posted 06-08-2012 05:38 AM ET (US)        

I thought I would share some information with you about my 2008, 180 Dauntless (150 Verado). This is the new and current 180 Dauntless-design. I have owned this both since new (2010), and it now has around 120 hours on it. I live in the southern part of Norway, and the boat runs in open ocean for most of the time. This area between Norway and Denmark is called Skagerak, and it can be a scary place to own a small boat.

As you all can look at pictures and get a good impression of the deck layout of the Dauntless that way, I thought I should focus on the hull, and its qualities. It seems the 180-hull has a slightly more shallow deadrise at the transom than its predecessor (16 degrees), but also a slightly more aggressive entry (in my opinion).

First of all this is by far the most stable 18-20 footer I have ever been in. The feeling of safety and stability in rough waters is astounding. This would be a result of the wide beam (8’,1’’), relatively massive weight (2000 lbs), and moderate V-hull. The boat is dry riding, although one would typically expect water to hit the aft-bench when riding in rough winds. When it comes to the smoothness of the ride, I think the hull needs a little help - or you will get pounded. To be comfortable in 3-5 feet of breaking waves (which I ride in almost every day I use the boat), this hull needs tools to lift the stern/lower the bow. I use a SE Sport 300 hydrofoil, combined with the great (and small) Lenco LS’ (limited space) trimtabs. This gives me the necessary bow-lift, and the all-important ability to counter the effect of “falling into the waves”. In this way the most V-shaped part of the hull is always battling the seas. The difference between this boat with and without hydrofoil and tabs is remarkable and non-comparable. The ride smoothes out, and I can go in relative comfort around 16-20 knots in head-on 3 feet chop (the bullet proof Unibond-construction helps!). Anyone who states that Whaler would have added a hydrofoil if it was needed have not tried this. I promise.

The 150 Verado gives the boat the needed power the get on plane in 3 secs, and the DTS makes it easy to handle in bigger seas. The DTS-precision is a new world compared to anything else in the market. (Sidenote: To those who don’t trust Verado’s … I have had engines from both Evinrude Etec 115, 150 and 300, and Yamaha F 150 and F250. I have owned 2 Verado 150’s. Both have performed flawlessly for more than a total of 300 hours. In my opinion their faster, quieter - all 4 syl. outboards make noise but the Verado is easier to live with - and have what all outboards should have, the DTS. Driving my friends 150 Etec after getting used to the DTS … well, it just seems a bit old.

So. The 180 Dauntless (2008 and up) is a good, and fun boat to own. Build quality is sublime, and the best I’ve experienced in any boat in this segment. It’s quick and fast (GPS top speed with hydrofoil and tabs is 42,2 knots - or 48,5 mph), offers extreme levels of stability, is dry and fairly smooth with the necessary equipment. But bear in mind that the Dauntless is not primarily intended for heavy bluewater use, although it will always carry you home in safety. Because the most prominent feature of this boat is that it’s Wahler safe.

posted 06-08-2012 10:19 AM ET (US)            

I imagine your boating season is short and your water is colder than anywhere in the US with the possible exception of Alaska. At least you have enough time between seasons to do all the proper maintenance if your boat is dry stored indoors.

It would be nice to see some photographs of your boat and the surrounding areas. You can post your photos to a hosting site such as Photobucket.com then provide us a link to your pages there.