Boston Whaler 290 Outrage (2026-)

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Brief Summary

The well-known Boston Whaler legacy is well-deserved. Since 1956, when the company was founded, the ‘unsinkable’ hull design, using foam-filled construction, has buoyed up the entire model line. Now, and making use of the latest in technology and a double-stepped hull, the Boston Whaler 290 Outrage, a fishing boat that is as comfortable inshore and she is, with favorable conditions, offshore, features plenty of deck space and the power, with a pair of optional 300-hp Mercury V8 outboards, to fulfill the mission.

As well, this speedy, racy looking center console is ready, willing, and quite able to supply an exciting day out for family fun including coastal cruising, water sports, on the hook at a favorite anchorage, or a day out on the sand bar.

Test Results

RPM	MPH	Knots	GPH	MPG	NMPG	SM	NM	dBa
650	3.4	2.9	1.4	2.4	2.1	417.8	363.1	N/A
1000	5.8	5	2.5	2.3	2	401.6	349	N/A
1500	8.2	7.1	4.5	1.8	1.6	318.2	276.5	N/A
2000	9.9	8.6	7.8	1.3	1.1	221.6	192.6	N/A
2500	12.2	10.6	10.4	1.2	1	204.8	178	N/A
3000	18.2	15.8	13.5	1.3	1.2	235.4	204.5	N/A
3500	27.5	23.9	16.6	1.7	1.4	288.7	250.9	N/A
4000	36.8	32	21.5	1.7	1.5	298.9	259.7	N/A
4500	43.5	37.8	27.6	1.6	1.4	275.2	239.1	N/A
5000	48.3	41.9	35.8	1.3	1.2	235.3	204.5	N/A
5500	51.2	44.5	40.5	1.3	1.1	220.7	191.8	N/A

View the test results in metric units

Specifications

Length Overall	30' 6" 9.06 m
Beam	9' 4" 2.84 m
Draft	26" 0.66 m
Deadrise/Transom	23°
Weight Capacity	2,663 lbs 1,208 kg
Person Capacity	12
Fuel Capacity	194 gal 734 L

Acceleration Times & Conditions

0 to 30	7.5
Load	Persons & Gear: 5370 lbs (168 kg); Fuel: 717 gal (325 kg)
Climate	80°; salt

Engine Options

Tested Engine	2 x 300-hp Mercury V8
Std. Power	2 x 250-hp Mercury V8

BOSTON WHALER 290 OUTRAGE

Joining Performance with Versatility

By Capt. Ken Kreisler

Purpose built and running on a WhalerStep™ hull, the new Boston Whaler 290 Outrage lives up to all the revered company stands for.

Major Features

Deluxe leaning post w/aft facing seat
20 gal livewell
Dual in-deck fish boxes
Portside dive/boarding door
WhalerStep™ hull
Hard top w/rod holders
2 x 250-hp Mercury V8 outboards

Notable Options

SeaKeeper gyro
Trolling motor + pre-rig
Hardtop system featuring full glass windshield, flood lights, life jacket storage
Bow table
Joystick control
Aft facing bench livewell
2 x 300-hp Mercury V8 outboards

Vessel Inspection

Being a center console, the Boston Whaler 290 Outrage offers a complete walk around deck and deep bow well for serious fishing activities. As well, this space will also provide plenty of opportunities for a family day out.

Outrage 290 layout — Wide walkways to either side allow for quick and safe fish fighting activities where fast position changing may be required.

Bow

The bow area features a deep well for secure fishing as well as seating forward and a two-person midline lounge. Storage is below the seating. There is also a stainless bracket provided on the forward seat for securing an optional table.

The forward bow hatch houses the windlass, chain rode, and remote control. There is also a deep storage space here as well. A factory installed trolling motor is also available as an option.

The forward seat cushion reveals a large storage compartment.

The sun pad seat also has a large storage space beneath the cushion. Note the wide, two steps for easy access in and out. And for whatever reason the hatch should close while someone is inside, there is an emergency release to open the hatch from within.

This slot allows for rod storage when fishing is not on the daily agenda. Brushes protect the rods.

Helm

A pair of bolstered seats, with armrests, make driving comfortable and safe with all around views.

A row of easy-to-reach rocker switches are positioned at the top of the console.

This electrically operated vent allows for air to enter the helm space.

storage compartment — A storage cabinet for phones and keys and other pocket stuff is located on top of the console.

Cockpit

The cockpit offers plenty of room for fishing action. Note the gunwale rod holders along with those just aft of the helm seats as well as the deck hatches and fish boxes to either side.

machinery area — The center deck hatch provides easy access to pumps, batteries, and filters.

Also located in this compartment is access to the raw water intake connection.

The robust hardtop has five rocket launchers

insulated storage area — Underneath the aft facing seat is an insulated storage compartment that can be optioned as a live well.

grip handle — A boarding/dive door is located to port. Note the stainless deck bracket for a dive ladder. A handle, which swivels and locks in place, provides a safe and sturdy grip when getting in and out of the water.

water hookups — The fresh and raw water washdown hookups are also located to port just aft of the boarding door.

Aft

engines — Our test Boston Whaler 290 Outrage was powered by a pair of optional 300-hp Mercury V8 outboards while dual 250-hp motors are standard power. Note the space provided in the well and to either side.

live well — A 20 gallon livewell is located to port on the aft end of the transom.

swim loading ladder — To starboard, the aft section has a swim ladder and a shower.

A Word About Performance

290 Outrage running on water

Combining the best of a center console with that of Boston Whaler’s well-known ride, the 290 Outrage delivers. Our test boat had a weight of 10,615 pounds and was powered by a pair of 300-hp Mercury V8 outboards. Test day conditions saw the air temperature at 80°, 74% of relative humidity, with calm sea conditions and wind at 10 mph. We had 119.5 gallons of fuel of the 194 gallon capacity with a 10% reserve and two people on board.

At 5500 rpm we hit a top speed of 51.2 mph and our best cruise came in at 37 mph with a 4000 rpm turn of speed. The 21.5 gallon/hour fuel burn translates to a 1.7 miles per gallon and a range of 298.9 statute miles while holding back a 10% reserve of the 194 gallon fuel capacity. She got up on plane between 3000-4000 rpm. During hole shots, we went from 0-10 mph is 3.5 seconds, 0-20 mph in 6.0 seconds, 0-30 mph in 7.5 seconds, and 0-40 mph in 9.0 seconds.

Riding on that double-stepped hull, along with the optional 300-hp V8 Mercury outboards really made a difference. Fast, quick response to the helm during maneuvers, a solid feel underway, and built-in Boston Whaler confidence, all combined for an exciting time aboard.

Summary

The Boston Whaler 290 Outrage combines the best of what this legendary builder’s design and engineering teams could put into a center console boat whose prime directive is to provide a safe boating experience whether inshore or offshore fishing or spending some quality family time out on the water.

Combining its sea-proven WhalerStep™ hull technology, for improved fuel efficiency, the 290 Outrage has the ability able to deliver a smooth, controlled ride with outboard power. In addition, its proprietary closed cell foam fills in all the spaces between the liner and the hull, creating one solid structure, eliminating the need for stringers, and creating the unsinkable legend Boston Whaler is known for. Along with built-in fishing amenities, including wide walk around decks and plenty of deck space aft, storage, and comfortable bow and cockpit seating, the Boston Whaler 290 Outrage is poised to take her rightful place in the prestigious model lineup.

290 Outrage running on water

REMEMBER, LIFE IS BETTER ON A BOAT!

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