Boston Whaler 230 Outrage Review

The all-new Boston Whaler 230 Outrage is so much more than just an incredible offshore fishing boat.

Long known as the unsinkable legend, Boston Whaler has been introducing new models and redesigning existing classics like the Boston Whaler 230 Outrage with a view to making them more comfortable, versatile, and family-friendly than ever.

Introduced as a direct replacement to the former 220 Outrage model, the new 230 Outrage is seven inches longer and 700 pounds heavier than the boat it replaces. But those numbers don’t even begin to tell the story, as the new 230 is a vastly more capable machine in every possible way.

For starters, where the 220 was designed as a pure fishing boat for hard-core anglers, the Boston Whaler 230 Outrage is built with adaptability foremost in mind. It will fish just like the older boat, but it will also take the family for a twilight cruise, run to offshore islands for summertime picnics, pull the kids on a tube or a wakeboard, blast across the lake for afternoon ice cream runs, or hang out in a sunny bay for a day of swimming and soaking up the sun. And, do it all in an unprecedented level of comfort and style.

New wrap-around bow seats offer a large storage compartment in the centerline seat base with a second storage cabinet located in the floor beside it

The most obvious change between the old and new boats is up in the bow, where the 230 really shows that’s it’s made for more than serious fishing. The new wrap-around bow loungers offer a large storage compartment in the centerline seat base with a second large storage cabinet located in the floor beside it, both complete with fully gasketed lids to keep water out, and stainless steel gas assist rams to hold the lids open and leave both hands free for stowing or retrieving gear.

Adding a filler cushion transforms the bow seats into a large and inviting sun pad.

Look closely and you’ll spot a small metal receptacle along the aft face of the forward-most seat. This accommodates a large, removable table which mounts on a diagonal pedestal, preserving leg room. This table arrangement creates an ideal spot for drinks or an al fresco lunch, while an optional bow sun shade gives the space even greater versatility by providing extra protection from the mid-day heat.

The tent-like bow sun shade offers great protection from the mid-day sun, but should be taken down when running at high speeds.

Look closer still at the bow seats of the Boston Whaler 230 Outrage and you’ll notice a neat edging around the inside of the seat bases that allow the table top to be positioned flush, where adding a filler cushion transforms this space into a large and inviting sun pad. Still want to fish? Then remove the cushions altogether and enjoy a large, elevated casting deck.

Boston Whaler’s new Convertible Leaning Post features a flip-down seat back, enabling it to double as a rear-facing cockpit seat.

Facing the wraparound bow seating is a traditional cooler-style seat located at the front of the center console. Where the old boat had a single seat here, the cooler seat in the 230 is now double-wide, and treated to the same plush new upholstery for even greater comfort.

In the main cockpit you’ll find a new helm seat which Boston Whaler calls its Convertible Leaning Post. This double-wide, forward-facing seat comes complete with individual flip-up bolsters and integrated storage for the 54-quart Igloo cooler that stows beneath. What’s new is that helm seat now reclines, which is something you just don’t see in many boats. Step around to the aft side of the seat and you’ll find the seat back folds down to provide a useful table, big enough for prepping lunch. Or, pull the seat back down 90 degrees and you now have a super-comfortable, aft-facing seat.

The helm has been completely redesigned to accommodate large, flush-mount touch-screen displays.

Look more closely at the center console itself and you’ll notice the helm has been completely redesigned with a new vinyl brow and enough space to accommodate a pair of nine-inch touch-screen displays. Where the older boat had a white fibreglass helm face, the new Boston Whaler 230 Outrage uses softer tones that are easier on the eyes, especially in bright sunlight. The round analog gauges of the former 220 model are gone, replaced by a fully digital, aircraft-style glass cockpit that allows substantially greater electronic integration. Where the previous model came as an open boat with an available canvas T-top as an option, the new 230 goes one further and offers a full fiberglass hard top.

High-end Fusion audio systems now come standard.

If the console itself looks a bit larger on the new 230 Outrage, that’s because it is. Step inside and there’s a surprisingly spacious head compartment – a real treat in a 23-foot boat. Best of all, the portable head located inside comes as standard equipment.

The 230 Outrage comes with a 225 horsepower Mercury Verado as standard equipment, which gives a top speed of about 42 mph.

The Boston Whaler 230 Outrage comes with a 225-horsepower Mercury Verado as standard equipment, which gives a top speed of about 42 mph. Stepping up to an optional 350 Verado cranks that up to a more exciting 54 mph, and without too much of a fuel penalty.

Looking for a versatile family boat that can do it all in comfort, and with the added safety of a truly unsinkable hull designed to eat big ocean waves? The Boston Whaler 230 Outrage has a lot to offer, and in an attractive, sporty and practical package.