2010 Dauntless 180 Modifying Standard Package to Fishing Package

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Author Topic:   2010 Dauntless 180 Modifying Standard Package to Fishing Package

N9BOW posted 09-20-2010 08:43 PM ET (US)
Hello, This is my first post on the forum, although I have been reading for some time. I am looking at a new 2010 Dauntless with the standard bow rails at a really good price, but it has no trolling motor electric plate, like a fishing package has. I really want a fishing package but don't want to spend the four-precent price increase on a new 2011. I have read threads on customizing the bow rails and that's a good option to make them lower and either open them across the bow or made into a gate that can be opened then relatched.
I will be boating and fishing the upper Mississippi River for Walleye and family recreation. Maybe once a year on Lake Michigan or Lake Huron, but predominantly use on the Mississippi Pools 12 and 13.
I am concerned with what I have heard from one dealer versus another. One dealer said all the electric is already there on the 2010, just the plate is not mounted and would have to be cut in, and that Whaler has been building them like this for a while. From another dealer I heard they would not attempt to add the electric plate because they would have to cut the foam and run the electric to get electric on the bow. I am hoping I did not misunderstand the dealers and what they were saying, but it is conflicting info and I'm fairly certain I did not misunderstand them.
Could someone from this forum share their experience with the 2010 Dauntless? If you have converted your 2008 or later model into a fishing package it would be great to hear from you. I want to definately mount a trolling motor on the front. Have a live well for minnows and possibly a live well under the captains seat holding walley should I compete in any walleye tourneys.Thanks in Advance
Eric - N9BOW
jimh posted 09-20-2010 09:05 PM ET (US)
I think the real focus of your inquiry is how Boston Whaler built certain models. The definitive answer on that would likely be from Boston Whaler. Give Chuck Bennett in Boston Whaler customer service a call.
jimh posted 09-20-2010 09:45 PM ET (US)
Also, check the particular boat you are considering buying. Ask the dealer to show you how the boat has been built with regard to providing a path for electrical cables to be run to the bow. If it is convenient to add the cables to the boat the dealer has on-hand, you might want to consider that boat instead of ordering a newer model. Dealers are usually more willing to alter the selling price of a boat they have on hand compared to a boat they have to order.
ktm3ten posted 09-20-2010 09:41 PM ET (US)
Not sure if it is similar but I bought a 2008 Montauk 170 that didn't come with the trolling motor panel installed from the factory. Starting in 2008 on the Montauk 170, the rigging tube was in all boats, the panel just was only added to some. My dealer added the panel and it's a flawless install that no one (even me) can tell it didn't come that way from the factory. Check the www.whalerparts.com site for your year and model and see if the forward rigging tube is present, I'd bet it is.
Can't otherwise comment on the Dauntless as a platform, no experience.

Enjoy!!
lurkynot posted 09-23-2010 09:46 PM ET (US)
This is how I modified my 2001 180 Dauntless w/bowrail to accept bow mounted troll motor.
http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b7/lurkynot/

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Author	Topic: 2010 Dauntless 180 Modifying Standard Package to Fishing Package
N9BOW	posted 09-20-2010 08:43 PM ET (US) Hello, This is my first post on the forum, although I have been reading for some time. I am looking at a new 2010 Dauntless with the standard bow rails at a really good price, but it has no trolling motor electric plate, like a fishing package has. I really want a fishing package but don't want to spend the four-precent price increase on a new 2011. I have read threads on customizing the bow rails and that's a good option to make them lower and either open them across the bow or made into a gate that can be opened then relatched. I will be boating and fishing the upper Mississippi River for Walleye and family recreation. Maybe once a year on Lake Michigan or Lake Huron, but predominantly use on the Mississippi Pools 12 and 13. I am concerned with what I have heard from one dealer versus another. One dealer said all the electric is already there on the 2010, just the plate is not mounted and would have to be cut in, and that Whaler has been building them like this for a while. From another dealer I heard they would not attempt to add the electric plate because they would have to cut the foam and run the electric to get electric on the bow. I am hoping I did not misunderstand the dealers and what they were saying, but it is conflicting info and I'm fairly certain I did not misunderstand them. Could someone from this forum share their experience with the 2010 Dauntless? If you have converted your 2008 or later model into a fishing package it would be great to hear from you. I want to definately mount a trolling motor on the front. Have a live well for minnows and possibly a live well under the captains seat holding walley should I compete in any walleye tourneys.Thanks in Advance Eric - N9BOW
jimh	posted 09-20-2010 09:05 PM ET (US) I think the real focus of your inquiry is how Boston Whaler built certain models. The definitive answer on that would likely be from Boston Whaler. Give Chuck Bennett in Boston Whaler customer service a call.
jimh	posted 09-20-2010 09:45 PM ET (US) Also, check the particular boat you are considering buying. Ask the dealer to show you how the boat has been built with regard to providing a path for electrical cables to be run to the bow. If it is convenient to add the cables to the boat the dealer has on-hand, you might want to consider that boat instead of ordering a newer model. Dealers are usually more willing to alter the selling price of a boat they have on hand compared to a boat they have to order.
ktm3ten	posted 09-20-2010 09:41 PM ET (US) Not sure if it is similar but I bought a 2008 Montauk 170 that didn't come with the trolling motor panel installed from the factory. Starting in 2008 on the Montauk 170, the rigging tube was in all boats, the panel just was only added to some. My dealer added the panel and it's a flawless install that no one (even me) can tell it didn't come that way from the factory. Check the www.whalerparts.com site for your year and model and see if the forward rigging tube is present, I'd bet it is. Can't otherwise comment on the Dauntless as a platform, no experience. Enjoy!!
lurkynot	posted 09-23-2010 09:46 PM ET (US) This is how I modified my 2001 180 Dauntless w/bowrail to accept bow mounted troll motor. http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b7/lurkynot/