The Boston Whaler 280 Outrage is a market leader in the Cuddy Cabin Bay Boats segment thanks to its unsinkable hull design, exceptional safety reputation, and strong resale value. While it typically commands a higher retail price than the Grady-White Canyon 271, Pursuit S 268, Robalo R272, and Sea Ray SPX 230 OB, owners gain unmatched floatation, corrosion resistance, and dealer support that reduce long-term ownership risk and protect resale.
Unsinkable confidence
Command-center helm
Unsinkable confidence
Command-center helm
Review Summary
"Buyers love the 280 Outrage for its legendary unsinkable hull, reliable performance, and premium fit and finish, making it a top choice for serious anglers; criticisms are mainly its high cost and optional equipment add-ons. Long-term ownership reviews highlight durability and strong dealer support where available."
Chop-crushing ride
Iconic unsinkable construction and premium fit-and-finish for long-term value.
Chop-crushing ride
Iconic unsinkable construction and premium fit-and-finish for long-term value.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Boston Whaler 280 Outrage is a market leader in the Cuddy Cabin Bay Boats segment thanks to its unsinkable hull design, exceptional safety reputation, and strong resale value. While it typically commands a higher retail price than the Grady-White Canyon 271, Pursuit S 268, Robalo R272, and Sea Ray SPX 230 OB, owners gain unmatched floatation, corrosion resistance, and dealer support that reduce long-term ownership risk and protect resale.
Unsinkable confidence
Command-center helm
Chop-crushing ride
Iconic unsinkable construction and premium fit-and-finish for long-term value.
Large cockpit and stable hull suited to both family cruising and serious fishing.
Unsinkable confidence
Command-center helm
Chop-crushing ride
Iconic unsinkable construction and premium fit-and-finish for long-term value.
Large cockpit and stable hull suited to both family cruising and serious fishing.
$260,000-340,000 USD
Grady-White is the benchmark for premium walkaround bay boats; the Fisherman 236 combines renowned, heavy-duty construction and a sea-kindly hull that inspires confidence in bay and nearshore conditions. Compared to the other boats on this list it typically commands a higher price but delivers superior fit-and-finish, long-term resale value and offshore-capable comfort that justify the premium for buyers prioritizing build quality.
Legendary seakeeping
Angler-focused deck
Legendary seakeeping
Angler-focused deck
Review Summary
"Owners consistently praise the Fisherman 236 for its solid build, exceptional ride and fishing-focused layout; users note premium fit-and-finish and reliability, though it carries a higher price and ownership costs. "
Quiet-ride confidence
Rugged deep-V hull and solid construction for confident rough-water performance
Quiet-ride confidence
Rugged deep-V hull and solid construction for confident rough-water performance
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Grady-White is the benchmark for premium walkaround bay boats; the Fisherman 236 combines renowned, heavy-duty construction and a sea-kindly hull that inspires confidence in bay and nearshore conditions. Compared to the other boats on this list it typically commands a higher price but delivers superior fit-and-finish, long-term resale value and offshore-capable comfort that justify the premium for buyers prioritizing build quality.
Legendary seakeeping
Angler-focused deck
Quiet-ride confidence
Rugged deep-V hull and solid construction for confident rough-water performance
Protected walkaround decks and roomy cockpit designed for serious anglers
Legendary seakeeping
Angler-focused deck
Quiet-ride confidence
Rugged deep-V hull and solid construction for confident rough-water performance
Protected walkaround decks and roomy cockpit designed for serious anglers
$140,000-180,000 USD
The Sportsman Masters 227 Bay Boat claims the market-leader spot for anglers seeking tournament-grade features and premium construction in a T-top bay boat platform. It distinguishes itself from the rest of the list through high-end hardware, superior seakeeping and a polished fit that justifies a higher purchase price and typically stronger resale performance versus entry-level competitors like the Sea Fox and utility-focused Pathfinder. For buyers who prioritize durability, top-tier fishability and long-term value, the Sportsman is the technical and financial premium choice in this lineup.
Shallow-draft wizard
Pro tackle storage
Shallow-draft wizard
Pro tackle storage
Review Summary
"Users rave about the Sportsman Masters 227 for its stability, fishability and upscale construction, calling it a top choice for serious inshore anglers despite occasional comments about price and weight."
Cornering confidence
Low-profile, shallow-draft design ideal for skinny-water flats and bay fishing.
Cornering confidence
Low-profile, shallow-draft design ideal for skinny-water flats and bay fishing.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Sportsman Masters 227 Bay Boat claims the market-leader spot for anglers seeking tournament-grade features and premium construction in a T-top bay boat platform. It distinguishes itself from the rest of the list through high-end hardware, superior seakeeping and a polished fit that justifies a higher purchase price and typically stronger resale performance versus entry-level competitors like the Sea Fox and utility-focused Pathfinder. For buyers who prioritize durability, top-tier fishability and long-term value, the Sportsman is the technical and financial premium choice in this lineup.
Shallow-draft wizard
Pro tackle storage
Cornering confidence
Low-profile, shallow-draft design ideal for skinny-water flats and bay fishing.
OEM T-top provides overhead rod storage, spreader lights, and solid electronics mounting.
Shallow-draft wizard
Pro tackle storage
Cornering confidence
Low-profile, shallow-draft design ideal for skinny-water flats and bay fishing.
OEM T-top provides overhead rod storage, spreader lights, and solid electronics mounting.
$80,000-110,000 USD
Boston Whaler 240 Dauntless Pro stands out for its unsinkable hull construction and a fishing-focused, no-nonsense layout that delivers strong safety and versatility in bay conditions at a competitive price. Its robust construction and simplified systems often reduce long-term ownership costs relative to similarly equipped premium-dual-console boats, making it an attractive middle ground between Grady-White’s premium finish and Robalo’s value proposition. In comparison to sportier models like the Sea Ray, the Dauntless Pro emphasizes utility and low-risk ownership for anglers and families who fish coastal waters.
Unsinkable confidence
Launch-ready deck
Unsinkable confidence
Launch-ready deck
Review Summary
"Buyers consistently highlight the Boston Whaler 240 Dauntless Pro's unsinkable hull, excellent fishability, and versatile deck layout; common comments mention it feels premium and inspires confidence in rough water, though it's considered expensive. Long-term users report high reliability and strong owner satisfaction."
Kid-approved cockpit
Iconic unsinkable hull construction for added safety and resale value.
Kid-approved cockpit
Iconic unsinkable hull construction for added safety and resale value.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Boston Whaler 240 Dauntless Pro stands out for its unsinkable hull construction and a fishing-focused, no-nonsense layout that delivers strong safety and versatility in bay conditions at a competitive price. Its robust construction and simplified systems often reduce long-term ownership costs relative to similarly equipped premium-dual-console boats, making it an attractive middle ground between Grady-White’s premium finish and Robalo’s value proposition. In comparison to sportier models like the Sea Ray, the Dauntless Pro emphasizes utility and low-risk ownership for anglers and families who fish coastal waters.
Unsinkable confidence
Launch-ready deck
Kid-approved cockpit
Iconic unsinkable hull construction for added safety and resale value.
Large open cockpit and casting decks designed for productive bay fishing.
Unsinkable confidence
Launch-ready deck
Kid-approved cockpit
Iconic unsinkable hull construction for added safety and resale value.
Large open cockpit and casting decks designed for productive bay fishing.
$110,000-150,000 USD
The Sea Ray SPX 190 is a sportier, better-finished runabout that serves families who want refined styling and confident handling in bay conditions; its upgraded upholstery, fit-and-finish and dealer support justify a mid-to-premium price. Against the Element E18 and the Glastron GTD 205 it trades higher cost for superior on-water comfort and resale strength, making it a strong choice when comfort and brand support matter more than absolute purchase price.
Sporty handling thrill
Premium comfort feel
Sporty handling thrill
Premium comfort feel
Review Summary
"Buyers consistently highlight the SPX 190's refined ride, comfortable seating, and solid build for family outings, with the main complaints being the added cost of popular options and extras."
Watersports-ready spark
Well-appointed seating and ergonomic layout for family comfort.
Watersports-ready spark
Well-appointed seating and ergonomic layout for family comfort.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Sea Ray SPX 190 is a sportier, better-finished runabout that serves families who want refined styling and confident handling in bay conditions; its upgraded upholstery, fit-and-finish and dealer support justify a mid-to-premium price. Against the Element E18 and the Glastron GTD 205 it trades higher cost for superior on-water comfort and resale strength, making it a strong choice when comfort and brand support matter more than absolute purchase price.
Sporty handling thrill
Premium comfort feel
Watersports-ready spark
Well-appointed seating and ergonomic layout for family comfort.
Stable fiberglass hull that delivers predictable handling in bay conditions.
Sporty handling thrill
Premium comfort feel
Watersports-ready spark
Well-appointed seating and ergonomic layout for family comfort.
Stable fiberglass hull that delivers predictable handling in bay conditions.
$35,000-45,000 USD