If the Boston Whaler brand is legendary, those who have experienced the brand credit this to the quality of its construction, safety and resale value, per our survey.
Yacht-quality hardware and unsinkable foam-filled hulls support such a reputation. Durable construction and adequate power, with oomph in reserve to manage unpredictable seas, are qualities that owners acknowledged in Whaler’s high marks for both performance and quality.
To appreciate the quality of a Whaler, look at the details. Aboard all Whalers, durable through-hull fittings are securely bonded to the hull. Hose fittings are sealed and secured with adhesive, then double-clamped. That kind of construction means owners are unlikely to ever have to experience how unsinkable a Whaler is firsthand — through-hull intrusions, one of the most common causes of sinking among all boats, should never occur.
The same can be said for Whaler’s often custom-made hardware, such as hinges on the dive doors in its larger models or the scissor hinges for the console hatch on the Outrage series. In every detail, Whaler’s commitment to quality shines through among experienced respondents.
420 Outrage
The latest in Whaler’s line of unsinkable legends is the new 420. To remain unsmitten by its aggressive lines and quad Mercury power on the transom would require blinders. Its cockpit has a crisp focus on fishability without losing sight of the need for entertaining friends and family.
Its foredeck is set up for cruising comfort with wraparound bow seats. Forward of the console is a sun lounge easily large enough for three. A quick adjustment to the cushions and their support gives posh seating when the conversation requires feet-on-the-deck attention.
If there were a helm station built for a skipper’s skipper, this would be it. The leaning post boasts three bucket seats with flip-up bolsters — the outer two swivel. The hardware that makes them comfortable and durable is investment grade. Flexibility? The helm bucket seats can swivel aft for conversation with the second row, three-wide seats blended into the cockpit tackle station. Not enough luxury seating? Pop out the convenient transom lounge and take a load off.
Below, full living quarters offer a galley, head and V-berth convertible to a dinette.
The 420 Outrage raises the stakes in Whaler’s quest for the perfect offshore boat.
MORE INFO: bostonwhaler.com
