Compare 2015 150 SUPER SPORT and DAUNTLESS 16

[Kitsap]

I may buy one of two boats:

• a 2015 150 SUPER SPORT or
• a DAUNTLESS16.

I plan to use the boat I will buy in protected waters in Puget Sound. I have no plans for coastal use. I would like to keep this boat on the water at a nearby marina for two to four months of the year.

Q1: As the 150 SUPER SPORT does not have a cockpit drainage, would on-water storage of the boat for four months not be advised?

The 150 SUPER SPORT include a full cover. I am concerned about the difficulty in putting on the cover with access to ony one side of the boat and the bow.

I have read that the DAUNTLESS 16 has [cockpit] scuppers to drain rain water to the sea. but I also have heard that when rigged with a heavy four-stroke-power-cycle outboard engine the stern might be too low for water to drain.

Q2: what is the difference in the design of the hull between a 2015 150 SUPER SPORT and a DAUNTLESS 16?

Q3: will the DAUNTLESS 16 be better [than the 2015 SUPER SPORT] [when underway] in chop or storm conditions?

Q4: is the DAUNTLESS 16 so much better in chop [than the 2015 SUPER SPORT] that I [should delay buying a boat until I find a DAUNTLESS 16 for sale]?

[jimh]

Regarding in-water storage, using a mooring cover is a good plan because it will keep the boat out of the sun and weather.

A properly designed mooring cover should allow the cover to be installed from the boat cockpit, and perhaps the last snap or other fastener to be made as one steps off the boat.

You do not provide the model year of the DAUNTLESS 16.

[Kitsap]

I don't have a DAUNTLESS 16 identified yet. They're hard to find. As a retired guy I don't mind traveling a bit.

A 2003 DAUNTLESS just sold for $18,000 in Oregon in less than 18 hours of being posted. It had an older two-stroke-power-cycle engine.

[NorthShoreWhaler]

I own a 2015 150 Super Sport that I keep in saltwater at a dock. The boat is designed with only two [drain] plugs, both of which can be left out when storing in the water: the stern drain and anchor locker. It’s a great feature in my opinion.

The stern drain allows a small amount of water to accumulate, but it stays in the molded channel. My boat is in salt water. There will be some growth that is easily scrubbed out with a brush every few weeks.

The anchor locker I only plug if passengers are riding in the bow. This allows rain water to drain passively.

I think it’s a great design, no bilge pump to worry about.

As far as comparing the two boats, the Dauntless will ride like a bigger boat and allow standing while operating. The Super Sports are seated only. I have the high back bucket chairs though and they’re really comfortable.

[Kitsap]

Thanks NorthShoreWhaler. That gives me confidence.

[Todd]

Hello, I have a 2003 Dauntless 160 (16') with a Merc 115 Four Stroke. Fully loaded with a full tank of gas (45 gallons) the boat drains out the two scuppers in the rear. I can take up to 6 people on board and with that load a small amount of water may come in the through the scuppers. I have two simple sink stoppers to prevent that happening if needed. It also has a bilge pump to keep water out of the lower drain area.

I boat on inland lakes in Michigan but frequently go on Lake Michigan. In 1-2 footers it's comfortable, not so once you get into the 2-4's. I was recently on Lake Michigan during a busy weekend on the lake...it's was nearly flat water but the large boats on the lake create waves which cannot be avoided especially going in and out of the channels leading into ports. The Dauntless can handle a lot of conditions, the people on board may not be so sturdy.

I don't store my boat on the water, it's trailered and garage kept. If I kept it on the water I'd do the mooring cover and bottom paint.

Lastly, I searched for this boat for about a year. Found it in Florida with 75 hours original hours (it was on the back of a yacht) and had it shipped to Michigan. It's not for sale but I would likely not part with it for less the $25k. With the price of a newer Dauntless, it would be a steal.

Hope this helps.

Todd

[NorthShoreWhaler]

Other things to consider, the 150 Super Sport will have a 60 hp motor. It’s fine for 2 people. I put my family of 4 on it and it works but it’s still not a lot of power. The rated 6 person capacity would be a stretch. The Dauntless 16 will certainly have a more powerful engine.

You will get wet on the 150 Super Sport in chop, due to the seated position.

The full boat cover isn’t needed or practical for the 150 Super Sport while in the water. Nice to have for storage though.

I still love my 150 Super Sport. It’s a great sandbar hopping boat in protected waters. Really well designed. I’d take a look at the 160 Super Sport and 170 Dauntless as well. Both good designs.