Boston Whaler has been touting the un-sinkability of their boats for decades, and with good reason. It’s like Christie Brinkley says… “if you’ve got it flaunt it!” The company responsible for so many classics, has re-tooled its mid-sized center console for better performance, and – we fervently hope -- a softer, dryer ride. For Whaler this is an important new boat, because the old Outrage was a classic and this is the sweet spot of 20-foot boats sales. We look forward to testing the new Boston Whaler 250 Outrage this fall, but since we can’t wait, we asked Capt. Steve to take a look and give us his opinion.

Boston Whaler 250 Outrage (2009-) Specifications

Length Overall	24' 6'' 7.4 m	Dry Weight	5,050 lbs. 2,291 kg
Beam	9' 0'' 2.7 m	Fuel Cap	175 gal. 662.45 L
Draft	18'' 0.5 m	Water Cap	none
Deadrise/Transom	N/A	Bridge Clearance	8' 9'' 2.7 m
Max Headroom	open
Prices, features, designs, and equipment are subject to change. Please see your local dealer or visit the builder's website for the latest information available on this boat model.

Boston Whaler 250 Outrage (2009-) Engine options

Std. Power	1 x 300-hp Mercury Verado Four-Stroke
Tested Power	Currently no test numbers
Opt. Power	2 x 200-hp Mercury Verado Four-Strokes 2 x 150-hp Mercury Verado Four-Strokes

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Check out that hardtop with glass on all three sides. Notice that there are no aluminum pipes frames taking up valuable fishing room. This unit is molded into the console.

Since Whaler’s been making memories for over 50 years, it’s highly likely that everyone reading this, myself included, has had experience with one or more models and has their own opinions – both good and not so good. We hope that the new 250 Outrage is an improvement on the old one and certainly the company has redesigned the hull with the intention of giving it a smoother, drier ride. We’ll just see about that at test time. For now, this was a “look/see” mission, and so far, I like what I’m seeing.



The aft flip-down seat is a comfortable spot while running. Those bolsters are 28” high. Check out the stainless toe rail for giving that extra edge of safety to grab onto.

Leaning towards quality…

The deluxe leaning post with livewell has an adjustable captain’s seat. The companion seat is stationary. The 40 gal (151.4 L) aerated livewell is pressurized to keep the bait alive through the chop, and with a clear top window and blue interior, the bait should feel right at home. There’s also a trash can. That’s an item that’s missing from a lot of boats and I never know why. This will prevent any scrap of line and general trash from going overboard from the spot that generates it the most. There’s also a freshwater system with 26 gallon (98.4 L) tank and sink at the leaning post.



The Deluxe leaning post has an adjustable helm seat, pressurized livewell freshwater sink and ample storage.

Hard to miss this one…

Of course, the boat I saw, and virtually every picture I’ve seen of the 250 Outrage, had the optional hardtop (add $10,000). It includes an electronics box, an integrated tempered glass split windshield, a single cockpit floodlight, dual bow area floodlights, two built-in speakers, a dome light, five rod holders, and the requisite life jacket storage. There’s a second version that includes Radial outriggers as well ($11,881). And man… does all this add to the look of the boat. It’s all molded right into the console so there’s no fishing room being taken up by bulky mounting frames getting through-bolted into the deck. An electric windshield vent and wiper round out the features.

The console itself has plenty of real estate for either dual 8.4” screens with radar (add $18,221) or dual 12” units with radar (add $20,872)…whatever your taste and budget allows for. And if you’re going to get the nav package, you may as well opt for the auto pilot while you’re at it ($6,272). I also like that there are fold-away jump seats on either side of the console and aft seats can flip away in a hurry. This gives anglers a choice of seating without having to permanently clutter up the deck.

Power Options…

You can power your new Outrage with the standard 300 XXL DTS Mercury Verado Four Stroke. It comes with the SmartCraft Vessel View Display and hydraulic power steering but you’ll have to forego the hardtop. And since no one’s going to give up on the hardtop option, why even bother listing the single 300-hp? So, that means either twin 150-hp (add $10,061) or twin 200-hp Merc Verados (add $19,609). (Boston Whaler is owned by Brunswick which also owns Mercury. So if you want a different outboard brand, you may want to consider another brand of boat if the dealer won’t pre-rig it for you.)

Based on Boston Whaler’s performance numbers, I’d pick the twin 150s option if price were no object. Rigged with the 150s the 250 Outrage has a best cruise of 26.5 mph and gets 2.35 mpg compared with 24.7 mph and 2.23 mpg with the single 300-hp Verado. Slightly better performance and the added comfort of two engines instead of one.

Boston Whaler 250 Outrage Specs…

• LOA: 24' 6" (7.4 m)

• Beam: 9' (2.74 m)

• Draft (boat only): 18" (.46 m)

• Weight (dry, no engine): 5050 lbs (2291 kg)

• Person Capacity: 12

• Bridge Clearance: 7' 1" (2.16 m)

• Bridge Clearance with Hardtop: 8' 9" (2.67 m)

Conclusion…

The Boston Whaler 250 Outrage has a base price of just over $98,000, and if you’re inclined to check off every option, including everything you don’t need (sun lounge, satellite radio, shore power, bow table...etc.), you can reach a max of $184,988 if you really tried to. But for whatever options you choose, at the end of the day, you’ll get a Boston Whaler that has a built-in safety margin that goes beyond many brands, a 10-year pro-rated structural hull warranty, a 3-year limited warranty on Boston Whaler installed accessories, and a 1-year warranty on upholstery and canvas. Some may even say that Boston Whaler has created a combination that’s… well… outrageous!

Boston Whaler 250 Outrage (2009-) Standard and Optional Equipment

Marine Electronics
Autopilot
Fishfinder
GPS/Chart
Radar
VHF Radio
Systems
CD Stereo
Head: Portable
Head: Fixed
Shore Power
Trim Tabs
Washdown: Fresh Water
Washdown: Raw Water
Windlass
Exterior Features
Hardtop
Outlet: 12-Volt Acc
Swim Ladder
Swim Platform
Transom Door
Transom Shower

= Standard = Optional

Boston Whaler 250 Outrage (2009-) Warranty Information

Warranties change from time to time. While BoatTEST.com has tried to insure the most up-to-date warranty offered by each builder, it does not guarantee the accuracies of the information presented below. Please check with the boat builder or your local dealer before you buy any boat.

Full Warranty Information on this brand coming soon!

Boston Whaler 250 Outrage (2009-) Price

Base Price (MSRP)	N/A
Price as Tested	N/A
Prices, features, designs, and equipment are subject to change. Please see your local dealer or visit the builder's website for the latest information available on this boat model.