2021 Boston Whaler 220 Dauntless review

For several decades the centre console Dauntless models have been among the most popular and versatile of Boston Whaler's legendary unsinkable boats.

With wide, moderate vee hulls and broad fishing decks, the boats have been suitable for everything from bay and flats fishing through to coastal offshore sport fishing.

In recent years, the Dauntless models have also been outfitted with more amenities and creature-comforts for family boating. Adding extra seating, entertaining and storage spaces increased the appeal of these fine craft.

For the 2021 model year, the Dauntless models received a major upgrade. The vee hulls were sharpened for a smoother ride, the topsides heightened for increased safety, and the interiors revamped to make them even more family-friendly.

There are three models in the current Boston Whaler Dauntless range. They include the 220 Dauntless, 250 Dauntless and the range-topping 270 Dauntless.

Each has a dual-width centre console configuration with bow and stern casting platforms that can transform into seating/lounging areas.

The entry-sized 220 Dauntless is the subject of this review. Boston Whaler dealer, Queensland Marine Centre, offered a powder-blue model for testing, paired with a Mercury 250hp V8 four-stroke outboard.

Queensland Marine Centre has Boston Whaler 220 Dauntless boat packages starting from $165,000 with the base outboard engine option, a Mercury 200hp V6 four-stroke.

Add $12,000 for a dual-axle aluminium trailer.

As you would expect from Boston Whaler, the 220 Dauntless comes standard with a full inventory of features.

This includes Mercury Smartcraft engine gauges; a front casting deck with anchor-well and insulated fish box; centre console helm station with change room/head compartment and removable chemical toilet; console lounging platform with lockable storage compartment and rod locker; transom corner jump seats which re-configure to create an aft casting deck; self-draining cockpit; four stainless steel deck rod holders; transom rod rack; cup holders throughout; LED lighting; helm lean-seat with reversible backrest and built-in cooler; eight stainless steel cleats; horn; bilge pump; swim platform with ladder; dash-mounted compass; wireless phone charger; USB and 12 volts sockets, and more.

Adding to the standard kit, our test boat was optioned with light blue coloured topsides; an overhead hardtop with black powder-coated frame; Raymarine Axiom 12 multifunction display; Raymarine VHF; premium Fusion stereo; electric trim tabs; black canvas and graphics package; clip-on bow cushions and table; upgraded helm lean-seat with integrated 113-litre live well; foam rubber flooring to skipper's footpad; helm seat/console cover; anchor roller; anchor well liner; bow towing eye; freshwater shower and water tank; adjustable aft table; sun pad cover; battery charger; and a stainless steel keel guard.

Upgraded with the maximum-power Mercury 250hp V8 four-stroke outboard engine with digital throttle and shift and Mercury's Active Trim system, the options lift the test boat package price to a substantial $225,000 – plus another $12,000 for a trailer.

Boston Whalers are exceptionally well-built boats, among the finest in the world.

Only the best fittings, fasteners and materials are used to assemble each and every Boston Whaler, while the patented Unibond hull construction technique delivers class-leading safety, strength, and impact resistance.

As detailed in previous Boston Whaler reviews, the Unibond process involves injecting closed-cell liquid foam under pressure into the cavity between the hull and the inner liner, where it then expands to fill every space and void.

The resulting hull structure is strong, rigid and unsinkable. Importantly, Boston Whalers such as the 220 Dauntless exceed Australia's Level Flotation standard that requires a fully laden craft to remain afloat in an upright position.

The construction quality of a Boston Whaler is evident as soon as you step aboard. The fibreglass hull mouldings are wonderfully smooth and unblemished. Deck hatches are fibreglassed on both sides and fitted with gas-strut supports to keep them open.

Stainless steel hardware abounds, while all aluminium surfaces are powder-coated for weather protection.

Underway there are no squeaks or rattles. Nor is there any movement or shake in the hard top or surrounding framework; the hardtop on our test boat felt properly locked down to the deck – an immovable object.

With regard to design specifics, the 220 Dauntless has an overall length of 7.11m, a hull length of 6.71m, and a hull deadrise of 18 degrees.

Across the beam the Dauntless measures 2.59m. This makes it slightly over-width for Australian roads and subject to towing restrictions.

Fishermen and family boaters will appreciate the excellent fit-out and features in the Boston Whaler 220 Dauntless that make it ideal as an all-rounder.

Up forward there is a 1.1m x 1.6m (maximum width) casting platform above a decent-size anchor locker and a full-width insulated fish box.

Option the boat with the clip-on cushions and the casting deck transform into a bench seat for two or a short lounger.

Our test boat was optioned with a small table that slots into place at the bow between the front deck/lounge and the larger, double lounge sunbed in front of the centre console.

Some anglers might consider the large console sun pad a poor use of the available space, but it can be used as a secondary casting deck. The large storage compartment underneath also contains a horizontal rod locker and space for safety gear.

Surrounding features include recessed stern cleats and bow rails, cup holders, stereo speakers, and a pair of vertical rod holders.

More storage space is located inside the dual-width centre console, and beneath the corner jump seats at the stern of the boat.

The console head compartment/change-room is surprisingly spacious. Opening the starboard side-hinged door reveals a wide entry with easy access to duck inside to change clothes or use the included Porta-Pottie.

Back up at the helm, skippers will be pleased with the size, shape and layout of the fascia and instrument panel.

There is provision for a pair of 12-inch displays alongside regulation engine gauges, a rocker switch panel, the Fusion audio system and VHF radio, cup holders and more.

The tilt-adjust stainless steel steering wheel is located on the port side with the throttle box centred on the dash so that it falls easily to hand.

Of course, this port side offset helm configuration opens up the space alongside the skipper for the co-pilot to sit or stand comfortably – both with an unrestricted view forward through the acrylic windshield.

Other notable helm features include a full-width two-tier footrest, and the aforementioned optional fibreglass hardtop with aft-facing rod rack, and LED lighting.

Dauntless buyers have a choice of four different lean seat options. Our test boat was fitted with a vinyl upholstered two-seater bench lean seat with a reversible backrest. It was mounted above a massive 113-litre live well.

A cheaper option is this same bench seat mounted on an alloy frame with a removable icebox underneath.

The two remaining options feature deluxe helm chairs with arm-rests and flip-up front bolsters mounted over storage cupboards or the large live well.

Behind the box lean seat/post the Dauntless has roughly 700mm of self-draining cockpit stretching aft to the transom wall and the stern casting deck.

The elevated rear platform is cleverly created by folding the transom corner jump seats down flat. You don't even need to remove the cushions.

The 2021 Boston Whaler 220 Dauntless has been upgraded with a deeper vee hull. The transom deadrise rises from around 16 to 18 degrees.

That's not as sharp as a Boston Whaler Outrage offshore boat, but it is plenty of vee angle for a day cruiser and bay/coastal fishing rig.

Keeping the vee angle relatively modest under the transom also provides for excellent stability, and allows the Dauntless models to plane easily and quickly.

During our sea trial, the 220 Dauntless test rig was certainly quick out of the hole, although I suspect having a 250hp V8 Mercury outboard engine on the transom might have contributed just a little to this excellent performance.

In fact, our Mercury V8-powered Boston Whaler 220 Dauntless was quick everywhere; responsive from down low in the rev range right through to WOT at 6000rpm.

With the powerful 250hp Mercury behind it, the Boston Whaler 220 Dauntless is good for a top speed of 43.6 knots; plenty quick enough for most fishing and tow-sport applications.

Paired with the entry 200hp V6 Mercury, the top speed drops into the 38-40 knot range, but that's still shifting along, and confirms the 18-degree hull is efficient, easily driven.

Underway, the Boston Whaler 220 Dauntless is also smooth riding, solid, stable, well-mannered, and dry. I can't think of a better hull for a bay and coastal fishing/family boat.

Performance*

*Both engines
Range on 95% of the 303L fuel supply: 237.6nm @ 3500rpm

The Boston Whaler 220 Dauntless is a terrific bay and coastal fishing/family all-rounder with a top-notch standard of finish and fit-out, combined with excellent performance from a smooth-riding, safe hull.

There are cheaper options on the market, as well as craft with a stronger focus on either fishing or family boating. However, if you want a world-class open boat for a mix of fishing and boating activities, the 220 Dauntless is an excellent choice.

In short, if you can afford a Boston Whaler 220 Dauntless, don't hold back; right now this is one of the best centre console boats on the market in the 6.5-7.0 metre size range.

Specifications
Model: Boston Whaler 220 Dauntless
Length overall: 7.11m
Hull length: 6.71m
Beam: 2.59m
Draft: 380mm
Deadrise: 18 degrees
Weight: 1329kg (hull only)/1875kg (wet with engine)
Weight on trailer: 2650kg (est, wet)
Maximum power: 250hp
Maximum engine weight: 249kg
Engines as tested: Mercury 250hp V8 four-stroke outboard engines
Fuel: 303L
Water: 45L (optional with shower)
Live well: 113.5L (optional)
Passengers: 9

Priced from: $165,000 with a single Mercury 200hp V6 extra-longshaft (25-inch) four-stroke outboard with power steering, digital throttle and shift, Smartcraft instrumentation.  Add $12,000 for a dual-axle aluminium trailer.

Price as tested: $225,000 including a black coloured Mercury 250hp V8 extra-longshaft (25-inch) four-stroke outboard engine with Smartcraft instrumentation, Mercury Active Trim, power steering, digital throttle and shift; light blue coloured topsides; an overhead hardtop with black powder-coated frame; Raymarine Axiom 12 multifunction display; Raymarine VHF; premium Fusion stereo; electric trim tabs; black canvas and black graphics package; clip-on bow cushions and table; upgraded helm lean-seat with integrated 113L live well; foam rubber flooring to skipper's footpad; helm seat/console cover; anchor roller; anchor well liner; bow towing eye; freshwater shower and water tank; adjustable aft table; sun pad cover; battery charger; and a stainless steel keel guard. Add $12,000 for trailer.

Supplied by: Queensland Marine Centre