Outback 50: A Fresh Take On The Trawler

“This boat comes closest to the boat I’d actually want for myself,” says designer Michael Peters.

- Dennis Caprio

High praise, indeed. The award-winning designer derived this production version of the Outback from a slightly smaller iteration of the same concept — lightweight with a narrow beam for its length and an open layout to enhance the owner’s adventures. The custom design became Peters’ personal boat.

The Outback 50’s utilitarian aesthetics reflect its mission as a small mother ship for the masses. A lift-gate transom opens onto an afterdeck that’s about a third of the boat’s length, and rollers built into the trailing edge of the swim platform and deck let the owner load a PWC, tender, paddleboard, kayak and other accessories.

Outback Yachts is aiming the 50 at a youngish, active crowd, one that appreciates the economy and spaciousness of a traditional trawler but wants more versatility, greater speed and a fresh look. Freshness, in this case, comes from a pleasing assortment of straight lines and an upright stance.