With more flare at the bow, increased freeboard and a deeper cockpit, the new Boston Whaler 280 Outrage better fulfills its mission as an offshore center console, says sales and marketing vice president Jeff Vaughn.
“Our goal was to create a boat that is simple, comfortable and fishable, as well as having the look and performance of a durable offshore platform,” says Vaughn.
New from the keel up, the 280 Outrage rides a deep-vee hull with a variable-degree deadrise and two full-length strakes. Whaler naval architect Bobby Garza designed the hull, and Charlie Foss and his team carried out the deck design. “Bobby has given us winning hull designs for the entire Outrage fleet, and Charlie really maximizes comfort through smart topside solutions,” says Vaughn. For instance, the forward table’s mounting post sits in a stainless receptacle in the side of the bow seat, not in the deck, to keep the space clear.
The boat is designed for day boating and fishing, with three seating areas in addition to the twin helm chairs. A windshield with minimal sight obstructions wraps around the console, and Whaler has made sure the skipper can comfortably pilot whether seated or standing, says Vaughn.
The 280 Outrage can be rigged with one of four twin-outboard setups: 225-, 250-, 300- or 350-hp Mercury Verados for top speeds from 50 to 61 mph. Pricing ranges from $184,149 with twin 225s to $225,728 with 350s. The boat will be on display at the Miami International Boat Show (Feb. 11-15) and the New England Boat Show (Feb. 13-21 in Boston). Boston Whaler, Edgewater, Florida, (877) 294-5645. bostonwhaler.com
This article originally appeared in the March 2016 issue.
