When Boston Whaler’s R&D team set out to expand the Dauntless bay boat line, they chose to redesign two new models from the hull up: the 220 Dauntless and the 250 Dauntless. Positioned to replace the outgoing 210 and 240 models respectively, these boats were engineered to broaden owners’ capabilities—preserving the inshore fishing DNA of the series while giving skippers the confidence to chase nearshore and coastal species. At the same time, both models are intended to be family-friendly platforms for cruising, watersports and dayboat use.
Both the 220 and 250 feature a deeper-V running surface than their predecessors. Each hull presents 18 degrees of deadrise at the transom (compared with 16 degrees on the older models) and offers two inches more freeboard. According to John Barbier, design manager at Boston Whaler, the increased freeboard improves the boats’ ability to handle rougher water and extend seasonality for owners. The 250’s bow also adds more flare to help keep the forward ride drier in choppy conditions.
The topside layouts were shaped by extensive owner interviews and real-world testing. Boston Whaler’s team visited owners at their boats and homes to learn what works and where frustrations arise, then folded that feedback into practical design choices. The result is a pair of center-consoles that balance fishing features with everyday comfort and storage solutions.
A standout amenity on both new Dauntless models is the forward two-person sunlounge, complete with automotive-style armrests—an option that proved extremely popular when introduced on the 270 Dauntless. Families appreciate the comfortable sunbed for lounging and social time, while anglers value the large charter-style storage beneath it, which includes lockable rod stowage sized for 7-foot rods. To incorporate the sunlounge, bow seating is slightly more compact, yet the 250 retains a lounge seat with flip-up backrests similar to the outgoing 240 layout.
Aft seating has been thoughtfully reworked on both boats. Each model uses two individual fold-open seats with removable cushions that stow underneath; the seatbacks fold down to create smooth, level fishing surfaces. On the 220 this yields dual stern casting decks, while the 250 converts to a full-beam, flush-deck casting platform. Eliminating elevation changes between seats and decks improves safety and footing when anglers are working the stern.
Livewell configurations differ between the models: the 250 includes a 35-gallon livewell positioned between the aft seats, while the 220 doesn’t have dedicated space in the standard layout; however, one of the optional leaning-post configurations for the 220 incorporates a 30-gallon livewell. Both models benefit from a range of leaning-post choices, including aluminum and deluxe fiberglass versions, allowing owners to customize their boat for serious fishing or more recreational use.
The standard helm on both Dauntless models is a reversible pilot seat with a locking backrest and an integrated cooler, and buyers can opt for either a T-top or a fiberglass hardtop. Practical touches pepper the dash area, such as a SeaDek pad above the console that provides a secure spot for wallets, sunglasses and keys—an outcome of the design team’s user-focused research on where owners want to store small items while underway.
Boston Whaler also enlarged the console door after hearing customer feedback about access. The 220’s console is sized to hold a portable marine head, while the 250 includes pump-out plumbing for a head option—another example of balancing compact center-console space with real amenities for day cruising and extended outings.
Power options offer broad flexibility. The 220 supports up to five Mercury outboard choices, topping out at 250 hp, while the 250 can be specified with up to eight options and a maximum of 400 hp. Test boats were fitted with a 250-hp and a 300-hp Mercury, respectively; on calm Sarasota Bay both proved lively, delivering strong hole shots and crisp handling, particularly in tight turns.
With robust hulls, carefully considered storage and seating innovations, and an extensive menu of factory options, the 220 and 250 Dauntless models represent a versatile new breed of hybrid bay boats. They offer anglers the attributes they need for serious fishing while remaining comfortable and safe platforms for families and recreational boaters who want to spend more time enjoying the water—on the bay or a short way beyond it.
250 Dauntless Specifications
LOA: 24’9”
Beam: 8’6”
Draft: 1’3”
Weight: 4,740 lbs.
Fuel: 90 gals.
Power: (1) 250-hp XL V8 Mercury
Price: $110,666
220 Dauntless Specifications
LOA: 22’0”
Beam: 8’6”
Draft: 1’3”
Weight: 4,135 lbs.
Fuel: 80 gals.
Power: (1) 200-hp XL V6 Mercury
Price: $83,575
This article was originally published in the April 2021 issue.