Page 69 - 320 Outrage Debuts in NYC; Jan. 5, 2003

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Author Topic:   Page 69 - 320 Outrage Debuts in NYC; Jan. 5, 2003

jimh posted 01-05-2003 10:52 AM ET (US)
Please use this message thread exclusively for comments on the photographs shown in Cetacea Page 69 which reveal many fine details of the new Boston Whaler 320 Outrage as seen at the NYC boat show. My thanks to Brian Nunes-Vais for this very timely contribution. He provided the digital images and precise information for the captions.
jimh posted 01-05-2003 11:15 AM ET (US)
The most obvious question that arises from seeing this boat: What happened to the dark blue hull color shown in the promotional graphics and seen on Whaler's website?
Also, at a dry hull weight (no engines) of 8,500 pounds, will twin 225-HP engines be up to the task? Rigged for fishing, with 300-gallons of fuel, and twin engines, the ready-for-sea weight must be about:
Hull = 8500
Fuel = 2000 (300-gallons)
Engines = 1000 (500-lbs each)
-----------------
TOTAL= 11,500
Add all the tankage for water (40-gallons), ice, and bait wells (45-gallons), there is probably another thousand pounds minimum.
Take four big guys and their fishing gear aboard, and you might have close to 14,000 pounds when you cast off.
kglinz posted 01-05-2003 11:34 AM ET (US)
Based on these weight numbers, compared to my 28 Conquest,I would expect at least 50 MPH top end with 225 Optis. Unless Mercury changes the 250 Opti to more than a one year warranty and 87 Octane fuel I can't see many ordering that option. I would probably choose the 250 EFI if 4 Strokes aren't offered.
Kemp Lindsey
jimp posted 01-05-2003 12:11 PM ET (US)
Good shots of the boat. To bad Brian's battery died.
A lot of nice features on the boat. I wonder if Whaler is trying to compete in an area that may already be saturated with similar boats?
Always wondered why boat builders put the helm on the port side when the "danger zone" is to starboard. Seems the helmsman's view would be obstructed to starboard.
JimP
Contender25 posted 01-05-2003 04:25 PM ET (US)
Just a small corection to the description of the photo showing the steering wheel:
The wheel is described as an Edson wheel however it is not, Whaler chose to use the $200 cheaper Gemlux wheel rather than the original Edson.
jimh posted 01-05-2003 05:14 PM ET (US)
An Edson wheel was my assumption. I didn't know they had cheaper knock-offs already. Thanks for the correction. I will amend the caption.
PMUCCIOLO posted 01-05-2003 05:32 PM ET (US)
Although I am not really fond of the new hull design, I must say, "Wow!" I had the opportunity to scrutinize the 240 and 270 Outrages at the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show, and the pictures cannot do them "Justice." (Please excuse the pun, as I'm ordering a CGP hull!)
All kidding aside, I was impressed by the finish, features, and quality of the new Outrages. Similar models of other manufacturers could not compare. I can't wait to check out this boat at Miami.
jimh posted 01-05-2003 05:34 PM ET (US)
Using a hull factor of 180 (appropriate for a deeper vee boat like the 320 Outrage), 450-HP, and 14,000 pounds of weight, the performance prediction calculation returns 32-MPH for top speed.
Forget about a full load, with just the boat and the engines and some fuel you can weigh in at 10,000 pounds. At that point you can expect about 38-MPH from the formula with 450-HP on the transom
At maximum engine rating, 600-HP, and minimum weight (10,000), the formula shows you can hit about 44-MPH.
BMR posted 01-05-2003 06:27 PM ET (US)
I have been told that the boat is going about 50 MPH with full fuel and two people on board with the 250 EFI's. Based on this, I would expect a 46-47 MPH baot with 225 Optimax engines.
I was also told at the display that the steering wheel is a custom wheel that Whaler had made with improvemnts not found on the Gem version.
BugsyG posted 01-05-2003 06:52 PM ET (US)
Very nice and futuristic portion of Boston Whaler boats. I do belive it is coming to our boat show (January 17-26).
Would you suppose that Boston Whaler will ever make a flybridge model?
JAZZ
OutrageMan posted 01-05-2003 11:08 PM ET (US)
Since Whaler has abandoned "classic" design (for whatever reason, not important here), it is nice to see that they have incorporated design features of some of their competitors like Intrepid and Regulator.
Or am I the onlly one that noticed the similarities?
Brian
Arch Autenreith posted 01-05-2003 11:37 PM ET (US)
I do miss the trademard Whaler 'brow' (I know most of you call it a smirk) but I guess nothing lasts forever.
Nonetheless I'm glad Whaler is doing well enough to start producing such a sweet CC.
DaveNJ posted 01-06-2003 07:16 AM ET (US)
Nice up close photos, but could not really see what this boat looks like overall. I guess that is the problem with boat shows. Everything is packed in tight so you can't really get a wide shot.
Thanks for providing the info. though.
Dave
jimh posted 01-06-2003 09:33 AM ET (US)
I amended some of the captions to add more details and make a minor correction or two based on the specification sheet.
This boat has plenty of rod holders!
Gunnel-mounted = 4
Transom-mounted = 3
Forward deck seat = 4
T-Top mounted = 5
TOTAL RODHOLDERS = 16
There are also four holders for downrigger weights. And of course there is the usual bait preparation station and a live well.
DaveH posted 01-06-2003 10:34 AM ET (US)
Interesting boat. Here are a few of my observations from the pictures:
The fiberglass T-top looks very heavy for its intended purpose. I would prefer a simpler welded aluminum version as an option if not standard.
The Whaler site touts 28" of interior freeboard. While that's nice, I am also interested in exterior freeboard to know if we can reach the water (anyone fish here?) without the use of S/S toe rails.
Wow! a Clarion CD player (enough said on that).
I cannot understand the logic of the spring cleat appearing to lean out over the sheer line. If that's the case, the dealers should stock a large quantity of hull repair materials. These cleats will cause the boat to become hung up on docks or strike poles as you manuever in tight slips on a windy day.
I am also cautious of the quality of vinyl used on the boat. If it's the same as that on the Outrage 210, the dealer should also stock plenty of replacement material. The vinyl on that boat was so soft and thin I thought it was for a Bayliner cabin interior.
I must add I am not a Brunswick Whaler "hater"; quite the contrary. I just disagree from time to time with some of their choices.
TightPenny posted 01-06-2003 12:20 PM ET (US)
I was on the boat on Saturday at the show.
The electronic package was beautiful, but the distance between the wheel and the seat (pushed all the way back) was sorely lacking.
I don't know if there is a further adjustment, but the knob on the steering wheel interfered very much with my Dunlop Diseased abdomen.
I (and I guess others perhaps) suffer the medical condition that occurs when your belly done lop over your belt.
I did fit behind the wheel of the 21 Outrage on display at the show.
Judy from Pelican Harbor echoed my wife in suggesting an answer to the medical condition, but I thought it inappropriate.
tabasco posted 01-06-2003 02:20 PM ET (US)
In reply to the HP issue, Fountain Boats makes a wonderful 32 or 33FT fishing boat but they use 3.... 250HP outboards on the stern. They also use a step hull which I wonder why Whaler has not considered.
If I were spending those dollars on a 32FT boat I would definitely go with the Fountain Boat.
Just my opinion
kglinz posted 01-06-2003 03:01 PM ET (US)
tabasco
The new Fountain 34 CC offers a choice of two or three 225 Optis. Speed is 59 MPH for two or 68 MPH for three. A lot of expence for 9 MPH. Boat is narrower and lighter than the 320 Outrage. How much floation in the Fountain.
jimh posted 01-06-2003 06:14 PM ET (US)
Are the controls shown the new Digital Throttle and Shift (DTS) controls?
See 69-07 for reference.
aubv posted 01-06-2003 09:28 PM ET (US)
Jim,
You only counted the vertical Rod Holders!
There is under gunnel rod racks and locking rod storage.
Dave H,
I suspect, given a built in ladder and hatch, that the T-top may be designed to offered a second station some time in the future. This is only speculation on my part.
We fish a lot on 2001 23' OR which has 28" freeboard and wide gunnels. We love the height. It does mean you can't lean over the side and touch the water. The reality is that leaning over is unsafe. We use a net or a boga grip. I also carry a small block and tackle for large fish(wishful thinking) and to lift an injured MOB. (Wishing it never happens) Other things to consider, the transom door and integrated swim platform. I use ours all the time and while I know many people consider "euro transoms" a waste of space I think it is a great combination of accessibility while maintaining the safety of a closed transom.
One other note, I noticed another MFG. had taped yard sticks to the gunnels of their boats in an effort emphasize the height of the gunnels.
I must say that the 32 OR, in white, was kind of stunning, this coming from someone who has professed their dislike of "go fast boats" on CW after receiving the 32 OR post card in the mail.
If I was in the market for a 32' boat this would be on the very short list.
DaveH posted 01-07-2003 10:05 AM ET (US)
Aubv:
The exterior freeboard being low enough allows the fisherman the ability to release fish properly. Not everything I bring to the boat is the correct species, in season or proper size. Therefore, in order to revive the exhausted fish, one must be close to the water. Some people use fly fishing gear and this extended fight further exhausts the fish - making proper release all the more important. Although the Euro transom is fine for access to the engines and safety for passengers, it can be difficult for reviving fish with two or more engines and associated cables on the transom.
As far as the T-top for a second station or "tuna tower", it may be possible the BW designers using a 10'2" beam had this in mind with that top. I have not seen anything yet about optional equipment or upgrades posted yet. However, the steps you refer to are also used on some other manufacturer's T-top designs for access to equipment mounted above the top only.
lhg posted 01-07-2003 07:39 PM ET (US)
I wonder how the boat compares to a full transom, Armstrong bracketed, 27 Guardian, with a pair of 250 HP somethings on it, with a hull/bracket weight of only 4600 lbs. If my side-by-side, tape measured, comparsion of the classic 25 to the 270 is any indication (Classic 25 is LARGER inside), I'll bet the 27 has just as much interior room. Last time I priced a 27, it was about $70,000.
I guess the question is whether you want a two-tone Searay with a Whaler logo on it, or a Boston Whaler. I wish Whaler would stop copying all of the other brands of boats out there and just make Whalers. I can't spot them on the water anymore.
andygere posted 01-10-2003 01:02 PM ET (US)
There is a CPD 27 with twin somethings on a 30" notched transom in the Santa Cruz Harbor. The interior of that boat is cavernous, and the profile is all Whaler. It has a center console, leaning post, tow bar and little else; it's all business. I'm sure one of these could be configured as the ultimate fishing platform for a lot less than $150k. I'll snap a picture of it the next time I'm down there.
lhg posted 01-10-2003 01:38 PM ET (US)
That sure sounds like a 27 Guardian, Andy.
It occurred to me that this big new Outrage is probably designed for the new I-6 Supercharged EFI Merc 4-strokes. I'll bet they'll be putting one out in 300HP version, besides the current 250HP. The word is they are real screamers, including acceleration and throttle response, faster than any other 250HP outboard out there, including Merc's own EFI 2-stroke. They're due in late 2003. Probably worth waiting for.
The engine is 100% Mercury (no Chevy block as originally speculated), and evidently the 225HP V-6 4-strokes from Japan don't even come close on performance.
andygere posted 01-10-2003 11:53 PM ET (US)
Come to think of it, Whaler did build the ultimate blue water outboard sportfisher on the 27 hull: The Offshore 27. I'd take a boat like that over the new 320 if I had the $....
msc posted 02-18-2003 04:15 PM ET (US)
Having viewed these pictures and after talking with some dealer sales people I must confess I did not realize how large the market for over 30' outboard powered open fishing boats had become. I probably should have simply by reading the boating and fishing magazines. This new 32 probably will hold its own against contender, regulator, intrepid et al. But having said that, it is a crowded market with some fine performers. I believe quality takes a step up in this league. I for one am disappointed in Whaler's choice of this style. I do 90+% of my fishing offshore. I prefer to troll and view the open bow with seating on the 32 as wasted space. I currently own an Outrage 28 and consider it to be excellent for my purposes. I particularly like the cabin arrangement for storage, weather protection etc. I realize how much my boat labors to come up on plane with T225 Optimax engines and can only guess at the effort to bring this 32 out of the hole. I am "died in the wool" whaler owner and must confess that were I to go into the market for a 30+ outboard powered boat I would not consider this boat. IMHO they should have given thought to an express design. With wide side access forward this is in my opinion the best offshore design. We are not all campaigners on the SKA circuit.
James posted 02-23-2003 12:53 AM ET (US)
Not that I was looking to buy, but for what its worth, my dealer has informed me that the entire BW run of the 320s has been sold out for 2003 and well into 2004.
jimh posted 02-23-2003 11:59 AM ET (US)
The sales success of the 320-OUTRAGE is certainly interesting news, but it would be interesting to know exactly how many production slots were allocated to this model.
Since the boat's intended use is in offshore fishing--and many miles offshore, too--its unsinkable characteristic would be a strong asset.
That feature alone might be very attractive to customers looking for a boat that can go a long way offshore and return in safety.
The 320-OUTRAGE is also given much praise in a "Boat Test" that appears in BOATING MAGAZINE for March 2003. The author, Lenny Rudow, cites the elaborate standard hardtop as one of the best features. Duplicating its design could cost "at least $20,000 on the open market."
The 320 is also featured on the cover of that magazine, a very desirable place for a new boat to appear.
jimh posted 02-23-2003 12:15 PM ET (US)
Regarding the performance of the 320, BOATING Magazine reports that with twin 250-HP EFI V-6 outboards, the boat just reached 50-MPH at wide-open-throttle and consumed 55-GPH.
The review also listed the price as only $138,578 with the twin 250-EFI engines.
msc posted 02-24-2003 10:30 AM ET (US)
Jim, I would be interested in who is buying the 32' Whaler. I wonder if it is current owners of larger hull whalers or new to whaler customers? Interesting question would be whether owners of +25' whalers would be interested in this boat? As I stated in my earlier post they've lost me on this one. If I am to upgrade at some point to a larger whaler they need to revise the model somewhat. They could begin by giving it an eleven foot beam. I will watch the response to this boat with interest.
trophyfish1958 posted 03-05-2003 05:35 PM ET (US)
Did anyone notice the fuel efficiency, OUCH, at crusing speed 0.7. Maybe these new 4 strokes we keep hearing about will change this. The 350 defiance is cheaper to operate Would not take that many miles per month to make up a lot of the difference between what the two payments would be. Love the 320, but much to costly to operate & not much range.
kenv posted 01-17-2004 01:38 AM ET (US)
Just to answer a few questions that I saw while reading the replies to the post. My dad purchased a 320 this week. To order one, the dealer said it would be ready the end of June 2004. He took the one from the boat show. We're in Texas, not alot of Whalers, but we are seeing more and more. According to the local dealer, the dark blue solid side and dark red solid side were dropped due to heat issues with the darker colors. That's why you see the pastels, two yellows, a blue and yes, there is a "Seamist green" I haven't seen a pic of that yet. The reason someone might buy the 32, he is moving up from a 2000 '26 Outrage and just wanted the extra walk around room that the wider beam will give, plus that cool bait prep station. Sometime we have wifes/kids and friends in there just to ride around. It is great dolphin watching boat. He doesn't want the cuddy - he wants the seat space for sitting and standing on (The material on the 26 feels thin - but has held well) Plus, it is a great looking boat. I love the change to the stern. We are not SKA fisherman, just weekend wallys. It has the two Mercury Racing OptiMax 250's rigged with 19 pitch props I think. Also, we can barely reach the water in the 26, we just walk to the back to be a litter safer. I'm sure the 32 will be the same. I'll see it in person for the first time Saturday and post back with any requeted info.
Have a good one
Ken
ClayM posted 08-19-2007 11:19 PM ET (US)
Does anyone have any updated information on the 320 Outrage. I am considering the purchase of a new 2007 320 Outrage with twin 275 Verados. The boat is loaded with Raytheon E 120 electronics, auto pilot, out riggers, zenon hull lights, aluminum trailer and everything else you can think of. The dealer has offered me a 5 year warranty on the Verados for a special promotion Mercury is having. The Marine Max dealer I am speaking with wants $175K for the boat with about 100 demo hours on the boat. Every review I have read says the 320 is an amazing brute, but I have concerns about the Verados. I currently have a 2000 model 260 Outrage with 200 Yamahas that has performed flawlessly. We are fishing the SKA and the FLW tournaments and the extra size would be really nice. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
jimh posted 08-24-2007 11:30 AM ET (US)
The 320 OUTRAGE is a current model of Boston Whaler. You can get information about it from Boston Whaler, their website, or their dealers. You should use the POST-CLASSIC discussion for further inquiries.

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Author	Topic: Page 69 - 320 Outrage Debuts in NYC; Jan. 5, 2003
jimh	posted 01-05-2003 10:52 AM ET (US) Please use this message thread exclusively for comments on the photographs shown in Cetacea Page 69 which reveal many fine details of the new Boston Whaler 320 Outrage as seen at the NYC boat show. My thanks to Brian Nunes-Vais for this very timely contribution. He provided the digital images and precise information for the captions.
jimh	posted 01-05-2003 11:15 AM ET (US) The most obvious question that arises from seeing this boat: What happened to the dark blue hull color shown in the promotional graphics and seen on Whaler's website? Also, at a dry hull weight (no engines) of 8,500 pounds, will twin 225-HP engines be up to the task? Rigged for fishing, with 300-gallons of fuel, and twin engines, the ready-for-sea weight must be about: Hull = 8500 Fuel = 2000 (300-gallons) Engines = 1000 (500-lbs each) ----------------- TOTAL= 11,500 Add all the tankage for water (40-gallons), ice, and bait wells (45-gallons), there is probably another thousand pounds minimum. Take four big guys and their fishing gear aboard, and you might have close to 14,000 pounds when you cast off.
kglinz	posted 01-05-2003 11:34 AM ET (US) Based on these weight numbers, compared to my 28 Conquest,I would expect at least 50 MPH top end with 225 Optis. Unless Mercury changes the 250 Opti to more than a one year warranty and 87 Octane fuel I can't see many ordering that option. I would probably choose the 250 EFI if 4 Strokes aren't offered. Kemp Lindsey
jimp	posted 01-05-2003 12:11 PM ET (US) Good shots of the boat. To bad Brian's battery died. A lot of nice features on the boat. I wonder if Whaler is trying to compete in an area that may already be saturated with similar boats? Always wondered why boat builders put the helm on the port side when the "danger zone" is to starboard. Seems the helmsman's view would be obstructed to starboard. JimP
Contender25	posted 01-05-2003 04:25 PM ET (US) Just a small corection to the description of the photo showing the steering wheel: The wheel is described as an Edson wheel however it is not, Whaler chose to use the $200 cheaper Gemlux wheel rather than the original Edson.
jimh	posted 01-05-2003 05:14 PM ET (US) An Edson wheel was my assumption. I didn't know they had cheaper knock-offs already. Thanks for the correction. I will amend the caption.
PMUCCIOLO	posted 01-05-2003 05:32 PM ET (US) Although I am not really fond of the new hull design, I must say, "Wow!" I had the opportunity to scrutinize the 240 and 270 Outrages at the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show, and the pictures cannot do them "Justice." (Please excuse the pun, as I'm ordering a CGP hull!) All kidding aside, I was impressed by the finish, features, and quality of the new Outrages. Similar models of other manufacturers could not compare. I can't wait to check out this boat at Miami.
jimh	posted 01-05-2003 05:34 PM ET (US) Using a hull factor of 180 (appropriate for a deeper vee boat like the 320 Outrage), 450-HP, and 14,000 pounds of weight, the performance prediction calculation returns 32-MPH for top speed. Forget about a full load, with just the boat and the engines and some fuel you can weigh in at 10,000 pounds. At that point you can expect about 38-MPH from the formula with 450-HP on the transom At maximum engine rating, 600-HP, and minimum weight (10,000), the formula shows you can hit about 44-MPH.
BMR	posted 01-05-2003 06:27 PM ET (US) I have been told that the boat is going about 50 MPH with full fuel and two people on board with the 250 EFI's. Based on this, I would expect a 46-47 MPH baot with 225 Optimax engines. I was also told at the display that the steering wheel is a custom wheel that Whaler had made with improvemnts not found on the Gem version.
BugsyG	posted 01-05-2003 06:52 PM ET (US) Very nice and futuristic portion of Boston Whaler boats. I do belive it is coming to our boat show (January 17-26). Would you suppose that Boston Whaler will ever make a flybridge model? JAZZ
OutrageMan	posted 01-05-2003 11:08 PM ET (US) Since Whaler has abandoned "classic" design (for whatever reason, not important here), it is nice to see that they have incorporated design features of some of their competitors like Intrepid and Regulator. Or am I the onlly one that noticed the similarities? Brian
Arch Autenreith	posted 01-05-2003 11:37 PM ET (US) I do miss the trademard Whaler 'brow' (I know most of you call it a smirk) but I guess nothing lasts forever. Nonetheless I'm glad Whaler is doing well enough to start producing such a sweet CC.
DaveNJ	posted 01-06-2003 07:16 AM ET (US) Nice up close photos, but could not really see what this boat looks like overall. I guess that is the problem with boat shows. Everything is packed in tight so you can't really get a wide shot. Thanks for providing the info. though. Dave
jimh	posted 01-06-2003 09:33 AM ET (US) I amended some of the captions to add more details and make a minor correction or two based on the specification sheet. This boat has plenty of rod holders! Gunnel-mounted = 4 Transom-mounted = 3 Forward deck seat = 4 T-Top mounted = 5 TOTAL RODHOLDERS = 16 There are also four holders for downrigger weights. And of course there is the usual bait preparation station and a live well.
DaveH	posted 01-06-2003 10:34 AM ET (US) Interesting boat. Here are a few of my observations from the pictures: The fiberglass T-top looks very heavy for its intended purpose. I would prefer a simpler welded aluminum version as an option if not standard. The Whaler site touts 28" of interior freeboard. While that's nice, I am also interested in exterior freeboard to know if we can reach the water (anyone fish here?) without the use of S/S toe rails. Wow! a Clarion CD player (enough said on that). I cannot understand the logic of the spring cleat appearing to lean out over the sheer line. If that's the case, the dealers should stock a large quantity of hull repair materials. These cleats will cause the boat to become hung up on docks or strike poles as you manuever in tight slips on a windy day. I am also cautious of the quality of vinyl used on the boat. If it's the same as that on the Outrage 210, the dealer should also stock plenty of replacement material. The vinyl on that boat was so soft and thin I thought it was for a Bayliner cabin interior. I must add I am not a Brunswick Whaler "hater"; quite the contrary. I just disagree from time to time with some of their choices.
TightPenny	posted 01-06-2003 12:20 PM ET (US) I was on the boat on Saturday at the show. The electronic package was beautiful, but the distance between the wheel and the seat (pushed all the way back) was sorely lacking. I don't know if there is a further adjustment, but the knob on the steering wheel interfered very much with my Dunlop Diseased abdomen. I (and I guess others perhaps) suffer the medical condition that occurs when your belly done lop over your belt. I did fit behind the wheel of the 21 Outrage on display at the show. Judy from Pelican Harbor echoed my wife in suggesting an answer to the medical condition, but I thought it inappropriate.
tabasco	posted 01-06-2003 02:20 PM ET (US) In reply to the HP issue, Fountain Boats makes a wonderful 32 or 33FT fishing boat but they use 3.... 250HP outboards on the stern. They also use a step hull which I wonder why Whaler has not considered. If I were spending those dollars on a 32FT boat I would definitely go with the Fountain Boat. Just my opinion
kglinz	posted 01-06-2003 03:01 PM ET (US) tabasco The new Fountain 34 CC offers a choice of two or three 225 Optis. Speed is 59 MPH for two or 68 MPH for three. A lot of expence for 9 MPH. Boat is narrower and lighter than the 320 Outrage. How much floation in the Fountain.
jimh	posted 01-06-2003 06:14 PM ET (US) Are the controls shown the new Digital Throttle and Shift (DTS) controls? See 69-07 for reference.
aubv	posted 01-06-2003 09:28 PM ET (US) Jim, You only counted the vertical Rod Holders! There is under gunnel rod racks and locking rod storage. Dave H, I suspect, given a built in ladder and hatch, that the T-top may be designed to offered a second station some time in the future. This is only speculation on my part. We fish a lot on 2001 23' OR which has 28" freeboard and wide gunnels. We love the height. It does mean you can't lean over the side and touch the water. The reality is that leaning over is unsafe. We use a net or a boga grip. I also carry a small block and tackle for large fish(wishful thinking) and to lift an injured MOB. (Wishing it never happens) Other things to consider, the transom door and integrated swim platform. I use ours all the time and while I know many people consider "euro transoms" a waste of space I think it is a great combination of accessibility while maintaining the safety of a closed transom. One other note, I noticed another MFG. had taped yard sticks to the gunnels of their boats in an effort emphasize the height of the gunnels. I must say that the 32 OR, in white, was kind of stunning, this coming from someone who has professed their dislike of "go fast boats" on CW after receiving the 32 OR post card in the mail. If I was in the market for a 32' boat this would be on the very short list.
DaveH	posted 01-07-2003 10:05 AM ET (US) Aubv: The exterior freeboard being low enough allows the fisherman the ability to release fish properly. Not everything I bring to the boat is the correct species, in season or proper size. Therefore, in order to revive the exhausted fish, one must be close to the water. Some people use fly fishing gear and this extended fight further exhausts the fish - making proper release all the more important. Although the Euro transom is fine for access to the engines and safety for passengers, it can be difficult for reviving fish with two or more engines and associated cables on the transom. As far as the T-top for a second station or "tuna tower", it may be possible the BW designers using a 10'2" beam had this in mind with that top. I have not seen anything yet about optional equipment or upgrades posted yet. However, the steps you refer to are also used on some other manufacturer's T-top designs for access to equipment mounted above the top only.
lhg	posted 01-07-2003 07:39 PM ET (US) I wonder how the boat compares to a full transom, Armstrong bracketed, 27 Guardian, with a pair of 250 HP somethings on it, with a hull/bracket weight of only 4600 lbs. If my side-by-side, tape measured, comparsion of the classic 25 to the 270 is any indication (Classic 25 is LARGER inside), I'll bet the 27 has just as much interior room. Last time I priced a 27, it was about $70,000. I guess the question is whether you want a two-tone Searay with a Whaler logo on it, or a Boston Whaler. I wish Whaler would stop copying all of the other brands of boats out there and just make Whalers. I can't spot them on the water anymore.
andygere	posted 01-10-2003 01:02 PM ET (US) There is a CPD 27 with twin somethings on a 30" notched transom in the Santa Cruz Harbor. The interior of that boat is cavernous, and the profile is all Whaler. It has a center console, leaning post, tow bar and little else; it's all business. I'm sure one of these could be configured as the ultimate fishing platform for a lot less than $150k. I'll snap a picture of it the next time I'm down there.
lhg	posted 01-10-2003 01:38 PM ET (US) That sure sounds like a 27 Guardian, Andy. It occurred to me that this big new Outrage is probably designed for the new I-6 Supercharged EFI Merc 4-strokes. I'll bet they'll be putting one out in 300HP version, besides the current 250HP. The word is they are real screamers, including acceleration and throttle response, faster than any other 250HP outboard out there, including Merc's own EFI 2-stroke. They're due in late 2003. Probably worth waiting for. The engine is 100% Mercury (no Chevy block as originally speculated), and evidently the 225HP V-6 4-strokes from Japan don't even come close on performance.
andygere	posted 01-10-2003 11:53 PM ET (US) Come to think of it, Whaler did build the ultimate blue water outboard sportfisher on the 27 hull: The Offshore 27. I'd take a boat like that over the new 320 if I had the $....
msc	posted 02-18-2003 04:15 PM ET (US) Having viewed these pictures and after talking with some dealer sales people I must confess I did not realize how large the market for over 30' outboard powered open fishing boats had become. I probably should have simply by reading the boating and fishing magazines. This new 32 probably will hold its own against contender, regulator, intrepid et al. But having said that, it is a crowded market with some fine performers. I believe quality takes a step up in this league. I for one am disappointed in Whaler's choice of this style. I do 90+% of my fishing offshore. I prefer to troll and view the open bow with seating on the 32 as wasted space. I currently own an Outrage 28 and consider it to be excellent for my purposes. I particularly like the cabin arrangement for storage, weather protection etc. I realize how much my boat labors to come up on plane with T225 Optimax engines and can only guess at the effort to bring this 32 out of the hole. I am "died in the wool" whaler owner and must confess that were I to go into the market for a 30+ outboard powered boat I would not consider this boat. IMHO they should have given thought to an express design. With wide side access forward this is in my opinion the best offshore design. We are not all campaigners on the SKA circuit.
James	posted 02-23-2003 12:53 AM ET (US) Not that I was looking to buy, but for what its worth, my dealer has informed me that the entire BW run of the 320s has been sold out for 2003 and well into 2004.
jimh	posted 02-23-2003 11:59 AM ET (US) The sales success of the 320-OUTRAGE is certainly interesting news, but it would be interesting to know exactly how many production slots were allocated to this model. Since the boat's intended use is in offshore fishing--and many miles offshore, too--its unsinkable characteristic would be a strong asset. That feature alone might be very attractive to customers looking for a boat that can go a long way offshore and return in safety. The 320-OUTRAGE is also given much praise in a "Boat Test" that appears in BOATING MAGAZINE for March 2003. The author, Lenny Rudow, cites the elaborate standard hardtop as one of the best features. Duplicating its design could cost "at least $20,000 on the open market." The 320 is also featured on the cover of that magazine, a very desirable place for a new boat to appear.
jimh	posted 02-23-2003 12:15 PM ET (US) Regarding the performance of the 320, BOATING Magazine reports that with twin 250-HP EFI V-6 outboards, the boat just reached 50-MPH at wide-open-throttle and consumed 55-GPH. The review also listed the price as only $138,578 with the twin 250-EFI engines.
msc	posted 02-24-2003 10:30 AM ET (US) Jim, I would be interested in who is buying the 32' Whaler. I wonder if it is current owners of larger hull whalers or new to whaler customers? Interesting question would be whether owners of +25' whalers would be interested in this boat? As I stated in my earlier post they've lost me on this one. If I am to upgrade at some point to a larger whaler they need to revise the model somewhat. They could begin by giving it an eleven foot beam. I will watch the response to this boat with interest.
trophyfish1958	posted 03-05-2003 05:35 PM ET (US) Did anyone notice the fuel efficiency, OUCH, at crusing speed 0.7. Maybe these new 4 strokes we keep hearing about will change this. The 350 defiance is cheaper to operate Would not take that many miles per month to make up a lot of the difference between what the two payments would be. Love the 320, but much to costly to operate & not much range.
kenv	posted 01-17-2004 01:38 AM ET (US) Just to answer a few questions that I saw while reading the replies to the post. My dad purchased a 320 this week. To order one, the dealer said it would be ready the end of June 2004. He took the one from the boat show. We're in Texas, not alot of Whalers, but we are seeing more and more. According to the local dealer, the dark blue solid side and dark red solid side were dropped due to heat issues with the darker colors. That's why you see the pastels, two yellows, a blue and yes, there is a "Seamist green" I haven't seen a pic of that yet. The reason someone might buy the 32, he is moving up from a 2000 '26 Outrage and just wanted the extra walk around room that the wider beam will give, plus that cool bait prep station. Sometime we have wifes/kids and friends in there just to ride around. It is great dolphin watching boat. He doesn't want the cuddy - he wants the seat space for sitting and standing on (The material on the 26 feels thin - but has held well) Plus, it is a great looking boat. I love the change to the stern. We are not SKA fisherman, just weekend wallys. It has the two Mercury Racing OptiMax 250's rigged with 19 pitch props I think. Also, we can barely reach the water in the 26, we just walk to the back to be a litter safer. I'm sure the 32 will be the same. I'll see it in person for the first time Saturday and post back with any requeted info. Have a good one Ken
ClayM	posted 08-19-2007 11:19 PM ET (US) Does anyone have any updated information on the 320 Outrage. I am considering the purchase of a new 2007 320 Outrage with twin 275 Verados. The boat is loaded with Raytheon E 120 electronics, auto pilot, out riggers, zenon hull lights, aluminum trailer and everything else you can think of. The dealer has offered me a 5 year warranty on the Verados for a special promotion Mercury is having. The Marine Max dealer I am speaking with wants $175K for the boat with about 100 demo hours on the boat. Every review I have read says the 320 is an amazing brute, but I have concerns about the Verados. I currently have a 2000 model 260 Outrage with 200 Yamahas that has performed flawlessly. We are fishing the SKA and the FLW tournaments and the extra size would be really nice. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
jimh	posted 08-24-2007 11:30 AM ET (US) The 320 OUTRAGE is a current model of Boston Whaler. You can get information about it from Boston Whaler, their website, or their dealers. You should use the POST-CLASSIC discussion for further inquiries.