Dauntless is Boston Whaler’s bay boat line and is a more versatile platform than its Outrage line of center consoles, which are primarily designed for offshore fishing. The new Boston Whaler 250 Dauntless replaces the 240 Dauntless for 2021 and is a keel-up redesign that was focused on making its ride more comfortable in choppy conditions.
1 x 300-hp Mercury V8 1 x 350-hp Mercury Verado 1 x 400-hp Mercury Verado
By Alan Jones
Mission
The layout on the 250 Dauntless has more people-friendly seating for up to 10 passengers and can even handle watersports duties. Though it has enough fishing features to satisfy avid anglers, it’s designed to be a multi-purpose boat best-suited for inshore waters but with more capability than most bay boats.
With 18 degrees of deadrise, the 250 Dauntless can handle the chop in style.
Major Features
One-level casting platforms fore and aft with flush-mounted hardware
Flip-up backrests in the bow form chaise lounges
Increased length, interior freeboard and deadrise angle
Doublewide lounge with fold-down armrests in front of the console with storage underneath
Boarding ladder angled outward for safety
Easier access to head compartment
Convertible rear jump seats that transform into part of the rear deck
A wide choice of Mercury outboard power
Recessed cupholders within easy reach of every seat
Wide choice of hull gelcoat and painted colors
Handling
The hull of the 250 Dauntless is 25’ 8” (7.09 m) and is one foot longer than the 240. The 250 has an 8’ 6” (2.59 m) beam for maximum cockpit space without the need to jump through wide-load trailering hoops. With a deadrise that increased from 16 to 18 degrees and a sharper entry, she sliced through the waves cleanly. Hard turns were very stable and predictable, and no spray entered the cockpit thanks to features like the newly increased bow flare. The optional Active Trim system kept her trimmed properly no matter what speed we went and when we threw the 250 into a turn, the slight reduction in speed automatically trimmed the Verado down for better traction.
A sharper entry and more pronounced bow flare help the 250 Dauntless cut through the waves cleanly and keep spray out of the cockpit.
Performance
Our test boat was powered by Mercury’s 300-hp V8 Verado, which uses 4.6L of displacement to generate power instead of the 2.6L supercharged in-line 6-cylinder engines of earlier generations. The hull weight of the 250 Dauntless comes in at 3,912 lbs. (1,774.45 kg). For our test, it had half a tank of fuel (45 gallons (170.34 L)) and two people on board for a total test weight of 5,214 lbs. (2,365.03 kg) including the engine.
A 16" x 18" Mercury Enertia prop harnessed the torque from the V8 well and the time to plane was 2.6 seconds. The 250 Dauntless reached 20 mph in 4.5 seconds and 30 mph in 6.4 seconds. The top speed was 47.3 mph at 5600 rpm and its best cruise speed was at 33.2 mph at 4000 rpm, which burned 10.6 gph, netting 3.1 mpg.
The standard 300-hp Mercury Verado uses a 4.6L V8 engine block to create lots of torque.
Stern
At the stern, the biggest improvement was to make the rear casting platform larger and all one level. The swim “platformettes” extend past the engine well and angle outward, which places the starboard-side, four-step boarding ladder farther away from the outboard’s lower unit for safety. Underneath the ladder is a hatch that gives access to one of two standard batteries. Under the companion hatch on the port side is the other battery along with plumbing fixtures and the battery selector switch, which is a little hard to access.
The four-step boarding ladder is angled outward for increased safety.
The battery switch was a little hard to reach under the starboard stern compartment.
The twin stern jumpseats are a new design that allows the rider to sit higher for better ergonomics thanks to the thick seat bottom that’s held in place with forward snaps and magnets toward the rear. When it’s time to fish, the seat bottom can be removed, revealing a hatch lid underneath that when flipped forward creates a place to stow the seat bottom and backrest, which flips down into the recess and is hidden when the hatch lid is closed.
Stern jumpseats have angled backrests for comfort and fold down when in fishing mode.
In between the twin jumpseats is a 35-gallon (132.49 L) livewell that has a lid that’s held open with a strut and is gasketed to avoid splashing water into the cockpit when running. The livewell is insulated and can be used as a cooler when in recreation mode.
A 35-gallon (132.49L) livewell is located between the stern jumpseats.
An optional freshwater shower supplied by a 12-gal (45.42L) tank resides at the transom near the starboard jump seat and there’s a fixture for an optional raw water washdown within the engine well.
A raw water washdown fixture is located in the engine well.
Helm
Our test boat had the optional 42” (106.68 cm) wide leaning post that has flip-up bolsters to allow the driving crew to stand or sit, and there are twin armrests that can be flipped up out of the way. The back of the leaning post has three drawers on the left for storage and a large cabinet to the right that has dedicated storage for a 5-gal (18.93 L) bucket. On top are four Yeti-ready cupholders and two rod holders.
An optional leaning post has flip-up bolsters.
The standard leaning post has a reversible backrest that locks in four positions and a cooler is underneath. There’s also an option to add another livewell.
The standard leaning post has a reversible seatback and can be ordered with a second livewell.
We measured 23” (58.42 cm) of cockpit depth at the stern that increases to 25” (63.50 cm) inches farther forward. For added safety, there are low-profile grabrails fore and aft and on the side of the console. The gunwale cap rail measures a minimum of 6” (15.24 cm) wide and has non-skid all around.
Whaler designers used D-rails that are integrated into the console to support the hard top. Though more expensive to manufacture and install, they help create an unobstructed, 20” (50.80 cm) walkway space on either side of the console that is among the roomiest of many larger center consoles we’ve tested.
D-rails support the hard top and are integrated into the console to keep the walkways clear of obstructions.
The helm’s dash has enough real estate to mount a 12” (30.48 cm) multifunction display (MFD) in front of the operator and another 9” (22.86 cm) MFD to the right (our boat had a glove box) with enough room left over for a VHF radio, a Fusion Stereo head unit, Mercury VesselView display and an accessory panel with lighted rocker switches.
There’s enough real estate on the console’s dash for two big-screen electronics displays.
On top of the console is a recessed area covered in SeaDek that’s perfect for tossing loose items like cell phones and wallets. There are two USB plugs: one for charging and another to connect with the stereo and there’s also an induction charging plate for newer smartphones.
On top of the console is storage of odds and ends along with USB plugs and an induction charger for smartphones.
Hardtop
Our test boat had the optional hardtop that was color-matched to the hull’s Glacier Green gelcoat. There are four other gelcoat colors available including the standard white and 11 painted hull color options. The supports are powder-coated, and an owner has a choice of white or black. The hardtop has an overhead light, readily accessible storage for life jackets and four rocket-launcher style fishing rod holders along with a ski tow attachment in between to add to this boat’s versatility.
A watersports tow point adds more function to the hard top option.
Access into the center console’s 52” (132.08 cm) high head compartment has been improved by widening the top of the door to 18” (45.72 cm) so the shoulders fit though more easily and there’s a standard Porta-Potti with pump-out within.
An expanded section for shoulders in the doorway makes it easier to enter the head compartment.
The Forward Lounge
In front of the center console is a new double-wide loung with flip-down armrests, which is a feature usually found only on much larger boats. The lounger creates a 27” (68.58 cm) x 30” (76.20 cm) storage compartment underneath that is tall enough for scuba tank storage racks and has a fishing rod butt holder for storing rods up to 7’ (2.13m) long (the tips protrude into the head compartment).
The doublewide lounge in front of the console is a feature usually only found on larger boats.
Under the doublewide console lounge is rod storage for up to 7-footers.
All of the upholstery has been upgraded on the 250 Dauntless and features denser foam for better support along with more upscale vinyl and double stitching.
At the bow is another sun lounge fitted with only two cushions that can be removed to form a large bow casting platform. There is a pair of flip-up backrests to form chaise lounges and unlike many boats, there’s enough backrest angle for extra comfort, which is true of every seat on this boat.
Flip-up backrests form chaise lounges in the bow.
Underneath the cushion is a large insulated compartment that’s perfect for holding the catch of the day. There’s an anchor locker but we’d like to see a cradle to prevent the anchor from scratching the gelcoat-finished interior. There’s also no bow cleat for tying off the anchor line but this can be remedied by ordering the optional bow roller. An optional sunshade, supported by carbon-fiber poles, keeps the bow section cool on blazing days and is recommend for family use.
The anchor locker could use a cradle and a bow cleat would be useful for anchoring.
Carbon-fiber poles support the optional bow shade.
Options to Consider
All Activity Tower w/ski and wakeboard racks, casting platform and watersport tow point
Bow table
Jackplate
Power-Pole shallow water anchoring system
Bow and stern fishing seats
Lenco trim tabs w/lighted indicators
Raw water washdown
Freshwater shower w/12 gal. tank
Mercury Active Trim
350 or 400 hp Mercury Verado outboard upgrades or downgrade to 250 hp
Choice of Raymarine electronics
Mercury VesselView display
Observations
Kudos to Boston Whaler for offering such a wide range of power. While 250 seems like too little, 400 hp seems like overkill. Although the Verado 300 was a good match, having 350 hp would push this boat’s top speed into the 50s and would give the extra performance needed if the passenger load came close to its 10-person maximum. Because of the superior flotation designed into all Boston Whalers that give them level flotation when swamped, the 250 Dauntless is a great choice for safety-conscious buyers. This boat will appeal to casual inshore anglers and will give them the confidence to go offshore when conditions are moderate.
Test Video Summary
Overview
The Boston Whaler 250 Dauntless is the latest evolution of the Dauntless series, with options to dial her in for specific uses. She switches from a hard fishing platform to a family runabout with little more than a hosing off. BoatTEST’s Captain tested her with the standard Mercury 300-hp Verado V8 outboard.
“This is certainly among the most well thought out and equipped in class.”
Mission And Intended Owner
Built To Do: Fishing and family runabout use
Designed For: Owners who want one boat for hard fishing and family days
Locus Of Operation: Coastal waters
Design Overview
Hull: Completely redesigned, with deadrise increased from 16 degrees on previous versions to 18 degrees
Cockpit: Self-draining, with large drains on both sides
Stern Casting Deck: All hardware flush-mounted to eliminate trip hazards
Engine Well: Contoured so the engine tilts completely out of the water
Helm: To port, leaving plenty of room for an observer to starboard
T-Top Supports: Integrated into the console instead of cutting into side-deck space
“There isn’t a boat in the Boston Whaler lineup that has adverse characteristics, and that’s to be expected from this premium brand.”
Specifications
Length Overall: 25 feet, 8 inches
Beam: 8 feet, 6 inches
Draft: 15 inches
Empty Weight: 3,917 pounds
Fuel Capacity: 90 gallons
Water Tank: 18 gallons
Deadrise: 18 degrees
Cockpit Depth: 25 inches
Side Decks: 20 inches wide
Bow Rails: 70 inches long on each side
Console Seat Storage: 27 by 30 inches
Baitwell: 35 gallons
Cleats: Six 8-inch cleats in molded-in recesses
Test Conditions And Test Weight
Load: Half fuel and two people
Test Weight: 5,214 pounds
Performance
Tested Power: Standard Mercury 300-hp Verado V8 turning a 16 x 18 three-blade Enertia prop
Optional Power: 350 or 400 hp
Top Speed: 47.3 mph at 5,600 rpm
Best Cruise: 33.2 mph at 4,000 rpm, burning 10.6 gph
Fuel Economy At Best Cruise: 3.1 mpg
Range At Best Cruise: 253 statute miles, holding a 10% reserve
Active Trim: Mercury’s system automatically adjusts engine trim throughout the operating range
RPM
MPH
GPH
MPG
Range (SM)
4,000
33.2
10.6
3.1
253
5,600
47.3
—
—
—
Acceleration:
Time To Plane: An average 2.6 seconds
0–20 mph: 4.5 seconds
0–30 mph: 6.6 seconds
Sea Trial And Handling
Throttle Response: Excellent
Feel: Solid
Turns: Stable, with no oscillation
Ventilation: With Active Trim, no adjustment was needed to avoid prop ventilation
Wakes: Sliced through cleanly
Spray: None came aboard
Visibility: Tempered glass half windshield with zero distortion at the side curves
“She handles like a sweetheart, with a solid feel to her.”
“Try as I might, I couldn’t get spray to come aboard.”
Engine Room Or Mechanical Compartment
Batteries: One under a hatch beneath the starboard casting deck, ahead of the reboarding ladder; the second, with the battery switch, to port
Raw-Water Washdown: Connection to port of the engine well
Cockpit Depth: 25 inches
Features Inspection
The Helm
Compass: In line with the wheel
Catch-All: Recessed, self-draining, padded surface around the compass with connectivity, charging plugs and an inductive charger
Display: 12-inch multifunction display above the wheel
Second Display Space: Room for another display, or a lockable glove box
Engine Display: Mercury VesselView 4
Audio: Fusion Apollo series stereo
Wheel: Tilt base
Helm Seat (Upgraded): Double wide, with dual flip bolsters, premium two-tone upholstery, double stitching, high-density foam, and flip-up stainless and padded armrests
Seat Options: A leaning post with a flip seatback, with insulated storage or a second livewell below
Fiberglass T-Top (Optional): Optional Glacier Green underside matching the hull, grab handles in white or black, PFD storage, four rocket launchers and a center tow point
Other Options: Canvas T-top, or a Bimini for height-restricted areas
Anchor Locker And Ground Tackle
Anchor Locker: Forward compartment under the bow casting platform
Boarding Amenities
Reboarding Ladder: Four steps, under a starboard hatch, angled away from the engine’s sharp running gear
Freshwater Shower: At the transom, with a pullout wand
Grab Rails: Recessed into the tops of the bulwarks
High Rails (Optional): Surround the boat
Cockpit Arrangement And Equipment
Stern Casting Deck: Flush hardware, two rod holders on each side
Baitwell: 35 gallons, aerated, in the center, under a gasketed hatch with a stainless support strut
Stern Seats: Port and starboard. Open the hatch, flip the seatback out and add the lower cushion, which snaps in front and attaches by magnet at the rear.
Starboard Station Behind The Helm:
Two rod holders and four beverage holders
Storage below, including space for a 5-gallon bucket
Three drawers on stainless ball-bearing slides
Grab rail against the seatback, with another integrated rail
“These seats are remarkably ergonomic.”
Bow Arrangement
Console Seat: Double-wide lounge with flip-down armrests, beverage holders, a grab handle and speakers
Storage: Under the console seat cushion, 27 by 30 inches, with room for 7-foot rods
Sun Lounge: Large, with convertible seatbacks on both sides that create dual lounges
Beverage Holders: Integrated into the 70-inch rails in molded recesses
Casting Platform: Remove the cushions
Storage Below: Aft compartment is insulated and self-draining
Bow Shade (Optional): On carbon fiber stanchions
Interior Spaces
Head:
Entry: Starboard side of the console, with a grab handle over the door
Door: Shaped to add width at the shoulders, on tension hinges so it neither swings closed nor bangs the console
Toilet: Standard porta potti with pump-out
Ignition: On the aft bulkhead
“This is a perfect example of attention to detail.”
General Construction
Solid build, with attention to detail at every turn
“With her solid build, she’ll be around for generations.”
Advantages And Disadvantages
Advantages
Redesigned 18-degree deadrise hull with a solid feel
No spray aboard, try as The Captain might
Stable turns with no oscillation or ventilation, thanks to Active Trim
Planes in an average 2.6 seconds with excellent throttle response
Fast 33.2 mph best cruise with a 253-mile range
Flush stern casting deck with no trip hazards
Remarkably ergonomic stern seats
Thoughtful head door design and standard pump-out
Among the most well thought out and equipped in class
Disadvantages
Head has a porta potti
T-top, high rails, bow shade, second livewell and higher-horsepower engines are optional
