Boston Whaler Introduces Stepped Hull OUTRAGE Model

[NorthShoreWhaler]

Boston Whaler is entering the stepped-hull market with two new Outrage models. They look interesting and modern.

Fig. 1. Profile view of new hull design from Boston Whaler.

WhalerStepHull.jpg (24.91 KiB) Viewed 504 times

Give me your thoughts on this new design, (which is being branded as the WhalerStep Hull).

[Mambo Minnow]

I hate the new WhalerStep hull design. Boston Whaler used to be a leader, but now they are just following Contender, Yellowfin, Intrepid, and others in hull design.

[jimh]

The general rationale for using a stepped hull is to reduce hull drag at very high boat speeds.This occurs by introducing air into the water flowing on the hull running surface. The general benefit is to produce a higher top speed for a particular boat and horsepower combination. The reduced drag could also improve fuel efficiency.

With Boston Whaler now selling boats rigged with three or four engines, improving fuel efficiency would likely be a welcome addition. As for being able to reach greater top speeds, that seems mainly to be a bragging point.

If you are a potential buyer for one of these large center console boats with multiple engines and a speed potential well above 60-MPH, then ultimate highest boat speed might be something that would influence your buying decision.

Q1: has Boston Whaler published any speed and fuel economy data about these new models with stepped-hull design and compared those metrics to prior hull designs without any steps?

Q2: what is the length of "the two new models"?

As regarding innovation in hull design, Boston Whaler introduced the Whaler Drive hull back in the 1990's. The Whaler Drive is somewhat similar to a stepped hull in that it provides a way for air to be drawn into the water flow under the hull, albeit rather far aft in the running surface. The water exiting from under a Whaler Drive is very aerated water. And, like a stepped hull, the Whaler Drive helps to reduce the tendency for bow rise during the transition to planing speed.

[NorthShoreWhaler]

The new models are a 290 and 330 Outrage. I don’t see any specifications or performance data yet.

[Buoy]

2026 330 Outrage performance is now available:

https://www.bostonwhaler.com/boat-model ... erformance