Would You Fish Out This? Could You? 2024
J Francho reply :
Looking at something different for fishing. I'm never giving up bass fishing, but I spend many hours on the Great Lakes, Oneida, Cayuga, and other "bigger" waters. I'd like a more capable boat than just a bass boat. Before you point me to a Pro-V Bass, it's also on my radar. My list of boats is actually very short. This boat, until recently was but a blip on the radar, but is suddenly right up there. I'd like to add in the ability to troll for trout and salmon, and go on a few long distance runs, like from my home bay on Ontario, to friends' cottages on other bays, via the "big lake." I have my own list of pros and cons, but I'd like to hear what the rest of the BR members think, especially those the fish on big water. Keep in mind, I'm also entertaining a growing family. Yes, you heard it here first, boy number four will be here in July.
Without further ado, here is the boat up for consideration. Boston Whaler Dauntless 240 Sport. Yes, I'm aware of the price tag. I'm not wealthy by any means, but I could afford this boat. I would be getting shallow water anchors, a properly sized TM, electronics up front, and maxing out HP. I have a dealer that has outfitted a few of these for specific fishing needs. To me, this is the ultimate "fish 'n ski" lol.
What do you think?
https://www.bostonwhaler.com/family-overview/dauntless-boat-models/240-dauntless-pro/
DanielG reply :
I don't know much about them but a neighbor had one for years. Not quite as big. It was very nice and he liked it for it's stability. Smaller lake here but he'd regularly take it up to Sebago and Moosehead in Maine. Very large lakes. Water to the horizon. Swells can get pretty scary. The whaler, as I understand it, is known for being able to ride that out. They are also popular here on the ocean too.
MN Fisher reply :
Only thing I'd consider is the narrow space between the cockpit and gunwale - have to squeeze through there to get to the front.
I like the removable cushions up front...makes it easy to turn from pleasure cruiser to casting deck.
J Francho reply :
On 2/5/2020 at 4:58 AM, MN Fisher said:narrow space between the cockpit and gunwale
24" is narrow? I'm not a big guy, but there's WAYYYYYY more room to move around than even my 22' bass boat. I spent over an hour climbing around this boat, and never felt cramped. Well, except in the bathroom - that was a little tight.
On 2/5/2020 at 4:54 AM, DanielG said:The whaler, as I understand it, is known for being able to ride that out.
This is their inshore model. Not truly intended for crazy big water, but capable enough for ocean runs in favorable conditions. Think of it as a gigantic bass boat. Can run rough, but drafts only 14" of water.
gimruis reply :
On 2/5/2020 at 4:49 AM, J Francho said:What do you think?
I think YES ????
J Francho reply :
On 2/5/2020 at 5:04 AM, gimruis said:I think YES ????
I may have soiled myself a little when she started talking actual numbers with the salesman. Good thing it has a working toilet.
redmexican5081 reply :
I grew up fishing out of a Whaler. Many great memories with my dad and grandfather. Great boats, never got soaked in the rough water and always had the reminder that even if it got destroyed, it would still be floating. My dad and uncle decided to sell the Whaler after my grandfather passed because they each had boats of their own but to this day they still check boat trader and the likes to see what is out there.
detroit1 reply :
YES.
TnRiver46 reply :
On 2/5/2020 at 4:58 AM, MN Fisher said:Only thing I'd consider is the narrow space between the cockpit and gunwale - have to squeeze through there to get to the front.
I like the removable cushions up front...makes it easy to turn from pleasure cruiser to casting deck.
On 2/5/2020 at 5:02 AM, J Francho said:
24" is narrow? I'm not a big guy, but there's WAYYYYYY more room to move around than even my 22' bass boat. I spent over an hour climbing around this boat, and never felt cramped. Well, except in the bathroom - that was a little tight.
This is their inshore model. Not truly intended for crazy big water, but capable enough for ocean runs in favorable conditions. Think of it as a gigantic bass boat. Can run rough, but drafts only 14" of water.
I hate walking around my center console. But heck yes I would fish out of that whaler
MN Fisher reply :
On 2/5/2020 at 5:02 AM, J Francho said:24" is narrow? I'm not a big guy, but there's WAYYYYYY more room to move around than even my 22' bass boat. I spent over an hour climbing around this boat, and never felt cramped. Well, except in the bathroom - that was a little tight.
Looked narrower than that - I withdraw my observation
Catt reply :
I'm about a 30 min boat run from the Gulf of Mexico & have spent as much time fishing salt/brackish as fresh.
Spent many an hour on a Whaler just in 30-35' models. Handles rough water well & long runs out to the the 35 mile rigs in the Gulf.
Yellowfin & Blackjack are popular down here along with Skeeter, Ranger, Xpress, & laterly Vexus.
Michigander reply :
A whaler is the logical next step after bass boat for the reasons you listed. I know people with boat regret stories but a whaler isn't included amongst them.
J Francho reply :
I’ve been in a few Whalers, but they were smaller, older models. One I remember pretty well was only 13’ long and had wooden bench seats. That was on Nantucket. We’d take it out for blues. Dang toothy things were fun. That boat handled water that would have sunk my tiller back home. They had a modern version of that boat at the show, which is what initially drew me to the display.
slonezp reply :
Can't go wrong with Whaler, Robalo, or my preferred choice Grady White. Take a look at the GW 251 CE
Now that MK has a 72" shaft option for a TM, no reason not to. My Lund is still for sale. I'm mulling around getting a 20' Ranger MS or Triton Allure boat because the Grady isn't practical for the bulk of the fishing I do now. That being said, I'm open for a change of venue and fishing Lake Michigan more often. I do have a grandson now which is the main reason I'm looking for another boat.
J Francho reply :
That GW is pretty similar to the Dauntless in almost every respect. It’s not as sleek a fishing platform at the stern, but that’s not my problem. If there was a dealer nearby, I might consider it. I looked at 19’ Robalo bay boats a decade ago. Fit and finish was suspect, and I could see warping in the hull on brand new boats. Maybe it’s better nowadays. They do have a dealer close to where I launch frequently.
slonezp reply :
A standard bay boat is similar to a Lund in hull design as far as deadrise and freeboard. While it can handle big water, it's not going to handle it comfortably. I've done 25mph winds in Sturgeon Bay in the Lund and it is absolutely miserable. 25mph on my home water is a piece of cake.
The GW has been on my radar for some time. Robalo is a little more family orientated which is why I brought it up.
Catt reply :
Champions are popular here but they don't make em anymore. I really liked the Fishunter model.
J Francho reply :
I just looked at the Robalo site. They look nice, just not as refined as the BW. I’d have to see one in person to get a better feel for them. From what I saw from other makes, the fit and finish, quality of upholstery and hardware on the BW was better than most. I even looked at a very pricey Scarab that didn’t come close. It also didn’t run as shallow. Had pretty gel coat though.
@Catt Champion was a popular brand up here, in all styles. Still see lots of them. When I was a kid, I looked at them as better than Ranger.
haggard reply :
If you can afford it, and if you know 24 ft is big enough for family and bigger water yet short enough for smaller water, you won't be disappointed with the quality of a Whaler. I think the bigger water and family friendly boat is a very safe bet, but would just look more closely at how it does compared to a smaller (16-17') bass boat - that's where the smaller boats might have an advantage in terms of agility.
After my 14' Tracker got crashed I wanted a boat small enough to run on the home lake(s) for bass, but big enough for salt water bays, rivers and inshore (I live close to), and ended up with a (15') 150 Montauk. Everything in life is a tradeoff and this boat is no exception but it does well in both regards, and quality is beyond great. There are cheaper options but you also get what you pay for. If I remember correctly you have a Hobie. Whaler is to powered boats as Hobie is to yaks. Only caveat I'd say is make sure it isn't so big that it doesn't feel like a cruise ship while fishing for bass close to shore.
P.S. I still haven't found a trolling motor solution for the Montauk. I have a high bow rail up front, which I love for safety especially on the salt water, but still haven't figured out a way to mount a trolling motor.
kjfishman reply :
A 24 foot Boston Whaler is as good as it gets.
J Francho reply :
On 2/5/2020 at 11:47 AM, haggard said:If I remember correctly you have a Hobie. Whaler is to powered boats as Hobie is to yaks.
Yes, I have a a Hobie, two Wildies, and a Jackson. My Hobie is around my tenth kayak. For boats, I previously owned a 15' and 17' Sea Nymph tiller deep-v, 20' Four Winns runabout, 18' Xpress, and most recently a 22' Bullet. If I need agility, I'll just use the kayak. The back deck is probably big enough to strap the Compass on and mother ship.
Thanks for everyone's feedback - keep it coming!
On 2/5/2020 at 11:47 AM, haggard said:P.S. I still haven't found a trolling motor solution for the Montauk. I have a high bow rail up front, which I love for safety especially on the salt water, but still haven't figured out a way to mount a trolling motor.
The Dauntless can be easily rigged with a TM. With your boat, which sounds similar to the 13' Whaler from my youth, I'd just figure out a transom mount TM for it, or one of the long shaft electric steer models.
WRB reply :
Mako is a popular center console boat out west.
Tom
Vilas15 reply :
Do you need more than 21' length? Must be a reason you seem to have ruled out a big fiberglass multispecies boat from ranger/lund/skeeter.
Check out warrior boats. Popular with walleye guys trolling big water. Theyve got a dealer in new york.
J Francho reply :
On 2/6/2020 at 2:10 AM, WRB said:Mako is a popular center console boat out west.
Tom
I'll try to be nice, since the Makos were just around the corner from the Whalers, so the difference was noticeable. Quality is not there. The fiberglass is unfinished on the inside, hardware is not as heavy duty, and overall the boats lack refinement. I like the boats for fishing, but I need something more substantial. A Mako is like a Kia. I'm looking at Mercedes at this point.
On 2/6/2020 at 2:36 AM, Vilas15 said:Do you need more than 21' length? Must be a reason you seem to have ruled out a big fiberglass multispecies boat from ranger/lund/skeeter.
Do I? No. Do we? Yes. Multi species boats typically do not have the center console layout or seating I'm looking for. I mentioned Lund being on my list already. Ranger is not on my list. I have researched the Skeeter SX240 Bay Boat, but there aren't any dealers close by, and it lacks some of the safety features and luxuries offered in the BW. Warriors all look like they are 30"+ transom height, which I infer means they will not draft that shallow, and might not work for what I want.
Some of you guys are missing the point. While I'm not opposed to looking at different brands, I'm gonna need a compelling argument to for them. I'm mostly talking about THIS boat. What could you or couldn't you do with it? Am I missing something? I don't think I am. Think of it as a Pros/Cons list.
WRB reply :
Mako is popular didn't say it was better quality then Whaler. I see Mako's 23's fishing 60 miles off shore so they definately seaworthy. Good luck with your choice, Whaler should hold it's resale value.
Tom
Smalls reply :
I'm not super experienced with boats with motors. I did work with a guy who used to take me out on St Clair with his Whaler. Can't remember the length offhand,but it wasn't big, 18' tops.
Thing handled some of them infamous St Clair nasty weather days better than my dad's cabin cruiser. When weather came in and most guys would duck for shelter cause the ramp was too far away, he'd yell to "buckle up" and gun it across the lake.
Not wise, and not a cushy ride, but it says something about those boats
ryanerb reply :
On 2/6/2020 at 3:28 AM, J Francho said:A Mako is like a Kia. I'm looking at Mercedes at this point.
Some of you guys are missing the point. While I'm opposed to looking at different brands, I'm gonna need a compelling argument to for them. I'm mostly talking about THIS boat. What could you or couldn't you do with it? Am I missing something? I don't think I am. Think of it as a Pros/Cons list.
Well, if you got the 'cash' for a mercedes, then keep moving forward. There are always more budget options, but why not get the nice stuff if you can afford it.
Only consideration I might have is a heavy boat, requires a big 112lb thrust 36v trolling motor, etc. You mentioned this in the first post.
Center consoles are super universal. You may consider a larger dual console.... Unless there was something I missed making you want the center console. The dual console will feel more like a ski boat, the center feels like an ocean fishing boat.
Haha funny side note, I have NEVER EVER seens a manufacturer advertise standing on the center console driving through a convertible T-TOP. Pretty wild. Can't believe the stuff they come up with these days.
I'm sure you can't go wrong, but you also wanna make sure you are semi right when spending that kind of coin. Everyone has a different taste and set of requirements of what makes the 'right' boat for them and their family.
Vilas15 reply :
On 2/6/2020 at 3:28 AM, J Francho said:
Do I? No. Do we? Yes. Multi species boats typically do not have the center console layout or seating I'm looking for. I mentioned Lund being on my list already. Ranger is not on my list. I have researched the Skeeter SX240 Bay Boat, but there aren't any dealers close by, and it lacks some of the safety features and luxuries offered in the BW. Warriors all look like they are 30"+ transom height, which I infer means they will not draft that shallow, and might not work for what I want.
Some of you guys are missing the point. While I'm opposed to looking at different brands, I'm gonna need a compelling argument to for them. I'm mostly talking about THIS boat. What could you or couldn't you do with it? Am I missing something? I don't think I am. Think of it as a Pros/Cons list.
Not surprised there isn't too much familiarity with center console boats here let alone a specific model, which is why everyone's throwing out some suggestions. There are likely other forums out there that can give you better feedback about a boat like that.
You're looking for a boat to troll the great lakes that drafts shallow, bit of an oxymoron if you ask me. Good luck on your search.
J Francho reply :
I would be less than 10 miles off shore in Great Lakes. More like one or two. I don’t need an off shore rig. Thanks for your input.
VolFan reply :
I think it's a very impressive boat - the only drawbacks I would see are gas consumption on it and your tow vehicle, and nimbleness in close to rocks/shore/shallow water. But you should darn near be able to cross the Atlantic in that thing.
J Francho reply :
Good feedback! My tow vehicle is plenty - GMC Sierra 1/2 ton with 6.2L and full tow package. Boat and trailer come in around 6K lbs. I'd prefer a 3/4 ton, but that's for later. Lakes around here are less than an hour drive. Gas mileage, I'm coming from a boat that burned over 35 gph at WOT. This boat was rated much less, and cruising, gets 11 mpg @ 3500 rpm, with the 350 Verado. I'm cool with that. I generally fish deep, but I hear what your saying about navigating. When I went from an 18' Xpress to the 22' Bullet, it was a big change. idling around marinas was a big adjustment. I don't think I'm crossing the Atlantic, lol. This hull is closer to a bass boat than an off shore boat. But I won't have any reservations going out in Ontario or Erie, weather permitting. Thanks!
12poundbass reply :
On 2/6/2020 at 9:52 PM, J Francho said:Good feedback! My tow vehicle is plenty - GMC Sierra 1/2 ton with 6.2L and full tow package. Boat and trailer come in around 6K lbs. I'd prefer a 3/4 ton, but that's for later. Lakes around here are less than an hour drive. Gas mileage, I'm coming from a boat that burned over 35 gph at WOT. This boat was rated much less, and cruising, gets 11 mpg @ 3500 rpm, with the 350 Verado. I'm cool with that. I generally fish deep, but I hear what your saying about navigating. When I went from an 18' Xpress to the 22' Bullet, it was a big change. idling around marinas was a big adjustment. I don't think I'm crossing the Atlantic, lol. This hull is closer to a bass boat than an off shore boat. But I won't have any reservations going out in Ontario or Erie, weather permitting. Thanks!
Just pull the trigger and order it, spring isn’t too far away.
J Francho reply :
On 2/6/2020 at 11:00 PM, 12poundbass said:Just pull the trigger and order it, spring isn’t too far away.
The rep at the show was ready to draw up the loan papers right there on the spot, lol.
VolFan reply :
Sign the check bud - sounds like you're in.
Hammer 4 reply :
When I fished the local waters (salt) almost every one I knew of had a Whaler, ranging from the 15 footer on up. Another thing, when it came time to sell any of those Whalers, they really held their resale value. When I was looking at buying a used boat locally, I could not believe how much 3 and 4 year old whalers were selling for, so they are a very good value.
slonezp reply :
On 2/6/2020 at 9:22 AM, Vilas15 said:
Not surprised there isn't too much familiarity with center console boats here let alone a specific model, which is why everyone's throwing out some suggestions. There are likely other forums out there that can give you better feedback about a boat like that.
You're looking for a boat to troll the great lakes that drafts shallow, bit of an oxymoron if you ask me. Good luck on your search.
I think you missed the point that he wants a fishing boat he can use as a family boat. A boat that would treat him well on multiple bodies of water. While there is no perfect boat for all situations, he should buy the boat that satisfies the majority of situations.
@J Francho I don't think I'd consider a bay boat for the Great Lakes, and if I did, it certainly wouldn't be a Skeeter. When I bought my Lund, I wanted a boat that could handle Lake Michigan a handful of times a year. Not a boat that would see Lake Michigan weekly. If you like the BW, go for it. The BW and the GW I mentioned are "crossover" boats for lack of a better term. A little bit of inshore and a little bit of offshore.
And if a storm rolls up 2 miles out or 20 miles out, you need a boat that will get you home safe. I got caught in a storm on Lake Michigan in my dad's 26' Pro Line (BTW another brand to consider) that I thought would have been the end for both myself and my son(he was maybe 6 or 7 years old at the time). The waves were every bit of 8ft, maybe more for the last mile of the ride back to the marina. Were I in the Lund, my son and I would have been dead.
J Francho reply :
I have a several Finger Lakes and two Great Lakes within 90 mins drive or less. There are several sheltered bays on the south shore of Ontario, one is five minutes from my house. They all fish like their own smaller lakes separate from the big lake. If weather permits, we run out to the big lake. I doubt I’d even be more than 10 miles out from my launch bay, and that would be fairly close to shore, maybe a mile out. There aren’t reefs on Ontario, just lots of deep water. I’ve been caught in the big lake and had to weather out a storm on a neighboring bay. That’s a really worst case scenario. Really, I need the space And convenience this setup offers, but the same things I get in a dedicated bass fishing boat. That it could be outfitted for trolling for walleye or trout is a bonus. Tow water sports is a given as well. I’ve looked at CC styles seriously for 20 years. Much of my fishing. Is vertical, deep for smallies, and I can’t tell you how often I’ve had to wrestle the rod over a side console to get to the side the fish wanted to be landed on.
Another thing, I’d like my queen to be able to pilot the boat, and I know for a fact driving a performance bass boat is daunting. This set up is much more like the pontoon she has piloted in the past, both with CC.
I guess my questions are still, what am I missing? Yeah, I know it’s big, I’m probably not going to work socks and marinas like I could with an 18’ bass boat, but I have kayaks for that. I bet I could figure some sort of mother ship rig in a boat this big.
There’s also the cost, and don’t think for a second I’m not concerned. It’s a big purchase, and I’m not quite 50, so this may be my last boat - it’s gotta be a boat I really like. I like it more and more as I think about it.
A-Jay reply :
I don't think you're missing anything J.
As the size of a rig increases, everything else about it does as well.
As mentioned, the cost both to run it & maintain it, of course the initial and however long term financial commitment of ownership, and then leaning to run it.
You'll find everything happens slower and takes longer.
Takes a bit longer to getting it going & then a bit to slow it down & eventually stop it.
ANTICIPATION is the key.
Knowing what & when you're going to do two steps ahead of needing to do it, will be an invaluable aspect of handing your new rig.
The wind is your friend during any & all maneuvering operations , use it that way and you may smile more & curse less.
Best of Luck on your decision & impending purchase.
A-Jay
NHBull reply :
I have.....All Day Long
...Not that exact boat, but similar.
VolFan reply :
The only thing you're missing is the boat...just wasting time now - let's start looking at colors and options.
J Francho reply :
I know I said Ranger was out, but I took a look at the Ranger 2510, to see how they stack up. It's not bad, comes in at a lot less $$$. It seems more fishing oriented, and less family friendly features, but not a bad option. The back deck is less water sports/swimming friendly, and more like a traditional OB transom. Rod and tackle storage looks much more purpose built. Their livewells are pretty legendary in the bass boat biz. I don't think it would meet my queen's standards as far as layout, and convertibility, though. For me, nothing jumped out as janky or a deal breaker, other than the name on the side, lol.
When I originally was drawn this style boat, over ten years ago, it was a used 25' Ranger Bay that hooked me in on ebay, and was somewhat local. Seemed like the ideal boat then, but I had heard about some fit and finish, durability issues first hand from Ranger Bay owners. A new Robalo, Grady White, or Yellowfin were out of the question, price wise, so I turned to traditional bass boats.
I'm now open to other brands. Anyone have experience they can share with other models? Any that caught their eye?
kjfishman reply :
Yes and if I win the lottery will have one along with a home on the great lakes to use it in the summer and take to Florida for the winter.
.
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