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Author Topic:   20 Dauntless draft decision

mcpalm99 posted 03-02-2001 12:58 AM ET (US)
I have a deposit down on a 96 20' dual console dauntless with a 200 Johnson Ocean Runner. I have never been on one, but I was looking for a dual console whaler, the other being a new 16 ventura. The Draft on the 16 is 11" and on the 20 15". Realistically does this mean that I only need 4 more inches of water? or are there other factors with more passengers etc. Also, I am somewhat concerned with some of the posts about ventura performance... But I have seen little on the 20 Dauntless. I am dying to know if this 20 dauntless has some of the same issues..slow to plane... too much weight in the rear etc. Doesn anyone else have any input on the 20 dual console? I think I can get it for a great price.
B Bear posted 03-02-2001 07:14 AM ET (US)
mcpalm99
The first and most important thing to do is ride before you buy!
By going out on a sea trial you will find out if it slow to plane, how it handles,
if there is enough power, how strong the engine is, are there other issues to consider. If you are not sure of what you are getting into make the deal contingent on the sea trial.
Take out both baots you are considering, won't cost you a dime just your time.
I bought one boat once without taking it out, one of the biggest mistakes I ever made.
As you might pick up on some other threads OMC,which makes Johnson and Evenrude, is going bankrupt. This may effect service and parts for the engine on that boat. The engine is a very large cost factor for any boat.
If they cannot or will not take you out, just wait, there will be another boat down the line for you to consider.
Just my opinon,
Bear
jimh posted 03-02-2001 08:34 AM ET (US)
A couple of comments:
A 1996 Whaler hull is still under warranty. You will be afforded the same protection as if you bought the boat new.
The OMC power is something to think about, but in this boat's case it has the more conventional 2-stroke motor. That engine should be much easier to keep running no matter what happens with OMC-->BOMBARDIER.
With 200 HP on the transom you must be close to 100% of rated horsepower, so I would expect performance would be good.
The dual-console design seems to vary in popularity depending on where you are located. If you are in coastal salt-water you won't find much interest in them. If you are on a nice inland lake their popularity rises. This may account for the boat's current pricing, but it might also affect its price if you want to sell it.
A 1996 boat should easily be capable of looking "like-new" and I would expect it in that condition.
Since you already have made a "deposit" it sounds like you are on the way to becoming an owner!
--jimh
gf posted 03-02-2001 09:06 PM ET (US)

Was this the '96 Dauntless 20 at Larry's Lighthouse Marina? Just Curious.
Ventura16 posted 03-02-2001 10:57 PM ET (US)
mcpalm99
If you were reading my comments about my Ventura 16, let me clarify for the record: I love my Ventura 16! I am trying to improve one aspect of it's performance and that will make it even better...In my opinion, that 's what this forum is all about...sharing knowledge to improve all of our boating experiences. For me, the V16 was the perfect combination of seaworthiness, performance, comfort and rugged construction. As they say in the car ads on TV, YMMV (your mileage may vary)...you have to make the right choice for your needs...I heartily concur with Bob (Bear)...take a test ride...and whichever you decide on, enjoy it!
Tom
lhg posted 03-04-2001 03:18 PM ET (US)
The 20 Dauntless is a Meridian era boat, built on Meridian's 19 Outrage hull. It was never a big seller, and when Brunswick took over, they unloaded this Dauntless inventory at reduced prices, since they wanted to introduce their own Dauntless modles, with only center console designs. Bow riders were all to be called Venturas. So don't pay too much for it. Perhaps someone with a 19 Outrage could comment on hull performance. You can also find info on this hull at whaler.com, Commercial Products division, Justice models. I think it is still available.
lhg posted 03-04-2001 08:04 PM ET (US)
See General Section, for a thread dated 08/20/00, for a very comprehensive positive report by Clark Roberts on this model Dauntless 20.
MDapkunas posted 03-04-2001 09:31 PM ET (US)
I have been looking at various used boats in my area, and there are several 97/98 Dautless
20 ft available. From this forum, I have learned that the style is similar to the current Ventura's. What are the range of used boat prices for a 20 ft Dautless.
The one that I inspected has a Yamaha 200 HP.

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Author	Topic: 20 Dauntless draft decision
mcpalm99	posted 03-02-2001 12:58 AM ET (US) I have a deposit down on a 96 20' dual console dauntless with a 200 Johnson Ocean Runner. I have never been on one, but I was looking for a dual console whaler, the other being a new 16 ventura. The Draft on the 16 is 11" and on the 20 15". Realistically does this mean that I only need 4 more inches of water? or are there other factors with more passengers etc. Also, I am somewhat concerned with some of the posts about ventura performance... But I have seen little on the 20 Dauntless. I am dying to know if this 20 dauntless has some of the same issues..slow to plane... too much weight in the rear etc. Doesn anyone else have any input on the 20 dual console? I think I can get it for a great price.
B Bear	posted 03-02-2001 07:14 AM ET (US) mcpalm99 The first and most important thing to do is ride before you buy! By going out on a sea trial you will find out if it slow to plane, how it handles, if there is enough power, how strong the engine is, are there other issues to consider. If you are not sure of what you are getting into make the deal contingent on the sea trial. Take out both baots you are considering, won't cost you a dime just your time. I bought one boat once without taking it out, one of the biggest mistakes I ever made. As you might pick up on some other threads OMC,which makes Johnson and Evenrude, is going bankrupt. This may effect service and parts for the engine on that boat. The engine is a very large cost factor for any boat. If they cannot or will not take you out, just wait, there will be another boat down the line for you to consider. Just my opinon, Bear
jimh	posted 03-02-2001 08:34 AM ET (US) A couple of comments: A 1996 Whaler hull is still under warranty. You will be afforded the same protection as if you bought the boat new. The OMC power is something to think about, but in this boat's case it has the more conventional 2-stroke motor. That engine should be much easier to keep running no matter what happens with OMC-->BOMBARDIER. With 200 HP on the transom you must be close to 100% of rated horsepower, so I would expect performance would be good. The dual-console design seems to vary in popularity depending on where you are located. If you are in coastal salt-water you won't find much interest in them. If you are on a nice inland lake their popularity rises. This may account for the boat's current pricing, but it might also affect its price if you want to sell it. A 1996 boat should easily be capable of looking "like-new" and I would expect it in that condition. Since you already have made a "deposit" it sounds like you are on the way to becoming an owner! --jimh
gf	posted 03-02-2001 09:06 PM ET (US) Was this the '96 Dauntless 20 at Larry's Lighthouse Marina? Just Curious.
Ventura16	posted 03-02-2001 10:57 PM ET (US) mcpalm99 If you were reading my comments about my Ventura 16, let me clarify for the record: I love my Ventura 16! I am trying to improve one aspect of it's performance and that will make it even better...In my opinion, that 's what this forum is all about...sharing knowledge to improve all of our boating experiences. For me, the V16 was the perfect combination of seaworthiness, performance, comfort and rugged construction. As they say in the car ads on TV, YMMV (your mileage may vary)...you have to make the right choice for your needs...I heartily concur with Bob (Bear)...take a test ride...and whichever you decide on, enjoy it! Tom
lhg	posted 03-04-2001 03:18 PM ET (US) The 20 Dauntless is a Meridian era boat, built on Meridian's 19 Outrage hull. It was never a big seller, and when Brunswick took over, they unloaded this Dauntless inventory at reduced prices, since they wanted to introduce their own Dauntless modles, with only center console designs. Bow riders were all to be called Venturas. So don't pay too much for it. Perhaps someone with a 19 Outrage could comment on hull performance. You can also find info on this hull at whaler.com, Commercial Products division, Justice models. I think it is still available.
lhg	posted 03-04-2001 08:04 PM ET (US) See General Section, for a thread dated 08/20/00, for a very comprehensive positive report by Clark Roberts on this model Dauntless 20.
MDapkunas	posted 03-04-2001 09:31 PM ET (US) I have been looking at various used boats in my area, and there are several 97/98 Dautless 20 ft available. From this forum, I have learned that the style is similar to the current Ventura's. What are the range of used boat prices for a 20 ft Dautless. The one that I inspected has a Yamaha 200 HP.