posted 07-25-2002 09:31 PM ET (US)            

According to the specs, the swamp capacity is about three times that of the 230 Outrage and more than twice that of the 260 Outrage. I find that hard to believe.

posted 07-26-2002 05:24 AM ET (US)            

The black rub rail becomes more or less the sheer line of the boat. So now we have this continuously curving, sloping sheer line, which is more departure from the traditional straight sheer line--not just a Whaler tradition but a general power boat tradition of having straight sheer lines.

Working in opposition to that line is this new stripe in the hull, curving up from the waterline at the transom to the bow, in an inverted echo of the shape of the sheer line. I don't like that much.

Typically from an aesthetic point of view I want to judge the boat's profile against the real waterline. Now I have this artifical line of the stripe on the hull fighting with the straight water line.

At the stern the real sheer line stays straight, creating those big shoulders that slope into the transom. They just look awkward and out of place.

The console is very curvy, too.

posted 07-26-2002 09:35 AM ET (US)            

Larger fresh water tank for shower 20 vs. 9
smaller fuel tank 150 vs. 165
less rod holders -4
smaller casting platform/sun lounge area
smaller anchor locker hatch=smaller locker?
Built in seat in front of cc
Recessed electric trim tabs
Stainless steel thru-hulls
Better under gunnel rod racks but 4 vs. 6
Cast stainless steel steering wheel with knob
A larger electronics box
and last but not least a pointy bow rail!

posted 07-26-2002 01:54 PM ET (US)            

It’s a big heavy 24-foot boat though. Given its size, you would surely need the twin 150’s. As Peter pointed out, It seems like it should be rated for more than 300hp max. The stated hull weight is over a thousand pounds more than the 230 it’s replacing.

It also seems like BW is moving away from an easily trailerable boat larger than 20’. I always liked the size and weight of the older 22’-24’ OR Whalers. They were big enough to take offshore yet light enough to tow easily. The newer ones keep getting heaver. Even my 2001 vintage 230 OR is definitely beyond that “easy to tow” limit, I wouldn’t want to tow anything larger. I figure this new 240 full of gas and gear would weigh close to 9000 lbs. Contrary to the brochure, that is not “easily trailerable package” unless you got a semi or something.

Also, how come there is no bow rail above the gunnel? Do people have better balance these days?

Anyway, I will reserve judgment until I see one in person. I don’t want to start sounding like the classic guys who bash the post-classic Whalers like the one I have.

posted 07-26-2002 02:13 PM ET (US)         

These boats are unmistakenly from the Sea Ray design boards, as they still search for another new look for Whalers, for the better or worse. Like Sea Rays, they are not bad looking, more attractive and streamlined than their immediate predecesors, but still not to my liking, however. Many others will dissagree, as I think these could be bigger sellers than their predecessors, but to a different market. With the return all over the boating business to classic lines, these seem strange. Many of the shapes on these boats have been copied from others, such as the interior bow design which looks like Contender, Whitewater and Sea Craft. They also seem to have a little of Sea Ray's droopy bow profile, which has been around for 25 years.

I recenly had a chance to pull my Classic 25 full transom up alongside a new 270, the third attempt at bettering the old 25 since 1994, and measure both boats. In all dimensions, and especially interior useable space, the old 25's are larger boats. As an example, the 8'-0" beam 25 has an interior gunwale-to-gunwale width of 79 1/2". The 8'-6" beam 270 has this dimension of 78 1/4". Amazing, considering it is a wider beam boat. Overall length, back of bracket mounted Merc engines to bow point, is IDENTICAL, but the 25 has much more interior space because the bow is rounded rather pointed. Regarding fishability, at the console, the 25 gunwale height is 27". On the 270, it's 45" (almost FOUR FEET) above the water. These 270's may have an Outrage name, but they are not fishing machines, that's for sure. Sea Ray never did build a good fishing boat. If someone wants a new Whaler for serious offshore fishing, my recommendation would be to get a 25 Guardian.

posted 07-29-2002 10:01 AM ET (US)            

The newest European designer boats, generally from Italy, all had straight sheer lines.

posted 07-29-2002 11:41 PM ET (US)         

"When it comes to boats, the term "classic" is used to describe models with time-honored looks, proven performance, quality construction and user-friendly features. Everyone loves a classic. But there are times when even a much-admired design needs to be upgraded. That's the philosophy of Boston Whaler, which recently replaced one of its perennial favorites, the 26 Outrage...."

26 Outrage……perennial favorite, much admired, a classic?

LOL

posted 08-26-2002 03:07 PM ET (US)         

BW has evidently embarked on a radical new look for the big Outrages, combining a lower hull bottom that actually looks a little more like a Classic Outrage, and top shell lines coming from Sea Ray and the go-fast look, complete with pairs of big black Mercs. It's a risky departure, and if successful, will alter forever who the Whaler Outrage buyer is, with people like ourselves gone for good, in favor of the Sea Ray/Fountain type of buyer. Many boat manufacturers are returning to the Classic lines, and BW seems to be doing this in the small boats, but not the large ones. These companies are bringing out beautiful brand new Classic lined boats, at big prices, similar to their popular earlier ones, but not BW. Could it be a mistake, and letting Edgewater and others pick up their past customers?

posted 08-28-2002 02:18 PM ET (US)            

Also, the new 24 OR is a beautiful boat. If it rides smoother and drier than my 2001 vintage 23 Outrage, you are in for a real treat. I was fishing out the Gate (Golden Gate bridge) recently and I was inadvertently blowing by just about every other boat I saw because of the smooth stable ride qualities of these new Whalers. Furthermore, when drifting or trolling, my 23 OR is amazingly stable it doesn’t roll very much. In fact, it’s almost like an inflatable. My passengers were duly impressed.

posted 08-28-2002 05:02 PM ET (US)            

I don't understand what a word you are saying in your comments. But I gather your saying purchase an older boat with new engines. I like the new lines on the 24.