Boston Whaler 180 Dauntless Boat Review

Boston Whaler 180 Dauntless Boats

More than just a motor boat

Measuring only 18 feet, the Boston Whaler 180 Dauntless boats for sale are the second smallest in the family (the 170 is a foot smaller).  Being that the vessel is the standard size and layout of a motor boat may lead purchasers to believe that the craft is in the same category as other motorized single engine vessels. However, this is not the case. The Boston Whaler 180 Dauntless boats for sale have several features which have established them as a leader in marine vehicles. Here are a few of the features for the Boston Whaler 180 Dauntless.

The Stern

The outboard motor on the 180 is a 150 Mercury engine. You can up the speed of the engine, as you can in all of the Boston Whaler boats. However, the lower powered engine goes with the design of the boat, allowing for sports and fishing in safety and ease. Extending the family and entertainment design of the boat is the casting platform with four stainless steel rod holders, 2 cup holders, a easy access batter switch. The starboard has an integrated swimming ladder. Perhaps the best feature of the casting platform, is the flip up bench seat.

Seating

Directly across from the pull-out seating is the captain’s bench seat. This seat does have the option of a reversible retractable back rest. Additionally, there is a cooler under the bench seat which could be used as additional seating (though that is not the purpose). As the boat is smaller than most of the family models offered, there are not decking storage areas. The bow of the boat does have seating attached to the front of the console. The bow has the option of 2 cushion seats giving the boat the overall seating of 6/7, although the Person max capacity is 8.

 A center console

The center of the boat has a rather large console for a 18’ vessel. The steering wheel has the tilt wheel functionality and is padded. Those looking for a pre-owned Boston Whaler 180 Dauntless boat for sale should take note of the features on the dash of the console. Raymarine A68 5.7” Electronics/Navigation Packages, Raymarine eS78 7”, Raymarine Ray50 VHF, Sirius satellite receiver with antenna, or the Fusion Am/FM waterproof speakers are all optional editions. Stereo systems have 2 speakers located at the base of the pilot station on the console. Those who are fishing enthusiasts should look for a NorthStar explorer 650 colored GPS chart plotter and fish finder.

Perhaps the best feature of the console is the centrally top located switchboard. All of your buttons and features are located at eye and hand level, eliminating the need for bending over and locating switches. Additionally, the compass is level with the steering wheel to allow for a quick horizon marker.

Optional for the center console area is a black canvas retractable cloth covering.

A slight concern

While there is ample seating on the Boston Whaler 180 Dauntless, the rocket rod holders on the front console seat may be a concern to some passengers. The rods are mounted to the base sides (3 on the port and 3 on the starboard side) of the console chair. When fully loaded with rods, this could cause a bit of a cramped space for the seating.

Best use of the 180 Dauntless

The Boston Whaler 180 Dauntless is definitively a boat for the rivers and lakes and inland fishing. Boston Whaler advertises the boat as being for the serious fisherman and for the active family. While this may be true, the active family would have more space in one of the larger dauntless models. Fishing, however, is catered to on this craft. The storage, rod holders, and the motor all cater to the regulations for fishing in Florida as well as the demands of the fisherman.

Buyers of the Boston Whaler should look to use the boats in areas such as Lake Apopka, Lake Tarpon, Lake Istokpoga, or anywhere on the Gulf where fishing is allowed. If fishing on the Atlantic, stick to inland fishing or to fishing beaches such as Vero Beach. Check with the local zoning of the county before you fish.

Looking for a Boston Whaler 180 dauntless?

If you are looking for a Boston Whaler 180 Dauntless boat for sale, please see the selection of dauntless boats for sale offered by Vessel Vendor. Vessel Vendor has a large assortment of Boston Whaler boats for sale and may have the 180 dauntless you are looking for. Furthermore, if you need more information about the boats for sale on Vessel Vendor, you can read more reviews like this one.

 

3.38 Out of 5
EXTERIOR STYLE/DESIGN
INTERIOR & SPACE
EQUIPMENT & FEATURES
LUXURY FEATURES
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
RIDE & EASE OF DRIVING
OVERALL HANDLING
PRICE & FUEL EFFICIENCY

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