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Author Topic:   c.2000 OUTRAGE 28, 290 OUTRAGE

bms1939 posted 08-22-2008 09:25 PM ET (US)
I'm looking for opinions on the 2000 through 2002 Boston Whaler OUTRAGE 28 [later renamed the] 290 OUTRAGE. They seem like a lot of boat for the money. Most have twin OptiMax 225 motors and were very equipped, including a generator. [Desires] first hand knowledge of the the fuel burn and reliability of the Mercury OptiMax motors c.2000, and the overall ride and performance of the hull.
msc posted 08-27-2008 02:35 PM ET (US)
I have a 2000 Outrage 28 bought in the spring of 2001. Excellent fishing boat, very heavy, good sized cockpit for a 28 footer. In 2006 I repowered with Yamaha F250s and have not looked back. The Optimax engines were giving me some issues and at that point my dealer had dropped BW as well as Mercury and getting service was not going to improve. As for fuel burn I seem to get 1.3-1.4 gph at 4100-4200 rpms. Speed varies with sea conditions but hovers around 26-27 kts. The Mercury engines were similar if not slightly better. As for the ride it is what you would expect from a 20 degree deadrise on a 28' boat with a 10'4" beam. Also the helm is further forward than other center consoles increasing the number of holes you find at sea. I am fine until the seas get to 4'+ with close spacing...then I pull back. Frankly, I haven't been on enough other boats of similar size to draw any comparions.
I'll be glad to answer any other questions you have.
msc posted 08-27-2008 02:37 PM ET (US)
I forgot to mention that prior to repowering I looked at the market thinking I might "move up" and simply could not find a boat that would suit my needs as well as the 28.
bms1939 posted 08-27-2008 10:36 PM ET (US)
Thanks for the reply. I've only seen these boats online and most of them are a good distance away. I was wondering how many could the boat sleep, from the pictures it looks like three depending on the size of the beds. Some of them are equipped with a generator, is this only to run a/c or are there any other benefits of having one? Are the optis a reliable engine or are problems typical with them? I've been looking for a boat that I could use for fishing as well as a day boat with the family and do a few overnight trips. I also would like to be able to trailer the boat home for the winter for inside storage, I know it won't be legal but I think I could get away with it twice a year. I also have been looking at the Conquest models but the Outrage seems to be a better fishing platform, it will be used mostly for fishing.
msc posted 08-28-2008 03:29 PM ET (US)
The boat will sleep one under 5'11" person. The rest of the space below is good for storing fishing rods, tackle etc. The head is useful for normal (6' and under) people. The generator is primarily for the AC but can be used to charge batteries although running it long enough to recharge a discharged battery is not practical. As for the hot water heater, I had the one on my boat removed. Regarding the AC, I do use mine extensively when at the dock. It is great to be able to get out of the heat (southeastern NC) when working on the boat cleaning etc.
You will get a thousand opinions on Optimax engines. When they are right they are great engines and are stingy with the fuel. Some have had significant trouble others no problems. Get the service records for the boat you decide on.
People do tow these boats but you need to keep in mind that wet, with engines and gear they weigh over 10,000#. They aren't meant for much towing. I would sub it out if I was inclined to tow.
If you are first and foremost a fisherman then this is a great boat. If you want to overnight and cruise around get the Conquest.

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Author	Topic: c.2000 OUTRAGE 28, 290 OUTRAGE
bms1939	posted 08-22-2008 09:25 PM ET (US) I'm looking for opinions on the 2000 through 2002 Boston Whaler OUTRAGE 28 [later renamed the] 290 OUTRAGE. They seem like a lot of boat for the money. Most have twin OptiMax 225 motors and were very equipped, including a generator. [Desires] first hand knowledge of the the fuel burn and reliability of the Mercury OptiMax motors c.2000, and the overall ride and performance of the hull.
msc	posted 08-27-2008 02:35 PM ET (US) I have a 2000 Outrage 28 bought in the spring of 2001. Excellent fishing boat, very heavy, good sized cockpit for a 28 footer. In 2006 I repowered with Yamaha F250s and have not looked back. The Optimax engines were giving me some issues and at that point my dealer had dropped BW as well as Mercury and getting service was not going to improve. As for fuel burn I seem to get 1.3-1.4 gph at 4100-4200 rpms. Speed varies with sea conditions but hovers around 26-27 kts. The Mercury engines were similar if not slightly better. As for the ride it is what you would expect from a 20 degree deadrise on a 28' boat with a 10'4" beam. Also the helm is further forward than other center consoles increasing the number of holes you find at sea. I am fine until the seas get to 4'+ with close spacing...then I pull back. Frankly, I haven't been on enough other boats of similar size to draw any comparions. I'll be glad to answer any other questions you have.
msc	posted 08-27-2008 02:37 PM ET (US) I forgot to mention that prior to repowering I looked at the market thinking I might "move up" and simply could not find a boat that would suit my needs as well as the 28.
bms1939	posted 08-27-2008 10:36 PM ET (US) Thanks for the reply. I've only seen these boats online and most of them are a good distance away. I was wondering how many could the boat sleep, from the pictures it looks like three depending on the size of the beds. Some of them are equipped with a generator, is this only to run a/c or are there any other benefits of having one? Are the optis a reliable engine or are problems typical with them? I've been looking for a boat that I could use for fishing as well as a day boat with the family and do a few overnight trips. I also would like to be able to trailer the boat home for the winter for inside storage, I know it won't be legal but I think I could get away with it twice a year. I also have been looking at the Conquest models but the Outrage seems to be a better fishing platform, it will be used mostly for fishing.
msc	posted 08-28-2008 03:29 PM ET (US) The boat will sleep one under 5'11" person. The rest of the space below is good for storing fishing rods, tackle etc. The head is useful for normal (6' and under) people. The generator is primarily for the AC but can be used to charge batteries although running it long enough to recharge a discharged battery is not practical. As for the hot water heater, I had the one on my boat removed. Regarding the AC, I do use mine extensively when at the dock. It is great to be able to get out of the heat (southeastern NC) when working on the boat cleaning etc. You will get a thousand opinions on Optimax engines. When they are right they are great engines and are stingy with the fuel. Some have had significant trouble others no problems. Get the service records for the boat you decide on. People do tow these boats but you need to keep in mind that wet, with engines and gear they weigh over 10,000#. They aren't meant for much towing. I would sub it out if I was inclined to tow. If you are first and foremost a fisherman then this is a great boat. If you want to overnight and cruise around get the Conquest.