Boston Whaler 250 Dauntless test: an irresistible open hull

With its pointed bow and flared hull, this open marks the renewal of Boston Whaler’s Dauntless range. But it retains the know-how and attention to quality and detail specific to this famous American brand. Irresistible ! Photos : Virginie Pelagalli.

Things are moving in the Dauntless range from the famous American shipyard Boston Whaler! Last year, this series of open, family-oriented hulls consisted of five models, a 170, a 180, a 210, a 240 and a 270. For 2022, Boston has decided to eliminate the 170 and 180 and to replace the 210 with a 220 and the 240 with a 250.

The steering console offers an excellent driving position with its large adjustable steering wheel and the perfectly positioned throttle. The backrest of the pilot’s bench seat is reversible to offer, at anchor, a rear-facing seat.

The 270 at the moment does not change, but it should certainly in the short term also be replaced. Because the new 220 and 250 mark, without a doubt, the arrival of a new generation of Dauntless. Thanks to the Boston Whaler dealer in Hyères, the company Mas Marine, we had the chance to try one of these two new models exclusively, in this case the 250 Dauntless.

A little something retro…

Even before boarding, just watching it sail, we fell in love! The lines are taut and the silhouette is absolutely sublime.

The front, square on the old Dauntless, has been abandoned in favor of a pointed bow which gives it a retro and particularly elegant look and marks the spirit of this new generation.

The rear of the cockpit is equipped with two seats separated by a livewell. Simply remove the cushions, held in place by press studs and a system of magnets, store them under the board and fold down the backrests to obtain a beautiful platform that anglers will undoubtedly appreciate.

The hull has also been modified and now displays, instead of a curved front, a tulip V. Our 250 Dauntless was equipped for our tests with its maximum engine, a 400 horsepower Mercury Verado with which it proved to be a real fighter, as evidenced by its top speed close to 50 knots and 3.9 seconds only that he puts on to plan.

A small table, invoiced at €2,718, is easily fixed and provides a pleasant deck saloon forward.

Despite this imposing cavalry, the piloting remains accessible and very pleasant, and the hull displays a behavior that is still very sound, even with the trim mounted high.

Exemplary behavior at sea

Boston remains faithful to its reputation and we find on this boat all the particular care taken in manufacturing. In addition to an irreproachable perceived quality, this know-how is reflected in navigation by the total absence of vibrations and resonance.

The crossing of the waves is done gently and accompanied by a strong feeling of security: as for the fallout, they always remain comfortable. The angle of heel in turns is moderate and the grip perfect. In short, for the 250 Dauntless, “plumage and ramage” are just as exceptional.

As an option, the 250 Dauntless receives an aluminum T-top painted in black, as here, or in white. The canvas can be replaced by a hard top.

It remains to be seen whether, for a family-oriented unit, a 400 horsepower engine is really useful. Moreover, the 250 Dauntless is offered with other engines, a 250 horsepower Mercury V8, but also a 300 horsepower Mercury V8 and a 350 horsepower Mercury Verado.

Under the sundeck, before the anchor locker, there is a storage locker.

As described in the technical sheet, it is interesting to note that, at cruising speeds of 4,000 and 4,500 rpm, the speeds and consumption of the other engines, communicated by the shipyard, are quite close to those obtained with the 400 horsepower.

A price difference to take into account

The difference is obviously made in the higher regimes and the maximum speeds. However, even with the “smallest” engine, the 250 Dauntless exceeds the 40 knot mark, which is still a very respectable top speed, especially for a family program unit.

The pilot can drive seated or standing thanks to the backrest which can be fixed in a vertical position.

In addition, knowing that the boat costs €19,000 more with the 400 horsepower than with the 250 horsepower, this difference deserves to be asked, especially since the price of the Bostons remains “the angry subject”… Boston Whaler are certainly above the others in terms of price, but the latter are justified by their unequaled quality and solidity!

In conclusion

A Boston remains a Boston, whatever its size! Here, as on larger units, attention to detail is pushed to its climax and the words quality and solidity take on their full meaning. Admittedly, the price is high, but the pleasure experienced at the helm of this open boat is such that you would almost forget it!

Features of the Boston Whaler 250 Dauntless

Overall length 7,62 m

hull length 7,32 m

Width 2,59 m

Weight 2 711 kg

Draught 0,38 m

air brace 1,85-2,41 m

power advised 300 ch

Maximum power 400 ch

water capacity 45 l (option)

Fuel Capacity 341 l

Homologation cat.C/10 pers.

Transmission outboard

Builder Boston Whaler

Contact French network

PRIX du Boston Whaler 250 Dauntless

• €185,430 with 250 hp Mercury Verado
• €190,080 with 300 hp Mercury Verado
• €197,122 with 350 hp Mercury Verado
• €204,375 with 400 hp Mercury Verado

Boston Whaler 250 Dauntless spec sheet

Motorisation : 350 ch Mercury

Propellers: 17 inch Enertia

rpm	Speed ​​in knots	Conso in l / h	Yield in thousand/l
3 500	22,1	29,5	0,72
4 000	29	40,5	0,71
4 500	32,9	51,4	0,64
5 000	36,8	69,5	0,60
5 930	44,4	88,5	0,50

Our assessments

Most

• Very elegant line
• Build quality and level of finish
• Marine qualities

The lessers

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Posted by Stephanie de Loustal

The “Motor Boat” adventure began in June 1991 for Stéphanie. Over the years, his passion for the sea and boats has remained intact. She is now Editorial Director of Motor Boat Magazine, Neptune Yachting Motor and Argus du Bateau.

See all articles by Stephanie de Loustal

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