The Boston Whaler brand of unsinkable bay, center-console, express and runabouts is legendary.
Those who have experienced the brand credit this to its construction, customer service, resale value and safety — all contributors to its highest marks for brand reputation. It’s not just a few voices in that cheering section, either: Boston Whaler was one of the most experienced brands in our survey.
Yacht-quality hardware and dense unsinkable hulls filled with uncrushably dense foam support Whaler’s reign, which has lasted more than 50 years. Durable through-hull fittings are bonded to the hull. Hose fittings are sealed and secured with adhesive, then double-clamped. That kind of construction means that owners are unlikely to experience just how unsinkable a Boston Whaler is — through-hull intrusions, the most common causes of all boat sinkings, should never occur.
Commitment to quality is evidenced in Whalers’s often custom-made hardware, such as hinges on dive doors of bigger boats or scissor hinges on console latches of the Outrage Series. No wonder Whaler picked up its 12th-straight Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) award from the National Marine Manufacturers Association in 2015.
And then there’s the cheerful compliment one of our survey respondents paid the brand: “one of the few boats you can sell in the dead of winter.”
330 OUTRAGE
When Boston Whaler customers offer insights, Boston Whaler pays attention. The proof is in the new 330 Outrage, which the company says reflects what customers asked for: smooth ride, predictable handling, features that are truly handy, and storage that makes sense.
The new offshore specialist features a variable deadrise V-hull, with full-length hard chines and lifting strakes, together providing softer ride and crisper handling.
A large forward-facing lounge in the bow, with flip-down armrests, conceals storage. Plush seating opposite the lounge creates a social zone — and it, too, provides storage for tools, toys and more. The console houses a private head, which is a plus for families.
The 330 Outrage is well-equipped for fishing adventures as well as offshore cruises. Gunnels house rod holders. An aft-facing cockpit couch offers convenience; an optional 40-gallon livewell can be housed underneath it. Fold the seat back down to reveal a large rigging station. Aft, a wide, convertible bench folds completely out of the way to provide extra fish-fighting room. There’s a 50-gallon livewell behind that bench, too.
A new portside dive door provides easy dock or water access; use it, too, to haul a trophy sport-fishing catch up onto the deck.
More Info: bostonwhaler.com
