Boston Whaler 420 Outrage

The new 420 Outrage is not only one of the largest center-consoles on the market, but it is also the largest Boston Whaler ever built. So the question is “Can Whaler go big?” The answer is “absolutely.” Of course it stands out at the dock for its stylish hardtop and raked windshield, cabin windows and the four 300 hp Mercury Verados on the transom. But where it really shines is underway. Many of the new generation of 35-plus-foot center-consoles have issues with excessive bow rise climbing onto plane and higher-than-normal bow rise while running. But the 420 Outrage has one of the best attitudes of any large center-console we’ve tested. That means the captain’s sight lines at the helm are never compromised. Underway, the trim tabs adjust automatically, ensuring a smooth ride no matter the conditions. (They can be manually overridden per the captain’s preferences.) A Mercury Marine joystick at the helm ensures the boat is nimble in close quarters.

Boston Whaler already outfits its Outrage with a high degree of fit and finish and amenities, and going to 42 feet lets the company do that to the nth degree. Start up in the bow section. Though it’s got the requisite rod holders built into the topsides and coaming bolsters around the gunwales, the layout allows for family use way beyond fishing, with a sun lounge north of the console with forward-facing recliners and a flip-up section in the middle that creates a stadium-seating effect. The tag ends of the wraparound bow lounge also flip up to create recliners. The aft cockpit features flip-down seating on the transom and a state-of-the-art flip-up leaning post that doubles as a bait prep center, with the option to make it a summer kitchen for entertaining. A portside dive door also helps boarding at the marina.

Want to overnight? The 420 is plush belowdecks, with the overhead skylight and built-in portals providing a wealth of natural light. There’s a convertible double berth, a galley with a faux-granite countertop, and a private head and shower. A wood table pops up from the berth to form a dinette. A standard 18,000 Btu air-conditioning system keeps it chill.

Needless to say, there are fishy features galore, including a 24-gallon transom livewell, recessed toe rails, insulated fish boxes fore and aft, and 23 rod holders.

Buyer’s Spotlight
*A separate 12,000 Btu ­air-conditioner cools the helm.
*Portside dive door has a ­removable stainless-steel dive ladder.
*Deluxe bait-prep station features an electric grill, a freshwater sink and a refrigerator/freezer, plus tackle drawers and an additional livewell.
*Helm features three bolster seats with flip-down armrests.
*Hardtop features an electrically deployed sunshade.
*Raked windshield sports a standard electrically actuated center vent.

How We Tested
Engines: Four 300 hp Mercury Verado outboards
Props: 145/8″ x 19″ 4-blade Revolution 4 SS
Gear Ratio: 1.85:1
Fuel Load: 500 gal.
Crew Weight: 500 lb.

Price
$744,561 (base with standard power)