2001 16 Dauntless

[Tg196]

New Owner of a 2001 Dauntless 16, looking for any feedback negative or positive you may have on this model. She is powered by a 2001 Mercury 90. [Are there] any common problems you are aware of? What are the general thoughts? I was looking for a MONTAUK 17 but this DAUNTLESS 16 came at a price I could not turn away. I was surprised how big it seemed for only a 16. Thanks in advance!

[Jefecinco]

You will find your Dauntless is moderately under powered. To overcome the power deficiency you'll want to research the optimum engine mounting position (height) and propeller. A hydrofoil may also improve performance. That, too, should be researched before buying and installing one.

The 16 foot Dauntless is a real battlewagon with a lot of features usually found only on larger boats. The large in hull fuel tank is an example. Another example is the roomy console interior making it much easier to install dual batteries and the necessary switching device.

You've bought a great small Boston Whaler. Enjoy it and good luck.

[Tg196]

Thank you Butch! Yes I have come across several posts regarding the power. My 17 mako had the same concern, I had a 90 but wanted a 115. That said given the price of this dauntless I had to decide. Perhaps the future will hold a re-power.

[dburton]

I had a 2003 Dauntless 160 with a 115hp Mercury 4 Stroke. It was a great boat. Previously I had a 1986 18' Outrage. I think that the Outrage was a better boat and was a better boat in the extremes. But the Dauntless is a great boat, If you got caught in horrible weather, I would rather be in the Outrage than the Dauntless. That being said the the Dauntless would make it through and you would be happy not to be in any other 16' boat and likely not any other Boston Whaler including the 17' Montauk.

[marxvox]

I'm a new owner of a 2002 Dauntless 160, and from what I've read AND experienced, many of them have tight steering, and also tend to take in a bit of water at the stern. Other than that, it's a great boat, big enough for a few friends but not a party, and often a price that's easy to live with. I've ridden in a few Montauks and didn't like the ride as much, and considering a 45 gallon internal gas tank versus 1-2 portable plastic gas tanks on board, I think you will be happy with your decision.

[Tg196]

Thanks guys for the intel, in a perfect world I would be able to get into a 18 with decent power. This boat was a deal I could not turn down, even if I don't keep it and end up selling after the season. I boat in Boston harbor. On very rare occasion I will make a short run offshore--but only on good days. I have gone from Boston to [Provincetown] which does take me several miles offshore, however it would be very rare I would do this in this boat. I can't ever see more than three adults at one time, mostly myself and one fishing buddy. My wife and two small daughters (age four and seven) would likely join me for short harbor runs around the islands on smooth days. I did test drive it. It seemed to have zero concerns with the steering--in fact I thought it was great compared to my 17 Maki. I am not certain what type of steering system it has. I was impressed with the actual size for just being a 16. [What is] the beam [of a 2001 DAUNTLESS 16]?

[Jefecinco]

You likely have a "push-pull" cable steering system. Mine had a Teleflex NFB (no feedback) system which is very likely the system used on your boat. I believe the helm was a rack and pinion type. It served very well. Your boat could have been retrofitted with a hydraulic system but that is unlikely.

Ensure the steering cable on your Dauntless has no sharp bends. Often wire ties are used to bundle the wiring to the engine with the steering cable. If some are too tight it could make the steering a little tight. I believe it's very possible the steering tube of your engine needs cleaning and lubrication. It may be worthwhile to have this done professionally if you have never done it depending upon how difficult it is to remove the shaft from the tube once the cable has been disconnected.

There are threads on this forum giving instructions on how to do this if you want to give it a try.

[marxvox]

I see in the specs that the beam is 7'1" and draft is 11". I love this 2002 boat with 2007 Honda 90. I've taken it out every day since I bought it last week. Here are your specs:

https://web.archive.org/web/20010717154 ... p?modID=10

[Tg196]

Great! thanks for the specs.

I've read a lot about the power.

How do you feel about the 90 on yours?

What type of speed are you getting?

[marxvox]

I like the 90-HP on that boat. I'm getting up to probably a little under 40MPH, but that's with a couple adults and children onboard. I'm going to try a solo drive soon so see what I get there, but the last owner claimed mid 40's with one person onboard. A few people have claimed that they need the 115HP--I'd love that much speed and power--but I've read where some others have had concerns with the weight of a 115HP and often need trim tabs in that situation. Enjoy!

[Tg196]

Wow, that's great. I never would have expected that given what I've read. Are you running with a stock prop? Or something else?

[marxvox]

I ran with my daughter and myself onboard today, which is about 260 lbs, and the true "top" speed reading I got was around 36-39 mph. It's a stock 3-blade prop, not SS, so nothing special. Trust me, I am tempted to repower with one of those new, high-performance, light Yamaha 115HP 4-strokes that are made for the flats, but I need this boat to be safe for my kids and I think topping out in the high 30s or even low 40s is a nice compromise between safety for kids and an acceptable speed. Enjoy that boat!