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Advice on buying a Dauntless 15?
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ContinuousWave Whaler Moderated Discussion Areas
ContinuousWave: Post-Classic Whalers
Advice on buying a Dauntless 15?
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| Author | Topic: Advice on buying a Dauntless 15? |
| Dauntless15Buyer |
posted 06-19-2008 06:48 PM ET (US)  
Hello everyone, I'm new to the forum. Let me just state that I'm very impressed with the quality of the posts here. Long story short,I sold my sailboat and am now looking to buy a Whaler that will fit in my garage. The Dauntless 15 looks like the way to go because it appears to be one the most seaworthy 15 footers available. I'll be using it with my wife and young son to head two miles down river and then out into the sound and open ocean of Massachusetts. We'll probably do a lot of waterskiing and fairly lengthy day trips of 15 to 20 miles. Any advice on purchasing tips would be greatly appreciated. Regards
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| TRAFFICLAWYER |
posted 06-19-2008 07:14 PM ET (US)
You'll need a larger boat. |
| Dauntless15Buyer |
posted 06-19-2008 08:13 PM ET (US)
Hi TL, I'm limited by the size of our garage. It's about 18'7". I've seen a Montauk 17 and it's more boat and engine than we need. I'm thinking a two stroke 75 Mercury. |
| frontier |
posted 06-19-2008 08:50 PM ET (US)
The 1994-1998 15 Dauntless is a excellent boat. Lightweight and rides good. A swing tongue trailer would really help you also. I would go with a 70 Yamaha 2-stroke or 60 Yamaha 4-stroke for great quality and lightweight. |
| Dauntless15Buyer |
posted 06-19-2008 09:08 PM ET (US)
Hello frontier, Thanks for the advice. If I end up repowering, I'll definitely take a close look at those two. Ideally, I'll find a Dauntless with a good Mercury already well configured for the boat. You mention two specific years as being particularly good. Anything I should look out for on the 93,96,97 or 98? Thanks again |
| Dauntless15Buyer |
posted 06-19-2008 09:18 PM ET (US)
Sorry frontier, I misread the years in your response. Looks like you like all 15s from 5-6 year run (I believe I read apost here that mentioned a 1993... What does a new Yamaha or Honda go for these days? |
| jimh |
posted 06-19-2008 09:45 PM ET (US)
Buying a used Boston Whaler boat with a working motor and then immediately re-powering it with a new motor is a very expensive way to get into boating. It is much more economical to look for a used boat and motor in good condition that you can live with for a few seasons. |
| Dauntless15Buyer |
posted 06-19-2008 10:12 PM ET (US)
Absolutely, Jim. I did a little research and it looks like a new Yamaha 2 stroke 70HP could go for about $6,000. I'll be looking hard for a Dauntless 15 (or 14) with a 70-75HP motor that can be used for several years at least. Thanks for the advice! Ideally, I'll be able to buy the boat right here from one of the Continuous Wave members. Regards |
| sapple |
posted 06-20-2008 07:36 PM ET (US)
Nice boat. |
| Dauntless15Buyer |
posted 06-20-2008 08:32 PM ET (US)
Beautiful. Is it yours and, more importantly, is it for sale? :-) |
| frontier |
posted 06-21-2008 01:50 AM ET (US)
Check edsmarinesuperstore.com for a guide to lower end prices. They list a new 70 Yamaha 2-Stroke for $4600 and a new Yamaha 60 4-Stroke for $5200. Note they do not ship Yamaha's, rigging is not included and other buying expenses that can really add up. |
| Dauntless15Buyer |
posted 06-21-2008 09:25 AM ET (US)
Thank you, frontier. Checking them out now. Hopefully, I'll get lucky and find a nice Dauntless 15 with a lightweight 2 stroke Merc 75HP, but I'll need to repower eventually, so I might as well educate myself now. I've always been a sailor, so my knowledge of the power boating world is slim to none. |
| jimh |
posted 06-21-2008 10:13 AM ET (US)
I find that many sailors turn to a Boston Whaler boat when moving to power boating. I say that as a former sailor. The general utility and design of a Boston Whaler appeals to a sailor's sense of functionality in design. I suggest the following articles for advice on buying used Boston Whaler boats and used outboard motors: Buying Classic Boston Whalers Assessing Used Outboard Motors |
| Dauntless15Buyer |
posted 06-21-2008 07:53 PM ET (US)
Thanks so much, Jim. Will read these tonight. Yes, we sailors appreciate good design, both functional and aesthetic. I immediately gravitated towards the Whaler. Absolutely stunning day in MA. It's killing me not having a boat... |
| sapple |
posted 06-23-2008 07:30 PM ET (US)
Dauntless15Buyer, unfortunately, the boat is not mine. It happened to be docked at a marina in Charleston, SC where I was keeping my Montauk during a Memorial week vacation. It was such a beauty I had to snap a pictuer. I don't know if its for sale or not but looked like it was well taken care of. Scott |
| davej14 |
posted 06-24-2008 12:18 AM ET (US)
Since you mentioned a Dauntless 14 as an option I can attest that the D14 is a great little boat. It is 10" shorter than the Dauntless 15 but has more storage because of the built in 25 gal fuel tank. The D14 hull is also 150# heavier than the D15, perhaps someone else can explain the reason for this. The D14 is rated for 75 hp and needs all of it if you plan to water ski. I believe the D15 is rated for 60 hp. Either boat is small for your intended purpose, especially for open ocean, be careful. I am also an ex-sailor. |
| Feejer |
posted 06-24-2008 01:39 PM ET (US)
Here is a Dautless 14 for sale by me http://www.clewsboats.com/previouslyenjoyedboats_item.html?cid=12512
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| Dauntless15Buyer |
posted 06-26-2008 09:51 PM ET (US)
Good evening Scott, Dave and Feejer, Thank you all for the information. I appreciate it! Many suggest the boat is too small to buzz along the MA coast on the open ocean. Can she handle 3-4 waves? I think that's pretty typical for around here... Regards |
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