Boat Review | Truely outragous

Outrage 370, flagship of Boston Whaler

Comfortable, roomy and perfect for fighting fish from, the new Outrage 370 is the flagship of the Boston Whaler fleet. The Boston Whaler brand is, of course, synonymous with sport fisherman boats that are superbly seaworthy and fantastically well built. In fact, they are constructed using a special technique that involves injecting foam between the two shells of the hull and deck to form a single block, which basically makes them unsinkable. That build quality and security was once publically underscored by a now-famous advertising campaign that depicted a Boston Whaler sliced in two but still merrily afloat.

That said, the whole Boston Whaler story smacks of legend. Founded in 1958 when two designers, Richard T. “Dick” Fisher and C. Raymond Hunt, built a 13 footer that would change the history of boats forever. Apart from being unsinkable, this little 4-metre hull stood out from the crowd because of its exceptionally spacious interior, easy handling and a robustness that meant it lasted and lasted.

More than half a century later, those same characteristics are present in every one of the 24 models making up the present-day Boston Whaler fleet. They’re divided into seven collections of between 11 and 37 feet. The Outrage 370 is the largest of them all and will make both big game fishermen and people who simply like being at sea very happy indeed.

Both types of enthusiast will be perfectly at ease aboard. The standard cockpit layout includes a full array of nooks and solutions for both fishing and leisure activities, including a livewell, tackle lockers, a fridge and freezer, fresh water and a grill. The livewell may, on request, be replaced with a galley that has work top areas, drawers and shelving as well as an electric stove top behind the bridge. Combined with the fold up settee aft, in fact, the galley creates an authentic, comfortable little dining area. The transom has a door leading to the swim platform and to make both swimming and reeling in those bigger fish easier.

The centre helm layout is beautifully designed and ergonomically correct while an integrated windshield/hardtop system improves occupant protection and visibility. The centre console is covered by a hard top and offers three separate seats. The captain’s seat is electrically adjustable for maximum comfort too. Still in the helm area, there is a audio system with radio, CD and MP3 player. Forward of the console, there is a large lounge seat that lifts to reveal lockable stowage for gear, such as fenders, lines and rods.

Last but not least, the cabin gets its natural light from two portholes. It is also air conditioned and includes a sofa that converts to a two-person berth. There’s also a head and a clutch of accessories including a microwave oven and a 19” flat screen TV.

Emilio Martinelli

editoriale

The glittering world of yachting

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