[What is the] approximate on-trailer height of the 2002 Dauntless 160 and the 1999 Dauntless 180?
I'm looking at these two models. Can they fit into a garage with an entry with about 82-inches height clearance?
I'm not worried about the length of the boats, as I am using a two-car garage and can fit it in diagonally. Any input is greatly appreciated.
DAUNTLESS Trailer Height
Re: DAUNTLESS Trailer Height
Difficult to answer as much depends on the trailer. My previously-owned 1999 Dauntless 16 on an aluminum trailer with torsion axles was probably around 80-inches from the top of the windshield railing to the ground. The 180 Dauntless would almost certainly be higher, but, if it is on a wide trailer that sits the boat between the fenders, perhaps not.
If you are concerned about getting through an opening there are a couple of ways to lower the high point on a boat while pushing it by hand into a garage. One way is to push the trailer back until just before the windshield railing reaches the door opening. Then the windshield railing may be lowered by lowering the trailer tongue using the tongue jack. If the windshield is behind the axle it will raise the railing, but that is unlikely. Tires can be partially deflated to achieve the same result and using both methods makes more of a difference. The downside of lowering tire pressure is you must inflate the tires to the proper pressure once you're outside the opening to go on your next trip.
If you are concerned about getting through an opening there are a couple of ways to lower the high point on a boat while pushing it by hand into a garage. One way is to push the trailer back until just before the windshield railing reaches the door opening. Then the windshield railing may be lowered by lowering the trailer tongue using the tongue jack. If the windshield is behind the axle it will raise the railing, but that is unlikely. Tires can be partially deflated to achieve the same result and using both methods makes more of a difference. The downside of lowering tire pressure is you must inflate the tires to the proper pressure once you're outside the opening to go on your next trip.
Butch
Re: DAUNTLESS Trailer Height
In addition to Butch's comments.
[The height of a Boston Whaler 180 DAUNTLESS] depends on the Dauntless 180 trailer. It is a wide boat so most likely will not be sitting inside the trailer wheels. If the trailer has springs it will sit higher than a torson axle.
I have seen members modify their console windshield and rail to make them removable via quick release pins to great success.
[The height of a Boston Whaler 180 DAUNTLESS] depends on the Dauntless 180 trailer. It is a wide boat so most likely will not be sitting inside the trailer wheels. If the trailer has springs it will sit higher than a torson axle.
I have seen members modify their console windshield and rail to make them removable via quick release pins to great success.
1992 Outrage 17
2019 E-TEC 90
2018 LoadRite 18280096VT
Member since 2003
2019 E-TEC 90
2018 LoadRite 18280096VT
Member since 2003
Re: 2002 Dauntless 160 vs 1999 180 - Trailer height
Thanks SO much for the replies and insight, guys. I should be back to being a Whaler owner in the next few days.
Re: 1999 180 DAUNTLESS Trailer height
Just measured my 1999 Dauntless18. It measured 78" at the highest point. It sits on a custom made trailer. The hull rests between the fender wells.
Last edited by Masbama on Sun Jul 31, 2016 10:58 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: 2002 Dauntless 160 vs 1999 180 - Trailer height
Thanks for the description! I ended up getting the 160 but I'm going to have to get a different trailer that's similar so that the boat sits low enough to get it in the garage. I'm ecstatic to be a Whaler owner again!