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Author Topic:   15' 1997 Dauntless

bothedog posted 05-12-2003 10:16 PM ET (US)
My bro-in-law is seriously looking at purchasing a 1997 15' Dauntless w/ a 75 Merc. Read conflicting comments about the hull on the site in regards to lateral stability, ability to plane out w/out max power, etc.
Being a whaler owner myself for 20+ years, I really want to make sure with all my past encouragements about the brand that he ends up with the correct hull for his needs.
He is looking for something that is lightweight in terms of trailering and could be used in a variety of situations (florida keys, larger inland lakes, etc.). He does have a couple of younger kids so tubing and skiing will be in the cards soon.
Any responses will be appreciated.
Thanks (again),
jeff
PMUCCIOLO posted 05-13-2003 12:14 AM ET (US)
bothedog,
I had a 1997 Dauntless 15 with a 60HP Evinrude (three cylinder). The boat lacked the lateral stability of the classic hull, took a bit longer to plane, but rode quite smoothly for its size.
The boat was dismissed from my fleet, as I could not seem to escape the water running all over the deck. It never drained dry, despite being advertised as "self bailing." The scuppers were above the waterline, but they were above the deck as well!
The fit and finish of the boat and ergonomics were excellent, and mine had a rock-solid stern deck option. I'd test the boat with a few people aboard and dump a bucket of water on the deck. That may be the deciding factor for you, as it was for me.
PM
PaulVT posted 05-14-2003 09:57 PM ET (US)
Jeff,
We've been around this topic a few times before, so you may have read the different opinions already.
I generally use a D15 with 2 adults, but also have had 4 adults on board. I'm not bothered by water on the sole. I don't load the boat with a lot of gear. When we use the swim platform, and load the stern, some water does come in from the scuppers. When we move from the stern, it drains back out. There are some photos here that may help home.adelphia.net/~phsmith/scuppers/ .
I have a 50 hp Merc 4 stroke. The boat should really fly with a 75.
The people we bought from had 2 teenagers and were moving up to a Montauk for more room. I think 4 large people would be better served by a bigger boat, but the Dauntless might be fine with youngsters.
A concern I had with the boat was porpoising with 2 adults on the helm seat. This shouldn't be a problem with some other folks forward. Otherwise, add a hydrofoil.
I can't comment on the lateral stability compared to other Whalers. I find it a very safe and stable boat. I use a Stingray foil
primarily to avoid the porpoising, but that does speed up planing.
Paul

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Author	Topic: 15' 1997 Dauntless
bothedog	posted 05-12-2003 10:16 PM ET (US) My bro-in-law is seriously looking at purchasing a 1997 15' Dauntless w/ a 75 Merc. Read conflicting comments about the hull on the site in regards to lateral stability, ability to plane out w/out max power, etc. Being a whaler owner myself for 20+ years, I really want to make sure with all my past encouragements about the brand that he ends up with the correct hull for his needs. He is looking for something that is lightweight in terms of trailering and could be used in a variety of situations (florida keys, larger inland lakes, etc.). He does have a couple of younger kids so tubing and skiing will be in the cards soon. Any responses will be appreciated. Thanks (again), jeff
PMUCCIOLO	posted 05-13-2003 12:14 AM ET (US) bothedog, I had a 1997 Dauntless 15 with a 60HP Evinrude (three cylinder). The boat lacked the lateral stability of the classic hull, took a bit longer to plane, but rode quite smoothly for its size. The boat was dismissed from my fleet, as I could not seem to escape the water running all over the deck. It never drained dry, despite being advertised as "self bailing." The scuppers were above the waterline, but they were above the deck as well! The fit and finish of the boat and ergonomics were excellent, and mine had a rock-solid stern deck option. I'd test the boat with a few people aboard and dump a bucket of water on the deck. That may be the deciding factor for you, as it was for me. PM
PaulVT	posted 05-14-2003 09:57 PM ET (US) Jeff, We've been around this topic a few times before, so you may have read the different opinions already. I generally use a D15 with 2 adults, but also have had 4 adults on board. I'm not bothered by water on the sole. I don't load the boat with a lot of gear. When we use the swim platform, and load the stern, some water does come in from the scuppers. When we move from the stern, it drains back out. There are some photos here that may help home.adelphia.net/~phsmith/scuppers/ . I have a 50 hp Merc 4 stroke. The boat should really fly with a 75. The people we bought from had 2 teenagers and were moving up to a Montauk for more room. I think 4 large people would be better served by a bigger boat, but the Dauntless might be fine with youngsters. A concern I had with the boat was porpoising with 2 adults on the helm seat. This shouldn't be a problem with some other folks forward. Otherwise, add a hydrofoil. I can't comment on the lateral stability compared to other Whalers. I find it a very safe and stable boat. I use a Stingray foil primarily to avoid the porpoising, but that does speed up planing. Paul