optional Fusion marine audio head unit, and the optional bow cocktail table.

The leaning post (or helm seat box as it is likely to be referred to locally) in the Boston Whaler 280 Outrage can be configured with a number of options such as with or without a live well and removable cooler, or with varying storage compartments.

Our test boat was fitted with the standard unit that should suit most boating and fishing applications. Key features include a sink with freshwater tap, a pair of rod holders and cup holders, side storage shelving, and a big, 113-litre live well.

The deep, oval-shaped live well has rounded corners and a blue tint to keep the baits calm, along with interior lighting and a pressurised clear viewing lid.

Significantly for anglers, a second, 64-litre live well built into the port side transom corner is an option.  Our test boat was fitted with the standard bait/rope locker.

Beneath that rope locker are two more tackle storage drawers, alongside the port side internal stainless steel cleat. Its twin on the opposite side is forward of the transom door, a pull-out freshwater shower, and the concealed boarding ladder.

The self-draining cockpit is perfectly shaped and sized for sport fishing. Behind the leaning post, the fishing space is 1.25 metres long by 2.34 metres across the beam.

Coamings that are 720mm to 785mm high encircle the rear of the cockpit and extend at this height right forward to the bow. For fishing the layout is superb.

Stainless steel toe-rails and padded coaming bolsters make it comfortable to stand and fish 360 degrees around the boat.

Beneath the diamond-patterned non-slip cockpit floor there is a large lazarette compartment for all the mechanical controls such as pumps, batteries, filters, and steering gear.

Two large mackerel-sized macerated fish boxes are located underfloor. They are big and long enough to handle most fish that you are likely to keep to eat.

Other fishing features include eight flush-fitted stainless steel rod holders, vertical rod holders across the transom, the aforementioned leaning post rocket launcher, as well as horizontal rod racks under the gunnels.

The Boston Whaler 280 Outrage is available with Mercury outboard engines exclusively, albeit with several different power options. Standard boats come with a pair of 250hp extra-longshaft V8 four-stroke Verados, with the smooth-running powerplants providing excellent all-round performance and a top speed of 47 knots.

Our test boat was optioned with a pair of the more powerful 300hp V8s that lift the top speed to a blistering 52 knots.

Crazily enough, you can fit even more powerful outboard engines in the form of dual 350hp or dual 400hp in-line six-cylinder supercharged Mercury Verados.

Mind you, unless you plan to race your Boston Whaler 280 Outrage, I can not envisage a situation where you will need this much grunt.

Our 600hp test boat had ample power with quick hole-shots and responsive performance through the mid-range and right through to wide-open throttle.

The Boston Whaler's superb 23-degree deep-vee hull can handle plenty of power – I just don't think you need 800hp! Each to their own, I guess.

Underway the Boston Whaler 280 Outrage is wonderfully soft riding and a joy to drive. The hull simply parts the waves with that sharp cutting edge forefoot, pushing spray clear of the boat, and maintaining a flat, level attitude.

Through tight turns and figure eights the big Whaler handles like a smaller sports tow-boat, banking sharply and carving hairpin curves with ease, and with virtually no outboard engine propeller slippage or ventilation.

In a following sea and beam-to-the-wind, the hull is equally impressive. The boat comes standard with trim tabs, but you rarely need to use them as the boat is well balanced, stable and surefooted.

You might think about using tabs in rough water, but only to drop the nose to present the boat's sharp bow entry to the oncoming chop.

Performance

Range on 95% of the 704L fuel supply at 3500rpm: 298.9nm

The Boston Whaler 280 Outrage is a stunning fishing boat and a capable boating all-rounder. I can't think of a better fishing/sports centre console in this size range.

The 280 Outrage combines excellent performance, handling and ride with a very practical, multipurpose interior layout, and superior build quality.

For all this excellence you do pay a premium; Boston Whalers are generally more expensive than craft from rival brands, and the 280 Outrage is no exception.

This boat carries a hefty price tag, but it is built, finished and outfitted to a very high standard.

Specifications
Model: Boston Whaler 280 Outrage
Length overall: 8.53m
Beam: 2.84m
Draft: 560mm
Deadrise: 23 degrees
Weight: 2812kg (dry)/4065kg (wet)
Maximum power: 800hp (2x400hp extra-longshaft)
Maximum engine weight: 635kg
Engines as tested: Twin 300hp Mercury Verado V8 four-strokes
Fuel: 704L
Water: 98.4L
Holding tank: 24.6L
Live bait tank: 113.5L
Passengers: 12
Flotation standard: Level

Priced from: $332,600 with twin 250hp Mercury V8 extra-longshaft (25-inch) four-stroke outboard engines with power steering and digital controls. Add $21,800 for a 4500 ATM rate dual-axle trailer.

Price as tested: $369,359 (introductory price). Includes dual 300hp Mercury V8 extra-longshaft (25-inch) four-stroke outboards (white) with power steering and digital controls; custom maroon vinyl hull and hardtop wrap; fibreglass hardtop with electronics box; Raymarine 16-inch multifunction display; Raymarine VHF and rear-facing camera; Fusion audio system; concealed electric anchor windlass and thru-stem anchor; bow and stern sun shades; bow and stern tables; bow cushions and forward coaming bolsters; scuba tank rack; Radial outriggers; chrome graphics; and a white rub-rail with S/S insert. Add $21,800 for a trailer.

Supplied by: Queensland Marine Centre