The year 2015 was a big one for Boston Whaler, with the introduction of several new models and a series of major awards and accolades. As December drew to a close, Whaler learned that it had received one of the industry’s highest honors: The 420 Outrage was chosen as Boating magazine’s 2015 Boat of the Year. According to a statement from the magazine’s editors, “The 420 Outrage led the field with respect to delivering a boat that could be fished, cruised and day-boated with equal aplomb.”

“We are incredibly honored to be chosen for Boat of the Year,” said Boston Whaler President Huw Bower. “Boating magazine is respected throughout the industry as a trusted source of boating information, and Boat of the Year is a widely coveted accolade. With the 420 Outrage, we strove to push the envelope on all fronts and produce a boat unlike any other. It is extremely gratifying to be recognized for these efforts, and I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone who devoted their time and insights to the boat’s development.”

Among the reasons Boating cited for choosing the 420 Outrage was its phenomenal ride quality, stating: “Our editors are among the very few who have had the opportunity to run all of the boats in this category offshore. The consensus from that experience? The 420 Outrage delivers best-in-class overall ride and handling, and gets particular mention for attaining plane with less bow rise and hence better visibility from the helm—than the others.”

In addition, Boating’s editors named the 420 Outrage’s highly amenable cabin, its flawless execution of second-row helm seating, and its unique Upper Station lounge as standout features. The boat’s applied technology—including its Dynamic Running Surface electric trim tabs and Digital Vessel Control (via an included iPad and the CZone App)—as worthy of recognition.

Boating explains its mission in choosing the Boat of the Year: “Boats come in all shapes and sizes and have all types of disparate missions. One cannot compare a convertible sportfish to a ski boat. So all BOY selections are in context of other boats intended to fulfill the same mission. In a nutshell, Boating’s Boat of the Year is the boat that is better in its category than any other boat is in any other category.”

“The 420 Outrage represents Boston Whaler’s commitment to purposeful innovation,” said Bower. “It is a culmination of so many fundamental Whaler attributes: Unbeatable safety and performance. Effortless style. Incredible versatility. Cutting-edge technology. This boat will continue to inform our focus looking forward, so seeing it named Boat of the Year only deepens our confidence and excitement for the future of Boston Whaler.”