Dauntless 16 impressions after a few months of use

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Author Topic:   Dauntless 16 impressions after a few months of use

Tallydon posted 11-06-2001 07:43 PM ET (US)
So far, I love the boat. Easy to plane and cuts the chop with a soft ride. It is a good all around boat for flat fishing and a few miles offshore. Plenty of room for two or three people on board. The Yamaha F100 4-stroke now has 15 hours on it. My maximum speed is around 37 mph at 6000 rpm. The D16 stays on plane at 3600.
The D16 is real comfortable for fishing especially with the front seat near the bow. Plenty of room for gear, etc. Easy to walk around too. I know a lot still love the classic whalers, and they should, but a lot of thought went into the design of this model and it shows while underway.
Had it out is some real windy weather a few weeks ago. I was one of the few that ventured out that day. Seas were 4-6' on the flats. For the most part, I stayed dry and never felt I was in danger (stupid, yes).
The quality holds up too. No complaints with any of the hardware or finish.
Tallydon

JeffH posted 11-10-2001 08:11 AM ET (US)
Pleased to see you're happy with the D16. I am about to buy one also (2001, 4 stroke 90 Merc). But I am puzzled why the 2001 brochure shows 1300# hull weight with 455# available for engine and the 2002 brochure shows 1500# hull weight with 410# available for engine. (These numbers from memory). I do not see any visible differences i the pictures. I do not have a 2002 to look at.
Anyone got any idea whether there is really a change or have they gone to showing the heaviest model stats versus the base model?
Also, Tallydon, do you have water accumulate in the stern at rest with 2-3 persons on-board? Looked into plugs/ping pong ball scupper covers?
Thanks, JeffH
jimh posted 11-10-2001 08:57 AM ET (US)
The 2001 Boston Whaler boat catalogue that was printed in the winter had an additional partial-page overlay glued on the back page, inserting new weight data in the specification chart.
The changed weight information was in the main trending to make all weights increase, and on some boats it was rather significant.
The speculation for the motivation for doing this--which had to be a rather expensive printing job to glue this little insert on to thousands and thousands of already printed catalogue--was that it may have been prompted by some concerns (maybe legal) about the advertised weight being shown too low compared to the actual weight of delivered boats.
Perhaps the new printed weights more closely describe the actual weight of the boats.
B Bear posted 11-10-2001 09:23 PM ET (US)
With my Dauntless 16, I have found that by using weight distrubtion I have very little to no water intrusion through the scuppers. Also by having the weight placed evenly fore to aft you will enhance the performance, hole shot and handling for the Dauntless 16 or for any other small boat.
In essence you would off set the aft seating with the cooler seat and bow cushion seating, if everyone were to locate aft you would take on some water as with any small hull with a self draining cockpit.
Something to consider.
Bear
Tallydon posted 11-11-2001 10:06 PM ET (US)
Whaler told me that the increase in weight was to be more accurate in what the boat weighs. I don't know anymore than that. I don't have a problem with water coming into the boat through the scuppers. And that is with two people sitting on the bench seat behind the console. Now with three, I don't know. I wanted a motor that weighed the least amount and that is why I picked the F100 Yamaha. As I said, I love this boat. Had it out Sat. and it is very comfortable in ride and use.
Its usually just my wife and I out on the flats. The only time I had three on board was when I picked her up from the dealer and the dealer came along to test drive it with me. He's not exactly a petite person and still, no water through the scuppers.
B Bear posted 11-12-2001 01:50 AM ET (US)
JeffH,
It is not a serious concern. You will really enjoy the boat. I have had mine for a year now and went out last Saturday. I have put on about 2000+ hours up to now and not a problem. You will find that this hull with a 90+ four stroke is the cats meow. It'll take you just about anywhere you would want to go. Easy to tow, easy to launch and retrive alone. You have taken it for a test run?
Quite easy to fish off of and I always use the back rest as a lean post, it is the best way to drive. The console is high enough that you don't hunch over and the tilt wheel makes it easy. Plenty of storage and all the compartments can be secured.
It is a Sweet 16.
As one friend who also has a D16,"Love my neo-classic!"
As far as I can tell there are at least four Dauntless 16 owners on the Board. Welcome!
B Bear posted 11-12-2001 01:53 AM ET (US)
My OH My, where did that extra zro come from!
Ment to say 200 (two hundred)plus hours. And that is with a heavy ol Honda 90. LOL but very realible.
JeffH posted 11-12-2001 05:31 AM ET (US)
Thanks a lot for the input guys. I think I would be fine with the 16, but my wife thinks maye the 18. She looks for more space/comfort. I look for simpler. This will mostly be for two people. I like the removable seat cushions. The boat will stay outside in Florida sun. Not sure the cushions on the 18 are easily removed.
I also like the 4-cycle. Not sure what the engine options would be with the 18.
And no, I have not ridden in either one yet.
Back to the dealer.
Thanks again, JeffH
blackdog posted 11-12-2001 10:58 AM ET (US)
Yes I do--"Love my neo-classic!" :)
Glad to see you got the computer going Bear.
JeffH,
You will like the 18 also. It is a heavy mama jama so if you intend to tow it at all take that into consideration. I believe Whaler had some issues about weight being under stated before.
Take my situation. I thought my trailer was on the light side. Load rite GRW 2200 lbs single axle, no brakes.
Boat Dry 1500 lbs ( Was 1300 lbs)
Engine 373- Dry Weight
Fuel- 45 gallons 360 lbs
That�s + 2200 lbs right there.
USCG recommends brakes on trailers anything over 1500 lbs I believe.
How about a Suzuki 4 stroke 140? The 18 runs a 135 �150 Merc I think.
Blackdog
lhg posted 11-12-2001 03:33 PM ET (US)
Regarding the hull weight changes in the catalog, the reason for the understated weights is unknown. But I do know there were some trailer and davit failures, and probably engine under-power & propping situations, obligating the Dealers to replace these items, based on the inaccurate published weights. Much of BW's current weight problems are the result of overlaying and combining two different methods of hull construction: Boston Whaler's two skinned, foam injected hull and Sea Ray's (and most other's) single skin outer hull and interior liner shell. All of the BW's over 18' now have 3 fiberglass skins, instead of two. The middle skin, which forms the inside of the foam filled hull, used to be the complete interior of the boat, which rich detailing. This has now been simplified, and the the 3rd liner skin accomplishes the detail instead. High hull weight is the result with all the glass being used.
This is why a 16 Dauntless, which is the same beam as a Classic 18 Outrage, but 2 1/2' shorter, weighs 250 lbs more!
B Bear posted 11-12-2001 05:43 PM ET (US)
Larry from your description the Dauntless 16 still uses two skins. I thought the extra weight on this design came from it's Vee Hull configuration with a slightly higher freeboard which has more space to fill with more foam. If the new foam is denser it will be heavier also.
So how does your explination about the construction validate the last sentence?
JeffH, Please take a ride on both the 16 and the 18, the 18 most likely has a much better ride. The 18 will cost more to operate also.
There is that ol saying " A Boat is a hole in the water where you throw your money." For me, the ideal is to make that hole as small as possible and still have the boat do what you want it to do.
Thanks Blackdog, I won't winterize her until December!
Bear
lhg posted 11-12-2001 06:03 PM ET (US)
I don't exactly understand why the 16 Dauntless is heavier than an 18 Outrage. Not being real familiar with the hull, I assume it is from extra glass components. Fiberglass liner components can be deceptively heavy. I wouldn't think the foam alone could not make the difference, or that even the 16 would have more foam than an 18, considering length. The 18 Outrage, besides being longer, has a pretty high bow profile, and the sides are about the same height also.
B Bear posted 11-12-2001 07:15 PM ET (US)
Well then it could be that the fiberglass, resin and gelcoat is hand layed much thicker in the mold than in the past. Otherwise the fabrication process has not changed for this model.
As for all things there are good and bad points. The good would be that it is construted more in line with the commercial divison standards which would make it tougher and more durable. The bad is that like the hulls in the commercial divison, it is heavier.
That makes sence. If it is true I am quite happy to have a thicker skin with it's benefits.
Thanks
Bear
B Bear posted 11-12-2001 07:31 PM ET (US)
As an after thought, I spent about $120 to $175 in operating costs (excluding insurance) for the 2001 boating season. Not too bad for all those hours of pleasure.
I believe it will cost $120 to winterize the engine at the dealer. The there is the cost of a cover etc. which will be split up between the coming years.
All things considered this combination (Dauntless 16 with a four stroke) should not hurt your wallet.
Blackdog spent a whole lot less than me this year.
Bear
holmestk posted 11-13-2001 01:18 AM ET (US)
Another 2001 D16 owner weighing in-- The other thing that stopped me at 16 vs 18 ft, was the ability to squeeze the thing into a standard garage. It is close, (2 inches from the top of the door) but I dont sweat winterizing, and the garage has that great new boat smell!
Ventura16 posted 11-13-2001 09:50 AM ET (US)
Tallydon - Congratulations on your D16...hope you and it have many happy hours together on the water. The F100 seems like a good match, although a bit heavy.
lhg - I wonder if the weight of Whalers has always been understated. When I look at some of the older brochures I have, some of the weights seem very low for the size of the boat. Has anyone weighed a bare hull classic 18-Outrage to really verify it's stated weight? Maybe the difference isn't all construction techniques or materials...maybe it is just more realistic reporting.
JeffH - You might also want to take a look at the 16-Dauntless' sistership...the 16-Ventura. It shares the same hull, but has a dual-console layout. My wife and I found that it made for a more comfortable situation for 2 people without the added expense of purchasing and operating an 18. The 16-Ventura has 2 pedestal seats and a wraparound/walkthrough windshield for the "main" occupants instead of the center console and bench seat. It also has the same rear jumpseats and bow layout as the 16-Dauntless. Because the weight distribution is different from the Dauntless, we never have a problem with water through the scuppers...even with people in the jumpseats. Of course we have a Mercury 90hp 2 stroke...a much lighter engine than the 4 strokes mentioned above. Overall, I find that the 16-Ventura has an easy layout to fish with 2-3 people...and is great for general cruising and watersports.
Tom
blackdog posted 11-13-2001 09:55 AM ET (US)
You know the weather has been really good and I could have got in a few more days out, but you never know. Last year winter came on quickly.
Yes my operating costs were very low this year as I didn't get a chance to really use the boat much do to the baby. I only burned 1 tank of gas this year (45 Gallons) and some Ficht oil, about <1/2 gallon of that :(.
Winterization cost $140 bucks...
I plan on busting out with some big hours next year!
Blackdog
ptroost posted 01-14-2008 02:49 PM ET (US)
I'm looking to buy my first boat and a friend of mine has me sold on a Whaler. I'll mainly be using it for water sports in Vineyard Sound / Vineyard Haven Harbor, and I would like a boat that can hold 2 adults and 4 kids.
Based on this criteria, I was going to focus on a 16' or 18' Ventura. (I've noticed that some of the older "bowrider" style boats are actually called "Dauntless" rather than Ventura, so I guess at one point it was an option on a Dauntless)
I can either store the boat at my house which is about 1/4 mile from the boat ramp that dumps right out into less protected seas, or at a Marina with in/out service for about $1500 per year which is in a lagoon.
The unfortunate part is that I have a Toyota Rav4 that has a crappy towing capacity. Given that I'm only going .25 mile each way, I was thinking I may be able to slide by with the 16' boat but probably not with the 18' boat and would have to opt for the more expensive marina service.
How much would I be sacrificing in terms of safety / ride quality with the 16' versus 18' boat? One thing I noticed is that the jump seats on the 16 look like they're right next to the motor which probably makes them loud and wet whereas the 18 has a bench quite a bit in front of the motor mount.
Any perspective of the 16' versus 18' Ventura would be appreciated!

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Author	Topic: Dauntless 16 impressions after a few months of use
Tallydon	posted 11-06-2001 07:43 PM ET (US) So far, I love the boat. Easy to plane and cuts the chop with a soft ride. It is a good all around boat for flat fishing and a few miles offshore. Plenty of room for two or three people on board. The Yamaha F100 4-stroke now has 15 hours on it. My maximum speed is around 37 mph at 6000 rpm. The D16 stays on plane at 3600. The D16 is real comfortable for fishing especially with the front seat near the bow. Plenty of room for gear, etc. Easy to walk around too. I know a lot still love the classic whalers, and they should, but a lot of thought went into the design of this model and it shows while underway. Had it out is some real windy weather a few weeks ago. I was one of the few that ventured out that day. Seas were 4-6' on the flats. For the most part, I stayed dry and never felt I was in danger (stupid, yes). The quality holds up too. No complaints with any of the hardware or finish. Tallydon
JeffH	posted 11-10-2001 08:11 AM ET (US) Pleased to see you're happy with the D16. I am about to buy one also (2001, 4 stroke 90 Merc). But I am puzzled why the 2001 brochure shows 1300# hull weight with 455# available for engine and the 2002 brochure shows 1500# hull weight with 410# available for engine. (These numbers from memory). I do not see any visible differences i the pictures. I do not have a 2002 to look at. Anyone got any idea whether there is really a change or have they gone to showing the heaviest model stats versus the base model? Also, Tallydon, do you have water accumulate in the stern at rest with 2-3 persons on-board? Looked into plugs/ping pong ball scupper covers? Thanks, JeffH
jimh	posted 11-10-2001 08:57 AM ET (US) The 2001 Boston Whaler boat catalogue that was printed in the winter had an additional partial-page overlay glued on the back page, inserting new weight data in the specification chart. The changed weight information was in the main trending to make all weights increase, and on some boats it was rather significant. The speculation for the motivation for doing this--which had to be a rather expensive printing job to glue this little insert on to thousands and thousands of already printed catalogue--was that it may have been prompted by some concerns (maybe legal) about the advertised weight being shown too low compared to the actual weight of delivered boats. Perhaps the new printed weights more closely describe the actual weight of the boats.
B Bear	posted 11-10-2001 09:23 PM ET (US) With my Dauntless 16, I have found that by using weight distrubtion I have very little to no water intrusion through the scuppers. Also by having the weight placed evenly fore to aft you will enhance the performance, hole shot and handling for the Dauntless 16 or for any other small boat. In essence you would off set the aft seating with the cooler seat and bow cushion seating, if everyone were to locate aft you would take on some water as with any small hull with a self draining cockpit. Something to consider. Bear
Tallydon	posted 11-11-2001 10:06 PM ET (US) Whaler told me that the increase in weight was to be more accurate in what the boat weighs. I don't know anymore than that. I don't have a problem with water coming into the boat through the scuppers. And that is with two people sitting on the bench seat behind the console. Now with three, I don't know. I wanted a motor that weighed the least amount and that is why I picked the F100 Yamaha. As I said, I love this boat. Had it out Sat. and it is very comfortable in ride and use. Its usually just my wife and I out on the flats. The only time I had three on board was when I picked her up from the dealer and the dealer came along to test drive it with me. He's not exactly a petite person and still, no water through the scuppers.
B Bear	posted 11-12-2001 01:50 AM ET (US) JeffH, It is not a serious concern. You will really enjoy the boat. I have had mine for a year now and went out last Saturday. I have put on about 2000+ hours up to now and not a problem. You will find that this hull with a 90+ four stroke is the cats meow. It'll take you just about anywhere you would want to go. Easy to tow, easy to launch and retrive alone. You have taken it for a test run? Quite easy to fish off of and I always use the back rest as a lean post, it is the best way to drive. The console is high enough that you don't hunch over and the tilt wheel makes it easy. Plenty of storage and all the compartments can be secured. It is a Sweet 16. As one friend who also has a D16,"Love my neo-classic!" As far as I can tell there are at least four Dauntless 16 owners on the Board. Welcome!
B Bear	posted 11-12-2001 01:53 AM ET (US) My OH My, where did that extra zro come from! Ment to say 200 (two hundred)plus hours. And that is with a heavy ol Honda 90. LOL but very realible.
JeffH	posted 11-12-2001 05:31 AM ET (US) Thanks a lot for the input guys. I think I would be fine with the 16, but my wife thinks maye the 18. She looks for more space/comfort. I look for simpler. This will mostly be for two people. I like the removable seat cushions. The boat will stay outside in Florida sun. Not sure the cushions on the 18 are easily removed. I also like the 4-cycle. Not sure what the engine options would be with the 18. And no, I have not ridden in either one yet. Back to the dealer. Thanks again, JeffH
blackdog	posted 11-12-2001 10:58 AM ET (US) Yes I do--"Love my neo-classic!" :) Glad to see you got the computer going Bear. JeffH, You will like the 18 also. It is a heavy mama jama so if you intend to tow it at all take that into consideration. I believe Whaler had some issues about weight being under stated before. Take my situation. I thought my trailer was on the light side. Load rite GRW 2200 lbs single axle, no brakes. Boat Dry 1500 lbs ( Was 1300 lbs) Engine 373- Dry Weight Fuel- 45 gallons 360 lbs That�s + 2200 lbs right there. USCG recommends brakes on trailers anything over 1500 lbs I believe. How about a Suzuki 4 stroke 140? The 18 runs a 135 �150 Merc I think. Blackdog
lhg	posted 11-12-2001 03:33 PM ET (US) Regarding the hull weight changes in the catalog, the reason for the understated weights is unknown. But I do know there were some trailer and davit failures, and probably engine under-power & propping situations, obligating the Dealers to replace these items, based on the inaccurate published weights. Much of BW's current weight problems are the result of overlaying and combining two different methods of hull construction: Boston Whaler's two skinned, foam injected hull and Sea Ray's (and most other's) single skin outer hull and interior liner shell. All of the BW's over 18' now have 3 fiberglass skins, instead of two. The middle skin, which forms the inside of the foam filled hull, used to be the complete interior of the boat, which rich detailing. This has now been simplified, and the the 3rd liner skin accomplishes the detail instead. High hull weight is the result with all the glass being used. This is why a 16 Dauntless, which is the same beam as a Classic 18 Outrage, but 2 1/2' shorter, weighs 250 lbs more!
B Bear	posted 11-12-2001 05:43 PM ET (US) Larry from your description the Dauntless 16 still uses two skins. I thought the extra weight on this design came from it's Vee Hull configuration with a slightly higher freeboard which has more space to fill with more foam. If the new foam is denser it will be heavier also. So how does your explination about the construction validate the last sentence? JeffH, Please take a ride on both the 16 and the 18, the 18 most likely has a much better ride. The 18 will cost more to operate also. There is that ol saying " A Boat is a hole in the water where you throw your money." For me, the ideal is to make that hole as small as possible and still have the boat do what you want it to do. Thanks Blackdog, I won't winterize her until December! Bear
lhg	posted 11-12-2001 06:03 PM ET (US) I don't exactly understand why the 16 Dauntless is heavier than an 18 Outrage. Not being real familiar with the hull, I assume it is from extra glass components. Fiberglass liner components can be deceptively heavy. I wouldn't think the foam alone could not make the difference, or that even the 16 would have more foam than an 18, considering length. The 18 Outrage, besides being longer, has a pretty high bow profile, and the sides are about the same height also.
B Bear	posted 11-12-2001 07:15 PM ET (US) Well then it could be that the fiberglass, resin and gelcoat is hand layed much thicker in the mold than in the past. Otherwise the fabrication process has not changed for this model. As for all things there are good and bad points. The good would be that it is construted more in line with the commercial divison standards which would make it tougher and more durable. The bad is that like the hulls in the commercial divison, it is heavier. That makes sence. If it is true I am quite happy to have a thicker skin with it's benefits. Thanks Bear
B Bear	posted 11-12-2001 07:31 PM ET (US) As an after thought, I spent about $120 to $175 in operating costs (excluding insurance) for the 2001 boating season. Not too bad for all those hours of pleasure. I believe it will cost $120 to winterize the engine at the dealer. The there is the cost of a cover etc. which will be split up between the coming years. All things considered this combination (Dauntless 16 with a four stroke) should not hurt your wallet. Blackdog spent a whole lot less than me this year. Bear
holmestk	posted 11-13-2001 01:18 AM ET (US) Another 2001 D16 owner weighing in-- The other thing that stopped me at 16 vs 18 ft, was the ability to squeeze the thing into a standard garage. It is close, (2 inches from the top of the door) but I dont sweat winterizing, and the garage has that great new boat smell!
Ventura16	posted 11-13-2001 09:50 AM ET (US) Tallydon - Congratulations on your D16...hope you and it have many happy hours together on the water. The F100 seems like a good match, although a bit heavy. lhg - I wonder if the weight of Whalers has always been understated. When I look at some of the older brochures I have, some of the weights seem very low for the size of the boat. Has anyone weighed a bare hull classic 18-Outrage to really verify it's stated weight? Maybe the difference isn't all construction techniques or materials...maybe it is just more realistic reporting. JeffH - You might also want to take a look at the 16-Dauntless' sistership...the 16-Ventura. It shares the same hull, but has a dual-console layout. My wife and I found that it made for a more comfortable situation for 2 people without the added expense of purchasing and operating an 18. The 16-Ventura has 2 pedestal seats and a wraparound/walkthrough windshield for the "main" occupants instead of the center console and bench seat. It also has the same rear jumpseats and bow layout as the 16-Dauntless. Because the weight distribution is different from the Dauntless, we never have a problem with water through the scuppers...even with people in the jumpseats. Of course we have a Mercury 90hp 2 stroke...a much lighter engine than the 4 strokes mentioned above. Overall, I find that the 16-Ventura has an easy layout to fish with 2-3 people...and is great for general cruising and watersports. Tom
blackdog	posted 11-13-2001 09:55 AM ET (US) You know the weather has been really good and I could have got in a few more days out, but you never know. Last year winter came on quickly. Yes my operating costs were very low this year as I didn't get a chance to really use the boat much do to the baby. I only burned 1 tank of gas this year (45 Gallons) and some Ficht oil, about <1/2 gallon of that :(. Winterization cost $140 bucks... I plan on busting out with some big hours next year! Blackdog
ptroost	posted 01-14-2008 02:49 PM ET (US) I'm looking to buy my first boat and a friend of mine has me sold on a Whaler. I'll mainly be using it for water sports in Vineyard Sound / Vineyard Haven Harbor, and I would like a boat that can hold 2 adults and 4 kids. Based on this criteria, I was going to focus on a 16' or 18' Ventura. (I've noticed that some of the older "bowrider" style boats are actually called "Dauntless" rather than Ventura, so I guess at one point it was an option on a Dauntless) I can either store the boat at my house which is about 1/4 mile from the boat ramp that dumps right out into less protected seas, or at a Marina with in/out service for about $1500 per year which is in a lagoon. The unfortunate part is that I have a Toyota Rav4 that has a crappy towing capacity. Given that I'm only going .25 mile each way, I was thinking I may be able to slide by with the 16' boat but probably not with the 18' boat and would have to opt for the more expensive marina service. How much would I be sacrificing in terms of safety / ride quality with the 16' versus 18' boat? One thing I noticed is that the jump seats on the 16 look like they're right next to the motor which probably makes them loud and wet whereas the 18 has a bench quite a bit in front of the motor mount. Any perspective of the 16' versus 18' Ventura would be appreciated!