They Say: The Boston Whaler 220 Outrage is a small center console with some of the big-boat features found on Whaler’s 30-footers.
We Say: A quick look at the hardware shows how Whaler beefs up the 220 Outrage in big-boat fashion — stout 8″ stainless-steel cleats, stainless-steel hawse pipes for the stern lines, a stainless-steel toerail. The trim tabs are recessed and how often do you see an optional windlass ($2,716) for a 22′ boat? The 220 Outrage definitely packs a lot into its 22’5″-by-8’6″ hull. Maybe too much. The thought of paying more than $72,000 (base price) for a 22-footer in today’s economy might be hard to stomach. But that’s what other top-quality boats in this size range typically cost. After bending your rods, the 5’7″-by-14″ fishboxes on either side of the cockpit measure knee-deep, enough to handle a battlewagon’s catch. The 20-gallon livewell has a blue interior to keep baitfish in a peaceful, happy state of mind. At the helm, the dual-level footrests allow anglers of any height and shoe size to kick back. The DTS controls that come with our 300 Mercury Verado test power make for smooth steering, and the standard SmartCraft gauges make it easy to monitor fuel burn and engine health.
Who’d Want One: The guy who wants a trailerable fishboat packed with amenities.
Other Choices: The Grady-White Fisherman 222 Center Console and Everglades 223 CC are both contenders.
MSRP: Test power – $77,357
Boston Whaler – Edgewater, Florida; 877-294-5645; bostonwhaler.com