2006 Boston Whaler 240 Outrage

By Mike Gridley

In 1956, a new and then unheard of “unsinkable” 13-foot boat was launched, designed by Dick Fisher and Raymond Hunt. Constructed of foam-filled fibreglass that remained afloat even when cut in half, the rugged boat brand has flourished for over 50 years, leaving no shortage of used Boston Whalers on the market

The fishing crowd are great fans of centre consoles as they excel at fishing, but a new buyer out there is looking for an all-around boat with some fishing capabilities and Whaler’s Outrage line will deliver on that and more. This particular used Outrage will really deliver because the current owner loaded it with virtually every available option, making this boat a great buy.

You’ll feel secure stepping aboard the 240 with its wide coamings with an aggressive moulded-in, anti-skid pattern that is repeated in all of the deck areas and the raised casting platform.

At the bow, there is a readily accessible rode locker that also houses the remote control for the optional windlass. Tucked away in the bow storage locker were the aftermarket downriggers and hook-ups for the trolling motor, complete with a battery charger.

The centre console on the 240 is large, but it is quite evident why. A bi-fold door opens to reveal a sizeable area for gear and room for an optional porta-potty with pump-out. Access is a bit of a squeeze, but there is ample headroom once you’re in. A locker opens up to reveal the battery switches, ignition keys, 12-volt system breakers and access to the backside of the panel, all protected from the elements.

Flanking the console to port and starboard are large fish boxes with pump-outs and drains. In the transom are an 80-litre live baitwell and a 100-litre well in the aft of the optional leaning post.

To say this Whaler was rigged for fishing would be an understatement. Aftermarket options include Walker electric downriggers with water temperature sensors.

The standard fishing appointments include gunwale-mounted rod holders for four rods and stainless steel toe rails, which worked great with the 240’s 28 inches of interior freeboard and the full 360-degree coaming bolsters. There is also a seawater wash down, four gunwale-mounted rod holders and three additional holders on the transom.

The optional T-top creates a real business-like look for this fishing machine. It also adds an additional five rocket launchers, while providing great sun protection for the helm.

Fishing aside, the 240 Outrage accommodates a group for cruising with a fold-out transom seat, console jump seat and bow seating cushions for the forward platform (available if desired).

The optional leaning post style helm seating with flip-up bolster is quite comfortable sitting or standing with the wheel and Mercury Digital Throttle and Shift controls correctly placed for either position.

The helm is well laid out with plenty of room for electronics and the owner spared no expense installing a full suite of Raymarine electronics, including a GPS/shartplotter, HD radar and autopilot.

With Boson Whaler now owned by Brunswick, Mercury power is factory rigged on all Whalers. Several power options were avilable on this 2006, including a single 250-hp setup and twins with a total of 350 hp. 

With twin 150 Verados on the transom, this Whaler sat up and ran like a lightweight and handled like a sport boat. The Verado inline four-cylinder four-strokes powered the 240 to 20 mph in 5.3 seconds and to 30 in a very respectable 8.8 seconds. The top speed of 48.1 mph wasn’t too shabby either. Where this package really shone was in the handling and ride. The Whaler’s well-known uni-bond construction is truly solid and flex free and delivers a dry, precise ride in all conditions, making this fishing machine a great sports boat in disguise.

With over 50 years of Whaler models ranging from 11 to 37 feet, there’s a used Whaler out there that probably fits your needs and budget, and a centre console like this 240 Outrage will make a great fishing and recreational platform.

TEST BOAT ENGINE
Twin Mercury Verado 150s, 150 hp, 1.7 L, 105.7 ci / 1732 cc, four-stroke, four-cylinder outboards
CRUISING SPEED (rpm/mph)
4000 / 26.8
TOP SPEED (rpm/mph)
5950 / 48.1