NAVIGATE

Compass Articles

Let our articles be your compass to a world of nautical elegance and adventure.

Things You Must Know Before Buying Boston Whaler 380 Outrage

Introduction to the Boston Whaler 380 Outrage

The Boston Whaler 380 Outrage is one of the most recognized and popular center console boats for boating enthusiasts who want versatility, power, and ease of use. Before deciding if this boat is right for you, it pays to understand what sets it apart, how its layout and onboard systems work, and what to expect day-to-day on the water. This guide provides everything you should know about the Boston Whaler 380 Outrage so you can make a fully informed decision.

Breakdown of the Size, Structure, and Core Layout

The Boston Whaler 380 Outrage measures roughly 38 feet in length with a beam just over 11 feet. This size is practical for fitting into most standard marina slips while still giving you more deck space than smaller center consoles. The interior is organized for both fishing trips and social outings thanks to the center console configuration, panoramic walkways, and a distinct split between the forward lounging area and the action-minded stern. The center console offers shade and rain protection thanks to a factory hardtop that includes built-in lighting and a venting windshield. The fiberglass construction, reinforced stringer grid, and foam-filled unsinkable hull are trademarks of Boston Whaler’s focus on user safety and confidence at sea. The freeboard is high, giving both children and adults extra reassurance, while non-skid surfaces cover the deck and all steps.

Every inch is planned for real use. The bow area is a U-shaped bench with a sun pad and removable table for eating, lounging, or storing gear out of the way. Stainless drink holders and grab bars are right at hand. Step down either side of the console and you are in the cockpit—spacious, uncluttered, and finished with a fold-out rear bench to create a space for fishing, prepping gear, or setting up coolers. The gunnels are wide and sturdy for leaning against when reeling in a catch or walking around with family and friends. Even the anchor windlass is tucked away neatly in its own self-draining locker, making anchoring smooth and safe.

Engine Options and On-Water Performance in Detail

Powering the Boston Whaler 380 Outrage are factory-installed outboards, typically triple or quad Mercury Verado engines. The most common package is triple 300-hp Verado FourStrokes, which strike a balance between speed, efficiency, and maintenance ease. For those seeking extra performance, quad 400-hp outboards are available and can push the boat to about 60 mph depending on conditions. Joystick piloting technology integrates with these engines, letting you spin, hold position, and dock with finger-tip controls, even in crowded marinas or breezy conditions.

Fuel capacity is a standout feature. With roughly 445 gallons onboard, you can take longer trips with fewer stops for fuel. That range is useful if you intend to venture offshore or spend full days exploring distant anchorages. The hull has a sharp entry and big step chines designed to slice through chop without pounding, so the ride stays comfortable in rough waters. Performance is solid from idle to cruising speed, the bow rides high and dry, and trim tabs and power steering make cruising easy even for someone who is new to boats this size.

Fishing Systems and Storage for Dedicated Anglers

The Boston Whaler 380 Outrage is made for serious fishing action, but it doesn’t ignore comfort or everyday use. In the cockpit you’ll find twin 40-gallon pressurized livewells, each well-lit and insulated. The pressurization system means your live bait stays lively and healthy for hours, which can be the difference between catching fish and coming home empty-handed. Four big macerated fishboxes are built into the self-bailing cockpit floor. Each fishbox drains directly overboard, and they are insulated to keep your catch ice cold all day.

Tackle storage is built-in throughout. The leaning post is more than just a seat—it includes slide-out trays for lures, extra line, leader material, and pliers. Dedicated rod holders are found at the transom, on the hardtop support poles, and along the gunwales, so you can bring a full suite of stick options and keep them organized, not tangled. Under the gunwales are racks to keep rods protected when underway. A starboard-side dive door opens outward and is fitted with a robust locking handle; this door isn’t just for divers—it’s perfect for hauling a big fish aboard, carrying in supplies, letting kids get in and out when swimming, or even safely boarding from a floating dock.

Comfort Features: Lounging and Entertaining on the Water

Although the Boston Whaler 380 Outrage is built for fishing, it is not just a tournament boat. The bow is set up with thick, supportive cushions all around, armrests, and backrests. The sun pad converts from a lounge spot to extra seating or a casting deck with ease. There is a removable table that stores in its own compartment and can be set up for lunch, snacks, or cocktails. Aft, the fold-out bench stows flat against the transom to maximize fishing space, but when unfolded seats several adults. Cupholders are molded into every seating area, and the deck features toe rails to keep feet secure.

The hardtop covers the helm, where there are double seats with folding bolsters, flip-up footrests, and armrests for comfort on long runs. Side enclosures and a windshield vent provide control over air and spray, and you can opt for drop-down curtains to close out elements in colder or wetter weather. The length of seating, the open floorplan, and the high gunnels make it comfortable for parents to relax while kids move around or lounge at the bow.

The Console Cabin: Sleeping, Relaxing, and Storing Gear

Underneath the center console is a finished cabin accessed by a lockable sliding door. This space includes a settee with a filler cushion that can serve as a berth for one or two kids or adults if you want to spend a night out. It features a galley space with a stainless sink, refrigerator, microwave, and storage lockers. The head is full-sized for this class, with a pump-out toilet, a separate shower curtain, and a vanity. It is fully lit with LED lighting, and there’s air conditioning available if you want extra comfort during hotter months. This cabin is great for changing clothes, catching a nap, or getting out of the sun. It’s also a good spot to store bulky items, extra rods, or overnight gear if you’re spending a weekend on the water.

Electronics, Connectivity, and Navigation

At the helm, the Boston Whaler 380 Outrage can be equipped with dual 16” Raymarine Axiom XL displays. These display navigation, radar, sonar, chartplotters, and engine management all at once. The SmartCraft VesselView system gives readouts on fuel, efficiency, oil pressure, and engine temp in an easy-to-read interface. Joystick steering means even first-time owners can dock confidently. There’s digital throttle and shift, auto-trim, and autopilot available. With CHIRP sonar, down-scan, side-scan, and an optional open array radar, electronics are ready for offshore adventures or trips close to home. The stereo system is BlueTooth enabled, and you can install satellite radio, extra speakers, and subwoofers for clear sound throughout the boat.

Lighting and All-Weather Features

LED deck lights are integrated into the hardtop and cockpit to keep everything visible after sunset without blinding those at the helm. Courtesy lights are tucked into steps and lockers, and underwater transom lighting can be added for ambiance and to attract fish. The windshield is made from tempered glass, fitted with an electric vent for airflow, and features a windshield wiper for visibility in rain or spray. Outriggers are a common option, giving fishing enthusiasts wider trolling spreads. You can also add upgraded canvas or fiberglass enclosures to shield the helm from wind, rain, or cold days.

Build Quality and Safety Overview

Boston Whaler is famous for its unique construction method—injecting closed-cell foam between the hull and deck liners so the boat is unsinkable even if swamped. The quality here is not just a slogan; it is backed by decades of use and charted stories from boat owners who have been out in difficult weather or had unexpected issues. Fire suppression systems are found in the bilge and engine compartments. There are high rails for handholds all around, especially at the console and cockpit. The hull is finished with a multi-layer laminate, and the hardtop is reinforced by welded aluminum. The anchor locker is deep and self-draining, with powered windlass controls both at the bow and at the helm. Boarding ladders are heavy-gauge stainless and stow flat. The non-skid deck is aggressive enough for safe movement, wet or dry.

Galley and Food Prep Areas

The console cabin includes a compact galley with a Corian counter, refrigerator, microwave oven, and a freshwater sink. On deck, the leaning post includes a freshwater sink and room for a large cooler. This lets you prep sandwiches, snacks, and drinks without heading below. There is extra storage for cookware, plates, glasses, and utensils. The cockpit cooler is removable for easy cleaning and can hold ice for hours. This combination makes both casual lunches and longer trips more hassle-free.

Connectivity and Modern Additions

Keeping devices charged is easy thanks to USB charging ports at the dash, helm, and in the console cabin. For those who want to stay connected, the Boston Whaler 380 Outrage’s hardtop can be fitted with a dome for satellite Wi-Fi, TV, or marine cellular boosters. This means you can get weather, stream music, or check in with friends when you’re out of range of standard cell towers. The navigation displays make it easy to link your phone or tablet, and there’s mounting space for additional displays or tablets for riders who want their own screen.

Storage Capacity and Utility Spaces

Storage is a major selling point for long trips or days with big groups. There are two long, deep fishboxes built into the floor—both macerated and insulated—in the cockpit. Forward seats hide lockers big enough for duffel bags, life jackets, and dry bags. The leaning post has drawers for tackle, leader, and lures, while under-gunnel racks protect rods up to 8 feet long. Fenders, lines, buckets, and cleaning supplies store below deck. Under the aft seat is a locker perfect for hoses and tools, and a dedicated locker for dock lines keeps everything tidy. Cupholders, bins, and shelves abound so phones, glasses, and sunscreen are always nearby and secure.

Safety and Kids on Board

Families appreciate the safety features that keep kids secure. The high bow rails and wide gunwales prevent falls, especially while underway. The transom boarding door can be locked open or closed, making swimming stops with children safe and predictable. Non-skid deck finishes reduce the risk of slips even with wet feet, and there are multiple boarding ladders—one at the transom and another from the side dive door. The foam-filled hull gives peace of mind if the unexpected happens, and the wide cockpit makes it easier to keep an eye on everyone.

Maintenance and Cleaning Insights

Keeping the Boston Whaler 380 Outrage in top shape is easier with a rinse-down system and freshwater hose connection at the transom. After each trip, rinsing the boat prevents salt and grime buildup. The self-bailing cockpit drains run to below the waterline, so you don’t need to mop or sponge up water after a rainstorm or rough run. Upholstery is made with marine-grade vinyl that resists UV and mold, and all hardware is stainless steel for easy cleaning and durability. Access panels in the deck open up for bilge and mechanical checks without removing seating or gear, making regular maintenance less of a chore.

Owner Tips, Tricks, and Community

Experienced owners recommend putting together a checklist for every trip, including safety equipment (life jackets, flares, radios), fishing gear, cleaning supplies, and food/drink. Take note to keep spares of key parts on board—fuel filters, extra lines, bulbs, and fuses. Join local boating clubs or online groups where you can ask questions, swap tips, and learn about upgrades. Many Whaler owners enjoy sharing pictures and do-it-yourself improvements, so there’s always new ideas and solutions floating around.

Using the 380 Outrage for Day Trips and Overnights

The real benefit of this boat is its flexibility. You can set up for a dawn-to-dusk fishing trip, a lazy picnic at a sandbar, or a multi-day run down the coast. If you want an overnight adventure, you can sleep a couple adults or a small family below the console. Use the refrigerator for cold food, heat up meals in the microwave, and use the head with real privacy. The hardtop mount is sturdy enough for radar, extra antennas, or a spotlight if you expect to be out at night or in fog. Day trips are simple thanks to the walk-around decks and quick anchor system; just pull up, set anchor from the bow or at the helm, and use the swim platform or dive door to get in and out.

Customization, Upgrades, and Long-Term Value

New buyers often customize the 380 Outrage by adding electronics, changing up seating layouts, or improving hull finishes. Common upgrades include premium sound systems, underwater lights, and more advanced screen displays. You might add extra rod holders, outriggers, or a second livewell. Some request teak decking or choose custom hull colors/graphics. These changes not only match your style but help with long-term value should you choose to trade or upgrade later.

Docking, Launching, and Day-to-Day Use

Docking a boat this size can be intimidating to new owners. The joystick system combined with powerful outboards makes slow-speed maneuvering predictable. Cleats are oversized for easy line handling, and the wide beam gives stability when moving around or boarding. There is space to fender the entire side of the boat, so docking alongside another vessel or seawall with several guests is no stress. Bow thrusters, available as an add-on, give even more control. Many owners keep lines and fenders ready in cockpit lockers so docking stops are quick.

Launching from a trailer is possible if you have the right vehicle and experience, but most owners keep this boat in a slip or dry stack marina. Check the weight—including gear, engines, and fuel—if you plan to trailer it, and talk to your dealer about storage and launching options at your home marina.

Comparing the 380 Outrage to Other Center Consoles

When compared to similar boats in the class, the 380 Outrage stands out for its blend of rugged fishing features and family comfort. Many models in this segment offer similar power and deck space, but the 380 Outrage adds in a real cabin, a larger fuel tank, and deeper storage locker volume. The unsinkable hull and safety features appeal to families and those who run offshore. It’s bigger and more capable than most 33-footers, and still easily managed without a crew. Review manufacturers’ specifications on other models if you want to see how seating, electronics, fishbox space, and engine choices stack up.

Adapting for Special Interests

Some owners choose to upgrade the 380 Outrage with gear specific to their favorite activities. For spearfishing, the starboard dive door and large swim platform are a plus. For entertaining, some opt for upgraded sound, removable deck tables, or add-on grill surfaces at the leaning post. If you want more shade, you can install a retractable sunshade off the hardtop. Those with pets or small kids sometimes add non-slip runners or extra railed gates to keep everyone secure.

Electronics: What You Need to Know

The Raymarine electronics suite is intuitive, with touchscreen controls and integrated mapping, sonar, and radar. You can split the main display between engine data and navigation, or dedicate one screen to fishfinder and the other to charts. Waypoints, routes, and overlays are set by touch, making on-the-go course changes simple. Upgrades let you connect smartphones for music, display weather radar, or run extra security cameras aimed at the cockpit or engine well. VesselView keeps you on top of fuel burn, range, and alerts—great for longer trips where keeping an eye on systems matters.

Essential Accessories to Make the Most of Your Outrage 380

A few upgrades and accessories are especially popular with owners. Consider:

  • Extra drink holders for guests and kids
  • Quick-release fender clips for faster docking
  • Sunshade attachments for the bow and stern
  • Portable grill for the cockpit
  • Upgraded Bluetooth stereo and speakers
  • A pair of high-output spotlights for launching/retrieving at night
  • Gear hangers in the cabin to keep clothes and wet towels tidy
  • Cooler tie-downs for bigger coolers during long outings
  • Synthetic deck mats for extra comfort under bare feet

Ask staff about how each upgrade fits into your boating style—family, fishing, or longer trips.

Routine and Preventive Care

A regular maintenance schedule will keep the Boston Whaler 380 Outrage in prime condition for years. Start with:

  • Wash down and flush all outboards after every trip, using manufacturer hose connections
  • Inspect upholstery and covers for damage, dry before covering the boat
  • Lubricate hinges, zippers, and latches
  • Open deck access hatches monthly for bilge inspection
  • Check all through-hull fittings and hoses, replacing clamps as needed
  • Run livewells and fishbox pumps with fresh water at least monthly
  • Store safety flares, whistles, and first aid kits where guests can find them

Keep a log of any issues, repairs, or upgrades, and review manuals for updates to care and best-practice operation.

Real-World Owner Experiences

Owners report that this boat handles well in rough weather—tracking true in swells and taking chop over the bow without soaking the deck. Many appreciate the dry ride given by the hull’s deep V entry. Fishing features are praised; the two livewells and deep fishboxes keep bait lively and the catch cold, and the tackle drawers and rod lockers stay dry. Families like the cabin below for naps and changing, and say the cockpit benches are a favorite spot for watching sunsets at anchor. Social outings work well as there’s space for ten or more people, especially when seating is reconfigured.

Day-to-Day Practicalities

Refueling access is on the port side, up on the deck—easy to reach for marina fueling but protected from splashes. Freshwater and waste tanks are clearly labeled and have deck access. The anchor windlass is controlled either at the bow or helm, which helps when running the boat with only one or two people. The battery switches and breakers are grouped under the console hatch for fast checks. The standard hydraulic steering is smooth, and the optional bow thruster adds extra precision if you dock in tight spaces.

Fit and Finish Details

The Boston Whaler 380 Outrage is built with an eye on long-term durability. Stainless steel hardware doesn’t corrode, and all hinges are through-bolted with backing plates, so nothing feels flimsy. Cushions have piping and UV-resistant finishes, and there are integrated handholds at every seat. Hatches close tightly for weatherproofing. Every locker drains to the bilge or deck, so water never pools and gear stays dry.

Tips on Keeping the Boat Looking Its Best

  • Use non-abrasive marine cleaners for gelcoat and deck
  • Wax the hull twice a season to prevent fade and stains
  • Rinse all stainless and chrome with fresh water to prevent spots
  • Store the boat with a breathable cover to avoid mildew
  • Clean the fishboxes and livewells with a light bleach solution, then rinse well

Having a simple cleaning kit on board with brushes, towels, and safe cleaners lets you tidy up between guests or before heading home.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

The Boston Whaler 380 Outrage stands out for families and anglers who want true flexibility without giving up serious fishing ability or all-day social comfort. Detailed planning in storage, systems, and construction keep ownership as hassle-free as possible. Visiting the boat in person, running through every system, and talking directly with boating professionals is the best way to ensure it matches your needs and expectations. For insights specific to your goals and to walk through available layouts, upgrades, and options, speak with a Fly Yachts team member who can walk you through each feature and answer your questions. Connect with the Fly Yachts team to discuss your next steps and find out how the Boston Whaler 380 Outrage can fit your boating plans.

Fly Yachts provides everything you need for luxury yachting and travel, all in one place on their homepage, where you can view yachts for sale and aircraft for sale, learn about their expert team and background on the About Us page, and explore custom options on Build a Yacht; they also offer various yachts charter services and highlight popular charter destinations, assist owners wanting to sell your yacht, keep clients updated with Gulfstream News, and provide practical yachting tips and info through Compass Articles, all supported by direct help through their contact page.

Why Choose Us?

Our experienced brokers combine deep industry knowledge with genuine care to help you find the perfect yacht.

Newsletter

Contact Us

Want to Learn More?