Boston Whaler 330 Outrage Review
The big news at Boston Whaler is that for the first time in its 68-year history, it has a stepped-hull model. Although the Boston Whaler 330 Outrage has been in the lineup since 2015, the new 330 reaps the benefits of nearly a decade’s worth of intense study. A team of talented naval architects led by Kevin Donnaly created the WhalerStep hull at their state-of-the-art design center in Edgewater, Florida. It is also available on the 290 Outrage.
This 33-footer sits in the middle of Boston Whaler’s center console lineup that stretches from a 23-footer all the way to the 420 Outrage flagship.
At a Glance: Boston Whaler 330 Outrage
2026 BOSTON WHALER 330 OUTRAGE
- Built to fish and able to entertain
- Unsinkable Boston Whaler hull
- Large standard livewell and available optional one
- No upper station
- Lack of a small cabin in the console
- Anglers who take their fishing seriously but need a versatile boat
- Families that love to fish and like to entertain on occasion
- Anglers who love offshore trolling
Specifications
- LOA: 33 feet
- Beam: 10 feet, 2 inches
- Dry weight: 12,579 pounds (with engines, fuel, and water)
- Deadrise: 23 degrees
- Fuel capacity: 300 gallons
- Maximum horsepower: 850
- Price: $557,512 with twin V10 Mercury Verado 425 hp outboards with Joystick Piloting
Performance
- Engines: Twin Mercury Verado 425
- Cylinders: V10
- Displacement: 5.7L
- Dry weight: 695 pounds
- Top speed: 60.4 mph @ 6300 rpm
- Cruising speed: 34.2 mph @ 4000 rpm 24.4 gph = 1.4 mpg
- Time to plane: 5.5 seconds
- Time to 30 mph: 9.1 seconds
Features We Love
- WhalerStep hull
- 50-gallon livewell
- 40-gallon freshwater tank
- Optional 40-gallon livewell
- Doublewide chaise lounge with tons of storage beneath
- Recessed platform boarding ladder
- Mezzanine seat
- Twin 16-inch Simrad displays
- 30-inch cockpit freeboard
- Doublewide helm seat
- Joystick Piloting for Outboards
- Twin 57-gallon in-deck fish boxes
- Fold-down bench seat set into transom
- Optional Seakeeper gyrostabilizer
- VacuFlush toilet with dockside pumpout
Design and Construction
Prospective buyers of a new Boston Whaler 330 Outrage may experience a bit of confusion since two fundamentally different 2026 models are currently available. One has the new double-vented WhalerStep hull, while the other has the traditional deep-V hull the brand is known for. This dueling model issue is likely a 2026-only problem as new-boat/old-design 330 Outrages are cycled out of dealer inventory. But this unusual situation gives buyers extra options. Some might prefer the older floorplan, and pricing for the non-WhalerStep version is trending lower, according to listings on Boatmart.com.
Like all other Whalers, the Boston Whaler 330 Outrage is unsinkable thanks to its Unibond construction process. Part of the learning curve for Boston Whaler engineers implementing the WhalerStep hull was ensuring that the new TStep design was compatible with their unique building process.
The build begins by spraying the gelcoat into the meticulously prepared molds. Then, workers hand lay fiberglass into the hull and liner. The two parts are “fiberglassed” together to form a one-piece unit, and then a liquid polyurethane A/B mix is injected between the hull and liner, where it rapidly expands, generating intense heat and pressure to form a solid bond between the two. Not only does it provide an incredibly strong core, but it also gives it exceptional flotation and deadens sound and vibration.
Bow
One of the biggest layout changes for the new 2026 model is the bow section, which now features bowrider seatbacks molded into the cap rail. These provide a comfortable perch for passengers who call dibs to recline there. While our test boat was offshore, I temporarily turned the wheel over to my copilot and went horizontal up front. The ride was stellar. The seatbacks have a comfortable amount of recline, and because the hull’s entry was behind me, I was levitating over the waves and didn’t feel the impact of the 2-footers beneath me.
A wide chaise lounge in front of the center console is also prime real estate for kicking back. The storage beneath it is massive and features horizontal rod storage for up to 10 rods within its lockable compartment.
One smart design element that anglers will love is that the bow section is now open. Anyone fighting a losing battle with a fish can lean against the gunwale and chase it down in comfort and safety. The previous design featured wraparound seating at the bow, which was great for entertaining but not so good for fishing.
Stern
Live-bait anglers will love the standard 50-gallon livewell— larger than on many boats in this class—set into the transom on the centerline for better balance. Behind the transom is a pair of roomy swim platformettes joined by a narrow yet walkable path. On the starboard side is a concealed four-step boarding ladder. Its placement makes it so that passengers boarding through the transom gate have a clear path. Swimmers can rinse off with a standard shower fed by a generous 40-gallon freshwater tank that also supplies the anchor washdown and the shower in the head compartment.
Despite the huge livewell, a standard fold-down bench seat is set into the transom. An unusual feature is storage within the transom for a five-gallon bucket, a perfect spot for stashing a chum bag or a cast net when running and gunning.
Boston Whaler 330 Outrage Cockpit
The boat’s 10-foot, 2-inch beam creates lots of space for anglers to move about freely. Plus, the generous 30-inch average interior freeboard helps keep everyone corralled in rough seas. Twin 57-gallon in-deck fish boxes provide plenty of room for the catch.
Our test boat was equipped with the standard mezzanine seat, which provides space for two to monitor the trolling spread or watch the scenery go by on the way to the fishing grounds. Some hardcore anglers might not like this rear-facing seat, preferring a rigging station instead. Whaler designers anticipated this complaint and created a backrest that flips down to create a working surface with a raised tab that secures a cutting board. It also makes a great food presentation area.
Buyers can add an additional 40-gallon livewell beneath this seat. It’s a must-have for owners who use live-bait chum or carry more than one type of live bait. An optional teak cockpit table ($2,813) is perfect for stylish food display during social gatherings for up to 14 passengers.
Helm
Inspired by modern automotive designs, the helm station is cleanly laid out and prioritizes function, with an array of digital switches located high on the dash to avoid accidental engagement. Our test boat had the optional twin 16-inch Simrad NSS4 displays ($11,364). One is standard.
The console is tall, so shorter drivers can utilize the 6-inch riser platform that folds down from the leaning post helm seats. The double-wide helm seats can actually fit a third person as long as they are small.
Boston Whaler designers cleanly integrated the T-top’s D-rail supports into the console, keeping forward vision free of extraneous support tubes. A glass windshield with side windows protects the crew, and buyers have the option to fully enclose the helm station with Eisenglass for chilly or rainy days. A windshield wiper with a washdown system prevents salt-spray residue from forming, and a power vent allows airflow on sweltering days.
Head
Unlike many of today’s 30-something-foot center consoles, the 330 Outrage does not feature a small cabin within its center console. Neither does the 360 Outrage. Only when you get to the 380 and 420 Outrages do the boats feature a place to sleep. Whaler designers instead created a massive amount of storage within the chaise lounge in front of the console.
Besides, they have other models that are better suited for weekend cruising, such as the 350 Realm express cruiser or the 325 Conquest cabin cruiser. Instead, the 330 Outrage features a standup head with 5 feet, 10 inches of headroom. A VacuFlush toilet with dockside pumpout and a sink with a pull-out sprayer are standard.
Boston Whaler 330 Outrage Engines
Boston Whaler is a Brunswick company, which is also the parent company of Mercury outboards, so your engine brand choice has already been made. According to Boston Whaler’s online Build and Price feature, buyers have two available power levels: twin V8 Verado 300s or twin V10 Verado 425s. To me, the biggest no-brainer is to go for the extra 250 horsepower, which costs $33,933 and is well worth it.
Surprisingly, according to Mercury factory performance tests, the 300s hold their own with a remarkably similar rpm/speed curve until about 4,500 rpm. That’s when the extra horsepower starts boosting the speed, eventually creating a 9 mph top-end advantage for the twin 425s. Out-of-the-hole and midrange throttle response will also be better with the big-boy power package, and resale value will be higher.
Another option—a slam dunk in my mind—is the Joystick Piloting system, which is a $36,669 upcharge. Experienced boaters might stubbornly pass on this system because they can drive a boat, dang it, joystick control opens a new world. Mercury is constantly improving its Joystick Piloting system, and that was evident when I turned on the Skyhook virtual anchor feature. It now shifts far less frequently than earlier versions while still holding position well.
Another enhancement is the new Dockhook feature, which automatically holds the boat’s position at a dock, giving solo operators or drivers with boating rookies on board the ability to tie docklines at their leisure. Joystick Piloting is also an invaluable aid when fighting a fish, allowing the driver to make quick, intuitive direction changes to keep the angler in perfect position at all times.
The cap rail on the new Boston Whaler 330 Outrage is now optimized for trolling motor installation, and a pre-rig package is available for $3,120. It’s an anchorless alternative that allows anglers to hold position offshore over a reef without using the Skyhook feature, keeping engine hours lower. And it’s quieter.
Performance and Fuel Economy
Our test boat had the full Monty power of twin V10 Mercury Verado 425 hp outboards, and the numbers showed their worth. Time to plane was a crisp 5.5 seconds, and the 330 Outrage reached 30 mph in 9.1 seconds. Twin vented hulls sometimes require a bit of speed to reach plane, but our test model achieved it at just 18 mph. That will come in handy when trying to finesse your way through a raging inlet.
Fortunately, the usually fearsome Government Cut in Miami was taking a day off from beating up boaters, and the 2- to 3-foot seas were the perfect test track for offshore cruising. I found the best cruise speed at 4000 rpm, which moved us along at 34.8 mph and netted 1.4 mpg, which isn’t bad for a boat that surpasses six tons fully rigged. Its top speed across the rumpled seas was 60.4 mph at 6300 rpm.
Boston Whaler 330 Outrage Handling
I was a little concerned that the new WhalerStep hull might compromise one of Boston Whaler’s best attributes: its handling in offshore conditions. I’ve driven older 330 Outrages and loved the fact that there was no learning curve. Once you dialed in the perfect speed for the conditions, it was very predictable and required little driver input to achieve a smooth ride. I am happy to report that’s still the case.
Some stepped hulls require precise engine trim to run optimally and don’t hook up as well in turns. The new Boston Whaler 330 Outrage seemed to ride more level, which helps it use its sharper leading edge to cut through the waves, but there was none of the bow steering that can make a boat veer off in an unintended direction. My biggest relief was that it was still really easy to drive. One of the reasons for its excellent tracking characteristic is its unique skeg that runs along the keel, which, along with its chine design, helps provide traction when throwing it into a hard turn.
Both 330 Outrage models have a 23-degree deep-V hull design with a sharper entry that allows them to cut cleanly through choppy water. Whaler prepared a perfect spot for the Seakeeper gyrostabilizer option ($65,229), which all but cancels side-to-side roll at slow speeds or with the engines off.
Who Is the Boston Whaler 330 Outrage For?
Whaler designers did an excellent job of creating a serious fishing boat that can shift into entertainment mode with ease. Although Boston Whaler has other models that skew more towards family-friendly first, the 330 Outrage is a fishing boat first that also has some family-friendly traits.
Trick It Out
A standard Boston Whaler 330 Outrage is a well-equipped, turnkey boat that doesn’t require many options. For instance, you can’t upgrade the stereo because the standard stereo is a premium JL Audio system with six M6 speakers, a 10-inch subwoofer, and an 800-Watt amp.
Surprisingly, though, the bow table is an optional feature for $2,508. Another must-have option is the windlass ($1,673). It comes with 150 feet of chain for secure anchoring.
Buyers can customize the boat’s look with one of five hull gelcoat colors, if they don’t want the classic Whaler White, for $2,590. In addition, painted hull colors are available starting at $18,150, adding an extra pop to the finish.
Anglers can add to its offshore trolling prowess with outriggers ($9,050).
One of the handiest features is the pair of fold-down trolling seats ($3,081) that deploy on demand in the walkway spaces around the center console. They allow anyone seated there to take advantage of the T-top’s shade.
Challenges
The shiny black dash background is highly reflective and distracting. Rocker switches for the accessories look dated when compared to pushbutton switches.
Both the stern and bow shades require poles to support them and cannot be used when fishing or running.
There is no upper station option on the Boston Whaler 330 Outrage. If this is a deal-breaker, upgrade to the 360 Outrage.
Boston Whaler 330 Outrage Conclusions
The new-era Boston Whaler 330 Outrage checks lots of boxes for avid anglers while creating an elegant platform for entertaining without selling out and joining the “gentleman’s” fishing boat club. If providing comfortable seating means you’re soft to the hardcore crowd, most can probably live with that.
Boston Whalers are premium-class boats and are priced accordingly. A stock 330 Outrage powered by twin V10 Mercury Verado 425 hp outboards in white with the Joystick Piloting system starts at $557,512.
Boston Whaler 330 Outrage For Sale
Alan Jones
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