Boston Whaler 210 Outrage

Sometimes it’s best to leave well enough alone. Others argue that even a perfect design can be improved upon. At Boston Whaler, both philosophies apply. Case in point: the new 210 Outrage, a center console that combines stylish looks and versatility while maintaining the venerable 44-year-old company’s dedication to rugged and dependable construction standards. It’s the best of both worlds.

The 210 is the smallest Outrage in Whaler’s lineup of offshore fishing models, but don’t let the size fool you. With a draft of 15 inches, it’s capable of working the shallows, although the unsinkable Unibond hull is well suited for offshore duty. This was quickly evident during real-world test conditions off the Mississippi coast.

Despite the rough seas and a stiff offshore breeze, the 210 jumped on plane and gobbled the chop with ease. Our test boat was rigged with the optional 175-hp Mercury OptiMax engine, and the performance was smooth, quiet and very responsive. Standard power for the 210 is a 150 EFI XL Mercury outboard, but a 200-hp OptiMax is also available if you’re into serious speed.

That may not be necessary, however, since Whaler factory tests showed speeds of 25.8 mph at 3,500 rpm and a top end of 41.5 mph with the 150. The 175 OptiMax numbers increase to 26.6 mph at 3,500 rpm and 43.7 mph at wide-open throttle. When you combine that kind of performance with the standard 95-gallon fuel capacity and the miserly fuel consumption of the OptiMax engines, you’re talking about really long offshore jaunts. And comfortable ones, too.

“With the Accutrack hull design, the boat lands at the same attitude on the wave, which eliminates bouncing,” says Senior Design Engineer Keith Ranieri. “It starts with a variable deadrise-less than 45 degrees at entry-makes a smooth transition aft and finishes with a 20-degree deadrise at the transom. The wide chines deflect spray and the result is a smooth and dry ride.”

With peace of mind, comfort and range taken care of, the only thing left is fishability, and the 210 Outrage has that covered as well, starting with the optional deluxe leaning post. It comes with a bolster-style, flip-up seat base, a 25-gallon lighted live well, tackle storage and leader/knife holders. Standard seating includes adjustable helm and companion pedestal seats with a molded console footrest.

The roomy helm offers standard hydraulic tilt steering, a stainless-steel steering wheel, electric horn, compass and ample mounting space for a variety of electronic components. Other niceties such as four vertical rod holders, drink holders and interior lockable storage are regular features of the console as well.

The 210’s big cockpit is easily accessible from the dock or water via the fiberglass boarding platform with telescoping stainless swim ladder. The cockpit includes twin in-deck, 100-quart fishboxes with overboard drains, under-gunwale rod storage (capable of holding four 7 1/2-foot rods) and two gunwale-mounted rod holders. Opt for the special fishing package and the list keeps growing: aft coaming bolsters, raw-water washdown, two more gunwale rod holders, tackle drawers, toe rails and a 72-quart cooler with cushion and backrest mounted forward of the console. A T-top, electronics box, and Taco outriggers are available as add-ons, along with a 20-gallon fresh water shower.

If you decide to leave the rods at home and go beachcombing with the family, the 210 is ready. Stern port and starboard seats with grab rails and the U-shaped bow offer plenty of room and comfort. The bow deck doubles as an unobstructed casting platform and provides quick access to the storage/anchor locker with chafe guard or optional bow roller.

Whatever the adventure-family fun or serious blue-water fishing-the 210 Outrage, with its rugged construction and versatile design, has got you covered.

Boston Whaler, Edgewater, FL, (904) 428-0057; www.whaler.com.