Boston Whaler 200 Dauntless First Glance

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What a long road Whaler has traveled since its first 13-footer. Sure, that boat was unsinkable – but in a nasty chop, it didn’t provide the smoothest ride. Design technology, ergonomic studies and advances in construction make today’s Whalers  better riding, stronger and, yes, even prettier. Witness the company’s new 200 Dauntless. A small, family center console perfect for running around bays, fishing tight spots and all the while keeping your family safe and sound, the 200 Dauntless provides the perfect boating platform for young and old alike, no matter what their boating adventure.

With a top speed of more than 45 mph and a 75-gallon fuel tank, you can cover a lot of water quickly. Maneuvering couldn’t be slicker with standard hydraulic tilt steering. Mercury’s excellent SmartCraft gauges also come standard.

The 200 Dauntless has a big, workable cockpit for a 20-footer, with no problem moving past the console with a rod in hand. The foredeck affords two anglers room to fish simultaneously. Fold down the aft seat, and the stern becomes a full-width casting platform.

Standard equipment includes an insulated livewell forward of the console that also doubles as a drink box as well as a cushioned seat; plenty of rod storage (six holders vertically on the console and an in-gunwale rod holder on each side); and an amazing amount of dry storage throughout. Loyal readers know that we put great stock in safety. Whaler does too, and thus mounts an integral swim platform with a telescoping ladder as standard so you’ll always be able to get out of the water, whether you’ve been swimming or diving or happened to get wet by accident. The 200’s scuppers drain virtually instantly with almost no standing water by the port, making washdown at the end of the day a breeze.

A portable head in the console, a special molded pocket for your fire extinguisher on the console side and ingenious carry-on storage bags that affix to the console make coming and going so much easier and more organized. For the driver, a reversible pilot seat with a locking backrest and a slide-out, 54-quart, carry-on cooler make standing or sitting both comfortable choices. You’ll also find storage in the base of the helm seat.

The 200 Dauntless is available with your choice of factory-installed electronics packages and precious few options. Whaler includes everything you really need as standard.