For many, the American shipyard Boston Whaler is more than just a shipyard. In the USA in particular, it is something like Mount Olympus. In regions such as the Florida Keys, the boats are part of everyday life. Of course, fishing is to Americans what playing football is to Germans. Even children start this hobby at an early age, and this requires a robust, well-designed and, above all, safe boat. On the Baltic Sea, you often see small fishing boats that are barely longer than three or four metres, for example a Terhi 450. Anyone travelling on the Atlantic in a boat like this is unlikely to have much fun. The boats are simply not built for the conditions that prevail there.
A special advantage
The situation is different at the Boston Whaler shipyard, founded in 1958. Everything here is geared towards adventure at sea, whatever the weather. In Europe, this could perhaps be compared to the currently very popular Scandinavian "bad weather boats" such as a Axopar 29 XC Cross Cabin or the new XO DFNDR 9. As it rains less and is warmer in Florida, you don't need a cabin. However, all Boston Whaler boats have one particular advantage: the hull is completely foam-filled, making the boat unsinkable. The shipyard also demonstrates this, which is why you can often see a model on social media that has been cut in half.
However, this is not intended to be a boatyard presentation, but a boat test of the Boston Whaler 250 Dauntless. The Dauntless series is designed for inshore fishing, water sports and as an excursion boat. You can feel the "fishing DNA" as soon as you step aboard the 250. There is no full-length bench seat in the stern area and instead a kind of aft deck is installed. All hinges are flush-mounted so that you can't stub your toe anywhere when moving around on it. So if you've hooked a big tuna or, if you're lucky, a big salmon or cod, you can move around freely. A live fish tank is concealed under the centre flap. If you're not into fishing, simply fill it with ice to cool your favourite drink. Individual seats fold out of the aft deck on the right and left. The backrest is firmly attached to the folding section, the seat is secured with magnets on the surface and buttons on the underside.
Equipment Boston Whaler 250 Dauntless
The steering position is located in the centre of the boat. In our version, the test boat is equipped with a deluxe helmseat package. This means that we have a double bench seat and plenty of storage space. There are three drawers and a large flap. The bench is comfortably upholstered and can be used for sitting or leaning on, as is common today. There are padded armrests on the sides. The driving position is equipped with a 12-inch Raymarine plotter, a Fusion audio control unit and Mercury's own engine control unit. Lights, horn and much more are classically operated via a row of switches. The steering wheel, throttle and trim system are of course also available. So everything your heart desires is there. There is even room for two cup holders and a small storage compartment. If you wish, you can also order two 9-inch plotters.
A small chemical toilet is installed in the console. The space is not particularly large, but it should be enough for an emergency toilet. A fabric-covered T-top provides protection from the sun. Fishing rod holders are also attached to the aluminium frame, which is made of tubes. For those who want to engage in other sporting activities on the water, a water ski towing eyelet is built into the centre of the T-top. Further forward, there is a seating area designated by the manufacturer as a lounge. The lounge is a 1.10 x 1.15 metre surface with a back cushion. You lean against the steering position to sit on it. It is too small for lying down. There is plenty of storage space underneath. There are armrests on the sides.
The pad is attached to eyelets with rubber bands. If all the straps are securely fastened, the pad will stay in place even at full throttle. If one or two fastenings are forgotten, there is a risk that the pad will be lost.
Also interesting:
In the bow, the classic picture - a sunbathing area. But the special feature here too: The rear side cushions can be folded up and then act as a backrest. The direction of view is towards the bow. There are stowage options underneath and the anchor box at the very front. Grab handles and cup holders are also provided. Shade can be created on the side deck using carbon fibre poles and an awning and, of course, the appropriate mounts.
So far, the boat has impressed us with its good workmanship and cool gimmicks. We also like the feeling of the raised side walls (61 centimetres), which convey a sense of security. Now the 250 has to show whether it can also ride.
The test drive with the Boston Whaler
We start the 300 hp Mercury engine and cast off. Outside the harbour, we accelerate just enough to avoid a wave. This point is around 1500 revolutions per minute. The log shows a speed of around 5.5 knots. If we accelerate further, the Boston Whaler starts to glide at the typical 2500 to 3000 rpm. The speed is around 10 knots. A good and economical glide is achieved at 3500 rpm and a speed of 24.5 knots. The Whaler consumes 31.8 litres of petrol per hour. Converted to the very large tank capacity of 341 litres minus 15 percent reserve, this results in a range of 223 nautical miles or nine hours and six minutes.
The boat cuts a fine figure at all speeds, no lurching, no whirring noises from swinging parts or flaps. You can also let go of the steering wheel and the Whaler still drives straight ahead. It also performs well on the slalom course. The 250 Dauntless feels light-footed and lively, almost like a kart on the racetrack. At maximum acceleration, we have around 45 knots on the log.
With a little less speed, we start with tight circles, the boat doesn't get bogged down, but turns its laps at a leisurely pace. Even at over 30 knots, this is no problem. We use the bench to lean against. Back towards the harbour, we make ourselves comfortable. The view remains clear and we are glad of the armrests.
Technical data
- CE category: C/10
- Length over everything: 7,32 m
- Width: 2,59 m
- Displacement: 2,150 kg
- Draught (top drive): 0,38 m
- Clearance height: 2,41 m
- Fuel tank: 341 l
- Max. motorisation: 298 kW (400 hp)
- Test motorisation: Mercury F300 220 kW (300 hp)
- Price (with motor and T-top): 196.020 €
- Further information: atlanticmarine.com
Measurement results
Conclusion
The Boston Whaler 250 Dauntless is not just a fishing boat for high earners, but also a real family boat. Of course, the price is high for a 25-foot boat, but it is also reflected in the workmanship and, above all, in the well thought-out features.
Advantages
plenty of space for fishing
unsinkable
large tank for a 25-foot boat
Jan-Ole Puls
Editor Test & Technology
