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Author Topic:   Thoughts about a Dauntless 220

whalerron posted 11-19-2013 02:22 PM ET (US)
I am considering buying a Dauntless 220 and I am considering the years 2003 through 2006. If you have one of these boats, I am interested in hearing your thoughts about it. How does it handle? What don't you like about the boat? Also, how usable is the area under the console? Is there really enough room in there to use the porta-potti?
Thanks.
myakka posted 11-20-2013 06:08 AM ET (US)
I purchased a 2002 Dauntless 220 last month. I really like this boat. A great improvement over my old 1982 18 Outrage. The bottom is a shallow v , rounding at the stern. I don't expect I'll be plowing through 5 footers in comfort. ;) It will easily convert from fishing to Water sports to a cocktail cruiser. The portapotty is usable. What I don't like is the scuppers. A poor design with the worst materials. I'll be improving these soon.
Mike
whalerron posted 11-20-2013 09:05 AM ET (US)
What don't you like about the scuppers? Do they not drain well or is the problem just more with cheap materials being used? Does yours have a bimini or a T-top? If you have either, how do you like the construction of what you have? These boats are hard to find in Maryland and I am thinking about driving to Florida to look at a couple of them. I am hoping to gather some ideas about things to think about as I look at these boats. I have found a Marine Surveyor who can evaluate the boats for me but usually there are things other than structure and mechanics that require thought. Dauntless owners are the best source for these other thoughts. Thanks.
boatdryver posted 11-20-2013 09:53 AM ET (US)
Regarding the "ride" of the 220 Dauntless:
Before I bought my 2007 200 Dauntless I found a 2002 Dauntless 220 that I really wanted. The local Master Dealer for Boston Whaler, who was not the one selling the boat, volunteered that feedback from his customers was that the 220 Dauntless hull had the best ride among Whaler models in this size range, better than the 22 Outrage, for the San Francisco Bay chop, which can get formidable. He said he was surprised, but that's what he was hearing.
I did not buy the 2002 220 Dauntless because the 200 Optimax on the transom had zero trade in value with several motor dealers.
I've found the Dauntless type layout, with an emphasis toward more seating than the Outrage series, to be a good compromise for our use, which involves day trips with 4-6 people much more often than fishing. But I admit that when fishing I wish the rear seats were gone to allow standing access to the transom.
When fishing the bait well is very handy.
JimL
myakka posted 11-20-2013 08:52 PM ET (US)
whalerron Cheap materials on the scuppers and poor access to repair.
boatdryver the older dauntless's rear seats are removable(bolted to the deck with hand bolts inside the deck box/seat). The new design is cleaner but less practical for fishing.
Mike
eriks posted 11-23-2013 08:58 PM ET (US)
I have owned a 2005 Verado powered 220 Dauntless for 5 years, and absolutely love the boat.
The scuppers are an issue, because they are too low. With a full tank of gas and some weight in the stern, you'll have some water on the deck. I think that's the only design flaw. I never used the porta potty (except for the wife's buy-in), so can't comment on that.
It works very well for me for the following reasons
1. I have found it to be a great fishing platform when you fold down the stern seat. I don't fish every day though.
2. I use it in protected waters, but have had it out in 15' swells. It's not great in short steep seas, but then again, few 22' boats are going to offer you a great ride in those conditions.
3. I have kids that love tubing.
4. It's a great cruising boat with the wife and our friends.
5. It's as big a boat as I want to tow.
6. In good weather, I love dropping the Bimini.
I have trim tabs, and use them. My kids love sitting up at the bow. It's a great family boat that covers all the bases I want covered, in a reasonable manner. Sure, an Outrage will handle rougher seas better, but I think the Dauntless handles smooth seas better than an Outrage, in terms of fuel economy and available passenger seating.
Hope this helps you.
whalerron posted 12-01-2013 09:36 PM ET (US)
Thanks for all of the thoughts about this boat. I think I would like to have the fold-down rear seat because it makes a nice fishing platform when down and it makes a nice lounge for cruising when it is open. I guess that limits me to boats of the 2004 vintage and newer. Now I just need to find one.
jimh posted 12-02-2013 02:18 PM ET (US)
I have always like the 22-foot DAUNTLESS. I know the freeboard is a bit low. The large aft seat that folded down was always a cool feature.
dmeswi posted 12-05-2013 12:44 PM ET (US)
I have a 2006 220 Dauntless which I bought new in 2006. It has a 225 hp Verado, t-top, fishing package, fresh water tank, washdown pump,trim tabs,and Furuno electronics.
I fish a lot so the t-top is a must when fighting fish. The aft live bait well is positioned perfectly. I can fish alone while controlling the boat and have easy access to bait. I take the grandchildren out alot and the lower gunnels are realy nice since they can fish and also use the dip net to retrieve fish, while the guard rails keep them safe. The big storage bin with the lift up lid in front (just aft of the anchor locker) is a great fish box that will hold a dozen huge red snapper, 4' king mackerel and 60 lbs. of ice. It will hold fish and ice for two days.
I venture off shore up to 25 miles in 2' to 3' seas but that is pretty much the max for me. The boat can take more but I can't. It rides well and a real plus is the stability. Many times I have seen larger boats bobbing up and down and tipping from side to side while the Dauntless is stable. The boat is also capable inshore and we use it to drift fish for redfish, sheephead, and flounder.
We also tube,ski and make runs up the river where we beach the Dauntless on a sandbar, put a huge Sunbrella in the t-top rod holder and let the kids swim. I don't have a ski pylon but wish I did.
Have almost 2000 hours on this boat and the Verado that powers it. Out of warranty repairs have added up to about $5,000 so far - mostly with the Verado. I have grown to accept the scuppers as they are. With a bunch of people standing in the back or sitting on the bench seat, water does come in a bit, but on the plus side is when a wave breaks over the bow, it drains out really fast.
Im not a big fan of the newer models with the live well up front and the fold up seats in the front. That's not where you want to be when the water is choppy.
Destin Dauntless posted 12-10-2013 06:57 PM ET (US)
I agree with a lot of this. I have a 2000 220 with a T-top and the fishing package, so I have the removable back console with bucket seats. I like relaxing in the seats while bottom fishing. It's a good all around SUV of a boat; I fish, the girls sun up front, we have had a pylon and done wakeboarding. I bought it to get the porta potty feature figuring I would need it for female privacy, but frankly I'm the one who has used it; otherwise it's used for storage and forward batteries.
myakka posted 12-20-2013 09:54 PM ET (US)
I'm the second owner and no one has used the port a potty yet. It is piece of mind more than practical.
On a more important note. Inspect your through hulls and scuppers. My scuppers had split to the point that only a 1/4 inch square in material at two points healed it on. I can only assume the fitting was over tightened. Otherwise it is the best boat I've ever owned.
Mike
krisst posted 12-23-2013 11:13 PM ET (US)
Dmeswi,
Just curious....what was the 5000 spent on for the Verado? Was it standard maintenance? I have a similar engine.
Thanks.
AK
jimh posted 12-27-2013 02:37 PM ET (US)
[Moved to THE GAM.]
dmeswi posted 12-28-2013 05:37 PM ET (US)
In round numbers, the $5,000 in repairs to the Verado is pretty much as follows:
1. $3,000 - replace the propulsion control module
2. 1,000 - replace the power steering pump
3. 200 - replace float and tubing in fuel supply module
Jefecinco posted 12-28-2013 07:08 PM ET (US)
I understood the float and tubing was supposed to be done gratis due to it's inability to stand up to the damage caused by ethanol fuel.
Butch
boatdryver posted 12-29-2013 09:21 AM ET (US)
Butch, the float and tubing replacement on my 175 HP 4 cylinder Verado were replaced twice under warranty, both within the first 50 hours.
This was very common back then (my Verado came on a 2007 200 Dauntless, purchased new.
I now have about 350 hours on the motor and there have been zero engine problems .
It seems to me that the power steering pump replacement on dmeswi's boat is a "boat" repair, not an engine repair.
Replacing the electronic control module is something everyone with one of these modern engines dreads.
Our sailing club has had to replace the engine control module on a 75 HP Etec twice in 7 years. We are still planning to buy more Etecs as the remaining very old 2 stroke motors fail.
JimL
dmeswi posted 12-31-2013 05:47 PM ET (US)
boatdryver,
The Verado is a propulsion system, not just an engine. It includes the "fly by wire" as well as the power steering system, which has "Verado" stamped on the cover. Make no mistake, the power steering pump is part of the Verado system.
Jefecinco posted 12-31-2013 06:43 PM ET (US)
Just for clarity the power steering is part of the L6 (six cylinder) Verado family of 225 HP and up. The L4 (four cylinder) family of 150 through 200 HP engines does not use power steering. The L4s use hydraulic steering.
I agree that the power steering pump on your 225 HP Verado is part of the Verado System. Us lowly L4 users have to do without the pump.
Butch
boatdryver posted 01-01-2014 12:25 PM ET (US)
I'll post this, fearing that I should have started a new thread. If so I apologize.
I've been happy to avoid needing power steering and all that goes with it up to now by having a 4 cylinder Verado which is fine with simple hydraulic steering.
But now I'm thinking of moving up to a Whaler large enough to require 225 or 250 HP. Since I'll be looking at used boats, some will have motors other than an L6 Verado.
Do other brands of motors this size require power steering? I have not thought so up to now.
JimL
silentpardner posted 01-01-2014 05:01 PM ET (US)

quote:
I'll post this, fearing that I should have started a new thread. If so I apologize.
I've been happy to avoid needing power steering and all that goes with it up to now by having a 4 cylinder Verado which is fine with simple hydraulic steering.
But now I'm thinking of moving up to a Whaler large enough to require 225 or 250 HP. Since I'll be looking at used boats, some will have motors other than an L6 Verado.
Do other brands of motors this size require power steering? I have not thought so up to now.
JimL
No, other brands don't require power steering. I don't know why Mercury seems to think theirs does either actually. I could not figure this out when recently reviewing engines for my own use.
I trialed a Contender with Mercury Verado 300's and an identical Contender with Yamaha F-300's and twin hydraulic steering. I really could not feel a difference in the ease of steering between the two setups.
It is my opinion that the less pressure you have on a system, the less fluid you would lose if a leak developed, and the easier emergency repairs would be. I also am of the opinion that the fewer major components you have in a system, the fewer major component failures you will have in that system. I do not understand why a manufacturer would introduce more potential problems of reliability into a system that is so critical to the safe operation of the boat it is going on, with no real apparent benefit.
It appears to be a gimmick, in my opinion.
Ryanhdd posted 01-09-2014 10:32 AM ET (US)
I have a 2003 Duantless 220 and I absolutely love it. Its the best boat I have ever had. I would go with trim tabs all the way on this boat. I have the 225xl four stroke on mine and she goes and rides great. Its a good all around boat for anything a family and a weekend fisherman can ask for. I love both live wells, and also the fresh and saltwater wash down. Mine has the bimini top, though down the road I would like to get a t top. Im in Va beach, and if you would like to come take a look at her and maybe go out, do not hesitate to drop me a PM. Boats in the backyard on a lift right over the water. I love the fold down back seat. (i am pretty sure 2003 is the first model they did this seat with)Honestly its a great boat and I do not think I will ever need another boat. I found this boat which only had 50 hours on the motor and it was in a boat hotel for most of its life. It was a repo and i had the motor and the boat surveyed Paid about 800.00 for both. I paid out the door 30k with a very nice aluminum trailer. I had it shipped with u ship it from Louisiana for about 800.00 it was way cheaper than me driving down to get it.(time is money) Plus its a big boat on a big trailer and I did not want that on me. It was insured before I shipped it. Everything worked out great. I am the second owner, third if you count the guy who got it from the bank, who was a dealer. The boat was in better shape than I thought. I got her last August and have been out over 25 times since then. I had a real hard time finding this model around the VA area, they just do not exist. Also I think once someone gets one, they hold on to it for a while. The scupper problem is really not that bad, out of the 25 times taking it out, maybe did I see a little water in the back of the boat like 3 time, not a big deal. It did however freak me out the first time. I thought I was taking on water, and well I was, but its no in the bilge area, I have since learned. ;-)
I did upgrade the fish finder to a chart plotter finder combo and gave her a good wax.
I am trying to think about bad things with regards to the boat and I cannot think of one. Its laid out perfect and I have plenty of room. I love the seat at the helm that you can make it forward or reverse seating. I use it all the time. She handles well and with an engine thats this big, I would not get one without the trim tabs. They really help. The motors do have an issue to be aware of if you get the same motor as mine and its a corrosion issue that cannot be seen unless you drop the lower unit and then look above the oil pan for corrosion, google it, there's lots of info on it. Mine did not have this, it was clean as a whistle. You could eat off the bilge floor. Mine did not come with the front cushions or the porta potty, this kinda bummed me out at first but now I am glad No porta potty, i mean its not a big deal. the cushions would be nice for the wife, but they do not really matter to me. Mine also did not come with the two post seats. I would like to find some to fit the bow and aft wholes.

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Author	Topic: Thoughts about a Dauntless 220
whalerron	posted 11-19-2013 02:22 PM ET (US) I am considering buying a Dauntless 220 and I am considering the years 2003 through 2006. If you have one of these boats, I am interested in hearing your thoughts about it. How does it handle? What don't you like about the boat? Also, how usable is the area under the console? Is there really enough room in there to use the porta-potti? Thanks.
myakka	posted 11-20-2013 06:08 AM ET (US) I purchased a 2002 Dauntless 220 last month. I really like this boat. A great improvement over my old 1982 18 Outrage. The bottom is a shallow v , rounding at the stern. I don't expect I'll be plowing through 5 footers in comfort. ;) It will easily convert from fishing to Water sports to a cocktail cruiser. The portapotty is usable. What I don't like is the scuppers. A poor design with the worst materials. I'll be improving these soon. Mike
whalerron	posted 11-20-2013 09:05 AM ET (US) What don't you like about the scuppers? Do they not drain well or is the problem just more with cheap materials being used? Does yours have a bimini or a T-top? If you have either, how do you like the construction of what you have? These boats are hard to find in Maryland and I am thinking about driving to Florida to look at a couple of them. I am hoping to gather some ideas about things to think about as I look at these boats. I have found a Marine Surveyor who can evaluate the boats for me but usually there are things other than structure and mechanics that require thought. Dauntless owners are the best source for these other thoughts. Thanks.
boatdryver	posted 11-20-2013 09:53 AM ET (US) Regarding the "ride" of the 220 Dauntless: Before I bought my 2007 200 Dauntless I found a 2002 Dauntless 220 that I really wanted. The local Master Dealer for Boston Whaler, who was not the one selling the boat, volunteered that feedback from his customers was that the 220 Dauntless hull had the best ride among Whaler models in this size range, better than the 22 Outrage, for the San Francisco Bay chop, which can get formidable. He said he was surprised, but that's what he was hearing. I did not buy the 2002 220 Dauntless because the 200 Optimax on the transom had zero trade in value with several motor dealers. I've found the Dauntless type layout, with an emphasis toward more seating than the Outrage series, to be a good compromise for our use, which involves day trips with 4-6 people much more often than fishing. But I admit that when fishing I wish the rear seats were gone to allow standing access to the transom. When fishing the bait well is very handy. JimL
myakka	posted 11-20-2013 08:52 PM ET (US) whalerron Cheap materials on the scuppers and poor access to repair. boatdryver the older dauntless's rear seats are removable(bolted to the deck with hand bolts inside the deck box/seat). The new design is cleaner but less practical for fishing. Mike
eriks	posted 11-23-2013 08:58 PM ET (US) I have owned a 2005 Verado powered 220 Dauntless for 5 years, and absolutely love the boat. The scuppers are an issue, because they are too low. With a full tank of gas and some weight in the stern, you'll have some water on the deck. I think that's the only design flaw. I never used the porta potty (except for the wife's buy-in), so can't comment on that. It works very well for me for the following reasons 1. I have found it to be a great fishing platform when you fold down the stern seat. I don't fish every day though. 2. I use it in protected waters, but have had it out in 15' swells. It's not great in short steep seas, but then again, few 22' boats are going to offer you a great ride in those conditions. 3. I have kids that love tubing. 4. It's a great cruising boat with the wife and our friends. 5. It's as big a boat as I want to tow. 6. In good weather, I love dropping the Bimini. I have trim tabs, and use them. My kids love sitting up at the bow. It's a great family boat that covers all the bases I want covered, in a reasonable manner. Sure, an Outrage will handle rougher seas better, but I think the Dauntless handles smooth seas better than an Outrage, in terms of fuel economy and available passenger seating. Hope this helps you.
whalerron	posted 12-01-2013 09:36 PM ET (US) Thanks for all of the thoughts about this boat. I think I would like to have the fold-down rear seat because it makes a nice fishing platform when down and it makes a nice lounge for cruising when it is open. I guess that limits me to boats of the 2004 vintage and newer. Now I just need to find one.
jimh	posted 12-02-2013 02:18 PM ET (US) I have always like the 22-foot DAUNTLESS. I know the freeboard is a bit low. The large aft seat that folded down was always a cool feature.
dmeswi	posted 12-05-2013 12:44 PM ET (US) I have a 2006 220 Dauntless which I bought new in 2006. It has a 225 hp Verado, t-top, fishing package, fresh water tank, washdown pump,trim tabs,and Furuno electronics. I fish a lot so the t-top is a must when fighting fish. The aft live bait well is positioned perfectly. I can fish alone while controlling the boat and have easy access to bait. I take the grandchildren out alot and the lower gunnels are realy nice since they can fish and also use the dip net to retrieve fish, while the guard rails keep them safe. The big storage bin with the lift up lid in front (just aft of the anchor locker) is a great fish box that will hold a dozen huge red snapper, 4' king mackerel and 60 lbs. of ice. It will hold fish and ice for two days. I venture off shore up to 25 miles in 2' to 3' seas but that is pretty much the max for me. The boat can take more but I can't. It rides well and a real plus is the stability. Many times I have seen larger boats bobbing up and down and tipping from side to side while the Dauntless is stable. The boat is also capable inshore and we use it to drift fish for redfish, sheephead, and flounder. We also tube,ski and make runs up the river where we beach the Dauntless on a sandbar, put a huge Sunbrella in the t-top rod holder and let the kids swim. I don't have a ski pylon but wish I did. Have almost 2000 hours on this boat and the Verado that powers it. Out of warranty repairs have added up to about $5,000 so far - mostly with the Verado. I have grown to accept the scuppers as they are. With a bunch of people standing in the back or sitting on the bench seat, water does come in a bit, but on the plus side is when a wave breaks over the bow, it drains out really fast. Im not a big fan of the newer models with the live well up front and the fold up seats in the front. That's not where you want to be when the water is choppy.
Destin Dauntless	posted 12-10-2013 06:57 PM ET (US) I agree with a lot of this. I have a 2000 220 with a T-top and the fishing package, so I have the removable back console with bucket seats. I like relaxing in the seats while bottom fishing. It's a good all around SUV of a boat; I fish, the girls sun up front, we have had a pylon and done wakeboarding. I bought it to get the porta potty feature figuring I would need it for female privacy, but frankly I'm the one who has used it; otherwise it's used for storage and forward batteries.
myakka	posted 12-20-2013 09:54 PM ET (US) I'm the second owner and no one has used the port a potty yet. It is piece of mind more than practical. On a more important note. Inspect your through hulls and scuppers. My scuppers had split to the point that only a 1/4 inch square in material at two points healed it on. I can only assume the fitting was over tightened. Otherwise it is the best boat I've ever owned. Mike
krisst	posted 12-23-2013 11:13 PM ET (US) Dmeswi, Just curious....what was the 5000 spent on for the Verado? Was it standard maintenance? I have a similar engine. Thanks. AK
jimh	posted 12-27-2013 02:37 PM ET (US) [Moved to THE GAM.]
dmeswi	posted 12-28-2013 05:37 PM ET (US) In round numbers, the $5,000 in repairs to the Verado is pretty much as follows: 1. $3,000 - replace the propulsion control module 2. 1,000 - replace the power steering pump 3. 200 - replace float and tubing in fuel supply module
Jefecinco	posted 12-28-2013 07:08 PM ET (US) I understood the float and tubing was supposed to be done gratis due to it's inability to stand up to the damage caused by ethanol fuel. Butch
boatdryver	posted 12-29-2013 09:21 AM ET (US) Butch, the float and tubing replacement on my 175 HP 4 cylinder Verado were replaced twice under warranty, both within the first 50 hours. This was very common back then (my Verado came on a 2007 200 Dauntless, purchased new. I now have about 350 hours on the motor and there have been zero engine problems . It seems to me that the power steering pump replacement on dmeswi's boat is a "boat" repair, not an engine repair. Replacing the electronic control module is something everyone with one of these modern engines dreads. Our sailing club has had to replace the engine control module on a 75 HP Etec twice in 7 years. We are still planning to buy more Etecs as the remaining very old 2 stroke motors fail. JimL
dmeswi	posted 12-31-2013 05:47 PM ET (US) boatdryver, The Verado is a propulsion system, not just an engine. It includes the "fly by wire" as well as the power steering system, which has "Verado" stamped on the cover. Make no mistake, the power steering pump is part of the Verado system.
Jefecinco	posted 12-31-2013 06:43 PM ET (US) Just for clarity the power steering is part of the L6 (six cylinder) Verado family of 225 HP and up. The L4 (four cylinder) family of 150 through 200 HP engines does not use power steering. The L4s use hydraulic steering. I agree that the power steering pump on your 225 HP Verado is part of the Verado System. Us lowly L4 users have to do without the pump. Butch
boatdryver	posted 01-01-2014 12:25 PM ET (US) I'll post this, fearing that I should have started a new thread. If so I apologize. I've been happy to avoid needing power steering and all that goes with it up to now by having a 4 cylinder Verado which is fine with simple hydraulic steering. But now I'm thinking of moving up to a Whaler large enough to require 225 or 250 HP. Since I'll be looking at used boats, some will have motors other than an L6 Verado. Do other brands of motors this size require power steering? I have not thought so up to now. JimL
silentpardner	posted 01-01-2014 05:01 PM ET (US) quote: I'll post this, fearing that I should have started a new thread. If so I apologize. I've been happy to avoid needing power steering and all that goes with it up to now by having a 4 cylinder Verado which is fine with simple hydraulic steering. But now I'm thinking of moving up to a Whaler large enough to require 225 or 250 HP. Since I'll be looking at used boats, some will have motors other than an L6 Verado. Do other brands of motors this size require power steering? I have not thought so up to now. JimL No, other brands don't require power steering. I don't know why Mercury seems to think theirs does either actually. I could not figure this out when recently reviewing engines for my own use. I trialed a Contender with Mercury Verado 300's and an identical Contender with Yamaha F-300's and twin hydraulic steering. I really could not feel a difference in the ease of steering between the two setups. It is my opinion that the less pressure you have on a system, the less fluid you would lose if a leak developed, and the easier emergency repairs would be. I also am of the opinion that the fewer major components you have in a system, the fewer major component failures you will have in that system. I do not understand why a manufacturer would introduce more potential problems of reliability into a system that is so critical to the safe operation of the boat it is going on, with no real apparent benefit. It appears to be a gimmick, in my opinion.
Ryanhdd	posted 01-09-2014 10:32 AM ET (US) I have a 2003 Duantless 220 and I absolutely love it. Its the best boat I have ever had. I would go with trim tabs all the way on this boat. I have the 225xl four stroke on mine and she goes and rides great. Its a good all around boat for anything a family and a weekend fisherman can ask for. I love both live wells, and also the fresh and saltwater wash down. Mine has the bimini top, though down the road I would like to get a t top. Im in Va beach, and if you would like to come take a look at her and maybe go out, do not hesitate to drop me a PM. Boats in the backyard on a lift right over the water. I love the fold down back seat. (i am pretty sure 2003 is the first model they did this seat with)Honestly its a great boat and I do not think I will ever need another boat. I found this boat which only had 50 hours on the motor and it was in a boat hotel for most of its life. It was a repo and i had the motor and the boat surveyed Paid about 800.00 for both. I paid out the door 30k with a very nice aluminum trailer. I had it shipped with u ship it from Louisiana for about 800.00 it was way cheaper than me driving down to get it.(time is money) Plus its a big boat on a big trailer and I did not want that on me. It was insured before I shipped it. Everything worked out great. I am the second owner, third if you count the guy who got it from the bank, who was a dealer. The boat was in better shape than I thought. I got her last August and have been out over 25 times since then. I had a real hard time finding this model around the VA area, they just do not exist. Also I think once someone gets one, they hold on to it for a while. The scupper problem is really not that bad, out of the 25 times taking it out, maybe did I see a little water in the back of the boat like 3 time, not a big deal. It did however freak me out the first time. I thought I was taking on water, and well I was, but its no in the bilge area, I have since learned. ;-) I did upgrade the fish finder to a chart plotter finder combo and gave her a good wax. I am trying to think about bad things with regards to the boat and I cannot think of one. Its laid out perfect and I have plenty of room. I love the seat at the helm that you can make it forward or reverse seating. I use it all the time. She handles well and with an engine thats this big, I would not get one without the trim tabs. They really help. The motors do have an issue to be aware of if you get the same motor as mine and its a corrosion issue that cannot be seen unless you drop the lower unit and then look above the oil pan for corrosion, google it, there's lots of info on it. Mine did not have this, it was clean as a whistle. You could eat off the bilge floor. Mine did not come with the front cushions or the porta potty, this kinda bummed me out at first but now I am glad No porta potty, i mean its not a big deal. the cushions would be nice for the wife, but they do not really matter to me. Mine also did not come with the two post seats. I would like to find some to fit the bow and aft wholes.