Boston Whaler’s 420 Outrage 50th Anniversary toured last fall’s boat-show circuit as part of the company’s celebration of 50 years of the Outrage series. Special graphics and upholstery colors give her a head-turning appearance and triple 600-hp Mercury V12 Verado outboards take technology to the next level.
The Boston Whaler 420 Outrage 50th Anniversary Edition measures 42’6” (13.0 m) long overall and she’s powered by triple 600-hp Mercury V12 Verado outboards.
Report by Eric Colby
Mission Statement
The mission of the Boston Whaler 420 Outrage 50th Anniversary Edition is to be the centerpiece of a celebration of the Outrage line. She’s the flagship of the vaunted Whaler fleet and is a proven bluewater boat upgraded with 1,800 hp of Mercury V12 technology, upgraded upholstery and finishes and graphics that are sure to grab extra attention at the docks. The optional second station and tower are worth considering for serious anglers.
Boston Whaler 420 Outrage 50th Anniversary Edition Package
Triple 600-hp Mercury V12 Verado outboards
Upgrade to Sea Gray exterior upholstery with textured ridges and stitching
Upgraded interior upholstery colors, countertops and decking choices
Teak accent package
Black hardtop frame
Engines painted to match hullsides
Underside of hardtop painted to match hullsides
The floor plan is that of the standard edition of the 420 Outrage with a large, open cockpit and easily passed side decks.
Boston Whaler 420 Outrage 50th Anniversary Edition Features Inspection
The Cockpit. Boarding the 420 Outrage 50th Anniversary Edition is most easily done via the port hullside door that can also be used for landing large fish or reboarding after a dip or dive. There’s also a swim platform just ahead of the triple Mercury V12 Verado outboards with enough space to pass in front of them. The cockpit has 28” (71.12 cm) of depth and that depth increases to 35” (88.9 cm) alongside the console. The 40-gallon livewell that is an upgrade on the 50th Anniversary Edition is in the aft port corner. Fish boxes in the deck on each side have cooling plates so they don’t need to carry ice. A bench seat folds in from the transom. Outboard on each side are teak racks in the gunwales for rods, longer accessories like boat hooks or gaffs and downrigger balls.
The boarding door in the port hullside will come in handy in many situations.
The teak toe rails and gunwale storage racks are part of the 50th Anniversary Edition package.
When the fish aren’t biting or it’s time to host friends, fold in the transom bench and install the two teak tables on posts in the cockpit deck. Forward, the cockpit bar has a cutting board for bait or limes, an electric grill with a hinged solid-surface cover, a freshwater sink and 2.3-cu.ft. (.07 cu. m) refrigerator to starboard. Indicative of the boat’s dual-purpose nature, there are three slots for tackle storage on each side. In one of the more clever designs we’ve seen, a 59” (149.86 cm) wide bench seat that stows in the gap between the bar and the base for the helm seats pivots up and the backrest folds up so easily we could do it with one hand. For convenience, the tables stow on the bottom side of the hatch for the 420 Outrage’s mechanical room in the cockpit. With the wide hatch open, there’s access to the batteries, pumps, strainers and generator.
With the aft bench folded in and the tables installed, the cockpit becomes a dining room.
Boston Whaler sweats the details with a heat shield on the underside of the grill cover and an automatic shutoff switch. Also notice the paper towel holder and line reels on the underside of the sink hatch.
Capt. Steve easily folded the second row of helm seats into position. The stainless-steel assembly is stout and works flawlessly.
Boston Whaler’s point-of-use storage for the cockpit tables and posts makes life easy when it’s time to put them away. Additionally, the mechanical room has provided access to most of the onboard equipment.
The Helm. Moving forward, the captain and two companions travel in individual captain’s chairs, all of which have fold-up bolsters and slide fore and aft. The seatbacks are finished in teak as part of the anniversary package and the outboard seats rotate to aft-facing if guests want to chat with passengers behind. Below, a fold-down step creates a platform that’s 6” (15.24 cm) off the deck to accommodate shorter captains.
The teak trim on the back of the helm seats is part of the anniversary package and here we see the bench seat on the bar stowed on the forward edge.
The outboard seats at the helm rotate to aft racing, but only the captain can adjust his seat’s position with the push of a button thanks to an electric motor that moves it.
The glass dash has triple 16” (40.64 cm) Raymarine multifunction displays with a new graphical interface that makes running on board systems as easy as playing a video game. There’s also a 7” (17.78 cm) Mercury VesselView screen for the engines, the latest version of the company’s digital controls and a joystick. Overhead, the underside of the hardtop is finished in the same color as the hullsides and it has storage for the cockpit enclosure.
The teak treatments continue at the helm that puts navigation and systems data in sight on three multifunction displays.
Touch the monitoring icon and the screen displays all tankage and power data.
For more point-of-use storage, the enclosure is readily accessible on the underside of the hardtop that is finished in the same color as the hullsides.
Our Test Boat had the optional second station that had a bench seat with three fold-up bolsters that permit driving from a standing or seated position. If a captain chooses the latter, there is a fold-down footrest. The upper helm has a 12” (30.48 cm) chartplotter, a VesselView screen, tilt steering wheel and digital controls.
Capt. Steve is ready to go out and chase down some big game.
The Bow. Passageways between the console and the gunwales are 23” (58.42 cm) wide. We headed forward and found large chaise-style lounges on the front of the console with flip-down armrests on the outside and two more in the center. Fully forward, there’s wraparound seating in the bow and there’s a table that can be raised and lowered with the push of a button. An optional sunpad can be added. In addition to the storage compartments in the bulwarks, there’s more space beneath the cushions on the console, under the side cushions in the bow and two more hatches in the deck. In the forepeak, the 420 Outrage 50th Anniversary Edition comes with a windlass, 44-lb. (19.96 kg) stainless-steel anchor and 400’ (121.92 m) of chain rode.
The anniversary edition upholstery gives the boat a premium look and feel.
Lower the table and the area can fill in with a pad to create a recessed sunpad or playpen.
Boston Whaler made good use of all the available space in the bow for storage.
Boston Whaler 420 Outrage 50th Anniversary Edition Cabin
Before we head out on the water, let’s take a look at the 420 Outrage 50th Anniversary Edition’s cabin. Entry is via a sliding hatch to port of the helm station. Average headroom in the belowdecks area is 6’5” (1.96 m) and there’s a skylight plus side windows that let the sunshine in. The skylight has a shade and a blackout version when privacy is preferred. A modest galley has a sink, Isotherm refrigerator and microwave oven, which is fine because of the fully equipped bar in the cockpit. There’s also a 24” (60.96 cm) TV.
The table folds in half and can be spun to make it easier to slide in or out.
The head is to starboard and Boston Whaler provides as much space as possible by using a curved door. Inside, there’s a mirror, a solid-surface counter, an electric flush toilet and a shower integrated into the overhead.
The head has a premium feel with solid-surface countertops and decking and a porcelain toilet.
In the bow, the dinette has a folding table plus the forward-most backrest is hinged and folds up to extend the sleeping area to 7’ (2.13 m) long. The port-side lounge extends another 6’ (1.83 m) aft to the stairs.
With the forward-most backrest in the “up” position and the V-berth filled in, there’s space for two to sleep in the bow.
Boston Whaler 420 Outrage 50th Anniversary Edition Performance
The Numbers. The 420 Outrage 50th Anniversary Edition has an overall length of 42’6” (12.95 m) with a 13’ (3.96 m) beam. Empty weight is listed at 22,000 lbs. (9,979.03 kg) and with 385 (1,457.38 liters) gallons of fuel, 48 gallons (181.7 liters) of freshwater, three people and test gear aboard, we had an as-tested weight of 29,079 lbs. (13,190.01 kg)
Not only are the Mercury V12 Verados the most powerful outboards available, they have two-speed transmissions that improve acceleration and enhance efficiency. They turned counter-rotating 31” x 29” (78.74 x 73.66 cm) stainless-steel propellers to a max rpm of 5400, pushing our test boat to a top speed of 42.4 mph in calm seas. We recorded best cruise at 3500 where she ran 25.6 mph and burned 51.7 gph. That translated to .6 mpg and a range of 359 statute miles. At 4000 rpm, the speed bumped to 36.3 mph and the fuel burn was 64.2 gph. That also calculated out to .6 mpg and a range of 356 statute miles. In acceleration tests, the 420 Outrage 50th Anniversary Edition planed in 5.7 seconds and continued through 20 mph in 7.1 seconds, 30 in 10.4 and 40 in 14.4.
Due to her tower and higher center of gravity, there’s noticeable lean in turns, but that’s to be expected. We didn’t have heavy seas to test her offshore performance, but crossing wakes of heavy yachts passing us gave a good feeling that she has the characteristic Boston Whaler traits of no pounding or hull slap that we would expect.
The disappointing part of our performance test was the calm conditions.
The grunt produced by triple V12 outboards combined with smooth-shifting two-speed transmissions to give the 420 Outrage 50th Anniversary Edition spirited performance.
Observations
The upgrade to the Mercury V12 Verados and the exterior and interior treatments made our test boat worthy of the Anniversary Edition badge. Fifty years is a major milestone for most companies never mind a single model line, but Boston Whaler is no typical company and the Outrage series is a big reason why. The best news is that fans of the legendary manufacturer and of the 420 Outrage can actually buy this model and enjoy all that technology themselves.
Performance Review Video Summary
Overview
The Boston Whaler 420 Outrage is a premium offshore fishing machine. The test boat was a special Anniversary Edition marking 50 years since the first Outrage came off the line. BoatTEST’s Captain tested her with triple 600-hp Mercury V12 Verado outboards.
“She was just a solid feeling boat from start to finish.”
Mission And Intended Owner
Built To Do: Premium offshore fishing, with overnight accommodations and entertaining
Designed For: Serious offshore anglers who want an upscale boat
Best Cruise: 25.6 knots at 3,500 rpm, burning 51.7 gph
Fuel Economy At Best Cruise: 0.5 nautical miles per gallon
Range At Best Cruise: 312.1 nautical miles, holding a 10% reserve
Faster Cruise: The same 0.5 nmpg at 4,000 rpm and 31.6 knots, for a range of 310 nautical miles
RPM
Knots
GPH
NMPG
Range (NM)
3,500
25.6
51.7
0.5
312.1
4,000
31.6
—
0.5
310
5,400
46.5
—
—
—
“We also got 0.5 nautical miles per gallon at 4,000 rpm and 31.6 knots... so that’s where most people will probably run her for a best cruise setting.”
Acceleration:
Time To Plane: 5.7 seconds
Minimum Planing Speed: Holds plane down to 12.3 knots
0–20 mph: 7.1 seconds
0–30 mph: 10.4 seconds
0–40 mph: 14.4 seconds
Sea Trial And Handling
Power: The triple 600s had a lot of muscle, shown in solid acceleration
Turns: A bit more roll because of the tower’s higher center of gravity, but not uncomfortable
Wakes: Penetrated straight through with no hull slap
Construction: No rattling of any components underway
Conditions: Calm test day, so offshore characteristics could not be assessed
Mercury 600-hp V12 Verado Engines
Multiple Gears: The engines shift gears coming up on plane, dropping into a lower gear for better economy and fuel efficiency
Steering At The Lower Unit: The engine stays stationary and only the lower unit steers
Easier Maintenance: All checkpoints and service points are right on top
Engine Room Or Mechanical Compartment
Location: In the cockpit deck, one of The Captain’s favorite features
Layout: All mechanical components in one place
Helm
Glass Dash: Triple 16-inch screens with a new graphical user interface that The Captain said was done very well
Digital Switching: Turning on lights from the screen shows them on the boat’s graphic display, and it works the same on all pages
Monitoring Page: Shows tank levels and gives control of the pumps
VesselView Display: Yes
Controls: Latest-generation control sticks and joystick
Anniversary Edition Trim: Wood treatments
Step (Optional): For shorter captains
Seats: Anniversary upholstery, flip-up bolsters, fore-and-aft adjustment, with the captain’s seat moving electrically
Enclosure Storage: Overhead, for three-season comfort
Windshield: Single piece, with an electrically actuated vent at the top
Upper Control Station
Display: 12-inch display and a VesselView display
Wheel: Tilt base
Controls: Next-generation control station
Seating: Bench all the way across with individual flip-up bolsters, and a footrest under the console
Shade: Bimini with a black frame matching the hardtop supports
Lounge: Two-across shaded lounge just ahead
“With the bolster down, I have to say it does get a little bit tight, so personally I’m going to be leaving the bolster up all the time unless I’m sitting.”
“Not quite enough visibility to be at the controls while backing down on a fish from up here, so that’ll be done from down below.”
Anchor Locker And Ground Tackle
Windlass: Quick windlass leading to a through-the-stem anchor
Features Inspection Video Summary
Overview
The features video covers the 420 Outrage Anniversary Edition, which celebrates 50 years since the first Outrage left the Boston Whaler factory.
“The Boston Whaler 420 Outrage is an upscale boat in and of itself, but adding the 50th anniversary edition treatments to it just makes it even more so.”
Anniversary Edition Package
Hull-side color on the underside of the hardtop
Teak accent package throughout the boat
Black hardtop frame
Mercury 600-hp outboards color-matched to the hull sides
Sea-gray exterior upholstery package
Specifications
Cockpit: 5 feet, 5 inches by 10 feet, 2 inches
Bolsters: Rise to 32 inches
Side Decks: 23 inches wide on both sides
Rails: Top out at 35 inches
Transom Bench: 74 inches
Livewell: 24 gallons, insulated
Baitwell: 45 gallons, with a clear front
Cabin Headroom: An average of 6 feet, 5 inches
Berth: 7 feet to the forward point, 13 feet to the stairs
Cockpit Arrangement And Equipment
Fish Boxes: On both sides, with an available Frost Box chilling system
Toe Rails: On both sides, with teak finish on the Anniversary Edition
Downrigger Weight Storage: On both sides
Transom Bench: Easy to deploy, with new upholstery this year
Livewell: 24-gallon insulated, in the corner of the transom
Dining: Two teak tables with inlay work create an alfresco dining area, stored inside the deck hatch
Summer Kitchen
Storage: Paper towels, cargo net, reel and tool storage
Sink: Yes
Baitwell: 45 gallons with a clear front
Grill: Electric, with a kill switch when the lid is closed
Refrigeration: Underneath, with storage to the side
Grab Rails: On top and on the sides
Switches: Water pumps, fish box aerator pumps, livewell aerators, courtesy lights and one-touch sunshade deployment
Seat: Easy-deploying seat on top of the summer kitchen
Climate: Air conditioning vents just ahead
“I’m happy to see that there’s a kill switch for when the lid is closed.”
Boarding Amenities
Dive Door: Port side
Ladder: Stored under the transom seat, an example of point-of-view storage
Bow Arrangement
Chaise Lounge: In front of the console, with flip-down armrests on both sides and two more in the center
Table: On an electric high-low pedestal; fully lowered, it converts to a sun pad
Storage: In the bulwarks, under the console chaise, under the forward chaise and in the deck
Interior Spaces
Cabin:
Purpose: An efficient overnighter
Headroom: An average of 6 feet, 5 inches
Natural Light: A huge skylight with a shade and blackout, plus windows at the sides
Storage: Around the sides, under the seats and under the forward seatback
Berth: 7 feet to the forward point, 13 feet to the stairs when deployed
Galley:
24-inch TV
Microwave garage
Sink with storage underneath
Trash receptacle
Refrigerator drawer
“Be sure to move the faucet back when you open up the cover.”
Head:
Type: Wet head
Door: Curved, for a little more room
Fixtures: Mirror, solid-surface counter with a recessed sink, grab handle and electric flush toilet
Advantages And Disadvantages
Advantages
Premium offshore fishing machine with upscale Anniversary Edition trim
Strong acceleration from triple 600-hp V12s
Penetrated wakes with no hull slap and no rattles
Cruises at 31.6 knots with the same economy as at 25.6 knots
700-gallon fuel capacity and about 310 nautical miles of range
Mercury V12 multi-gear transmissions, lower-unit steering and top-side service points
Advanced glass dash with digital switching and pump control
All mechanical components in one compartment
Full summer kitchen with a 45-gallon baitwell and grill safety kill switch
Efficient overnight cabin with 6'5" headroom
Disadvantages
More roll in turns because of the tower’s higher center of gravity
Upper station bench is tight with the bolsters down
Not enough visibility from the upper station to back down on a fish
Galley faucet must be moved before opening the sink cover
Tested only in calm water, so offshore handling was not shown
