Fifty Years of Scientific Discovery with Boston Whaler Outrage Hull #001

The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) has been the home of scientific discovery and education in Woods Hole, Mass., since 1888. The MBL's team of biologists, divers, and boat captains, venture around, under or over, our coastal waters to collect marine species vital for scientific discovery.

For 50 years and counting, the MBL has performed marine specimen collections using the very first Boston Whaler Outrage — production hull #001. The Outrage, as it is known to MBL staff, was purchased from Boston Whaler founder Richard Fisher in 1971.

“This boat has been in continuous operation since 1971,” said David Remsen, MBL Director of Marine Operations. “Think of it as a fifty-year field test demonstrating the durability and legacy of the brand. We’ve used this vessel as a work boat. It hasn’t been pampered.”

Boston Whaler Outrage Hul #001

Boston Whaler Outrage Hull #001 in use at MBL in 1971. Credit: MBL Archives

The newly-renovated Boston Whaler Outrage Hull #001 parked in front of the MBL Marine Resources Center in September 2021. Credit: Emily Greenhalgh, MBL

Three MBL Divers on the Boston Whaler Outrage Hull #001 in 2008. From Left: Dive safety office and collector William Grossman, David Bailey, Rhys Probyn.

The original letter from Boston Whaler owner Richard Fisher selling the MBL Boston Whaler Outrage Hull #001.

Since 1971, Hull #001 has gone through more than 10 engines, headed out on more than 4,000 collecting trips, and hosted more than 6,000 SCUBA dives. “And the adventure isn’t over yet,” said Remsen.

On September 10, Boston Whaler celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Boston Whaler Outrage’s original release with the launch of a new anniversary edition. The MBL, and Boston Whaler Outrage Hull #001 were in attendance to celebrate five decades of scientific discovery with our vessel.

Boston Whaler partnered with Nauset Marine to treat Outrage Hull #001 to a 50th anniversary gift—a new 200L V6 DTS Mercury FourStroke engine and a thorough detailing and cleaning.

“The donation of the engine will, both symbolically and literally, push this Outrage forward into its second half century,” said Remsen. “The MBL is grateful to the donations of Boston Whaler and Nauset Marine for putting their faith alongside ours for another 50 years of service, adventures and discoveries. We look forward to joining you with this boat in 2071 for the Centennial celebration of the Outrage.”