Versatility at its finest!
By Mike Burns
Founded in 1958, Boston Whaler made its debut at the New York Boat Show, where Brunswick Corp., the current parent company, showcased the all-new 280 Dauntless. Almost 30 years ago, the popular Dauntless was introduced, known for its strong performance, excellent seakeeping abilities, smooth ride, and, famously, its ‘unsinkable’ quality.
The newly redesigned 280 Dauntless, alongside its sister model, the 250 Dauntless, stands as the flagship of the Dauntless series. It features enhanced bow flair and a higher freeboard, resulting in an exceptionally smooth and dry ride.
The optional windlass and beach boarding ladder allow you to anchor wherever your journey takes you.
The new 280 Dauntless measures just under a foot longer than its predecessor, the 270, while maintaining the same beam of 9 feet. However, the new model brings many enhancements. The transom area is spacious, allowing for easy boarding from both the dock and the water via a folding swim ladder located on the starboard side. A convenient passageway to starboard grants access to the cockpit, which features a casting platform that easily converts into twin bench seating, adjacent to a 19-gallon live-well. Convenient freshwater and saltwater wash-downs are easily accessible.
Underneath the bench seat is a sizable storage area, which is impressive but even more remarkable is the fact that the storage compartment’s bottom folds up, providing easy access to batteries, bilge pumps, and other mechanical components.
To port, our test model was equipped with the optional and highly useful ‘patio’. With the release of two latches and a safety pin, a section of the hull side deploys, creating a flat deck (hence ‘patio’) for easy boarding alongside. Alternatively, you can attach a swim ladder at the aft for an extra convenient entry and exit point from the water.
A stainless steel steering wheel equipped with a steering knob allows for easy one-handed operation.
The helm of the 280 Dauntless offers four seat configurations. The standard helm seat is innovative and versatile, allowing the bench seat to flip to a forward or aft-facing position with the touch of a button. Our test boat was equipped with the deluxe leaning post that accommodates the optional Seakeeper 1 gyro-stabilizer. A fixed dual helm seat is positioned just aft of the bench itself, where you will find a sink, a pair of rod holders, storage compartments, and recessed cup holders. This configuration can also include a larger second live-well in place of the sink, storage options, or the gyro. All helm seat configurations come with flip-up bolsters and armrests to ensure comfortable operation regardless of conditions.
The functional wet bar is one of the many versatile features of the 280 Dauntless.
The helm is designed in a straightforward yet efficient manner. The stainless steel wheel features a turning knob, and the Mercury controls, including the Joystick, are easily accessible. In front of the wheel, our test boat came with the option of a Simrad 16” display, part of the Deluxe Electronics Package. This display not only offers standard navigation features but also allows monitoring of onboard systems such as lighting and pumps. For redundancy, rocker switches line the helm for frequently used functions.
Mercury’s JPO (Joystick Piloting for Outboards) simplifies close quarters maneuvering!
Above the helm, there is a built-in flat charger for cell phones, along with USB ports and a compass. While standard compasses may not be widely utilized today, it raises concerns about creating a ‘resting place’ for items like phones in close proximity to the built-in compass, which can be disrupted by magnetic interference.
For the T-Top enclosure, Boston Whaler offers various windshield options. Our test boat was equipped with a full glass enclosure featuring a wiper, washer, and power vent above. The base model has the more standard ‘half-glass’ configuration, which offers a bit more exposure to the elements, whether favorable or not.
The full-glass enclosure provides ample protection against the elements, with other enclosure options also available.
The underside of the fiberglass hardtop can be color-configured to match the hull sides. The optional retractable PTX Sureshade is an excellent feature that offers additional protection from the elements at the touch of a button. If you decide not to choose the Sureshade, four rod holders will be mounted at the trailing edge of the T-Top.
To starboard, a large hatch provides access to a head compartment beneath the helm. The base model is equipped with a standard manual head, while the upgraded version includes a VacuFlush system. This compartment also houses the remote battery switches, breakers, ignition switches, and offers fold-down access to the back of the dashboard.
Spacious forward lounge conceals a large storage compartment for easy access to dive tanks, buckets, and fishing rods.
Forward of the console, a comfortable and spacious twin lounge features flip-up armrests. The base of this lounge flips up to reveal a huge lockable storage compartment, long enough to accommodate seven-foot fishing rods and other large items. Below the hatch, there is also a handy storage space for the forward table. This table can be used traditionally or lowered to serve as a casting deck, and when a filler cushion is added, it transforms into a cozy sunpad!
Generous seating at the bow. Port & Starboard bench seats can also transform into loungers.
Additional storage can be found in the massive in-deck locker.
Continuing forwards, our test boat had low-profile grab rails that lay flush with the gunnel, although you can also opt for traditional high bow rails. To port and starboard, a pair of forward bench seats have convenient flip-up back rests, and an additional insulated storage compartment can double as a cooler. A large hatch in the deck of the bow area opens up to reveal a massive insulated fish box complete with pump-out.
At the bow, the anchor locker is equipped with an optional windlass and forward boarding ladder. This area also has two bases for poles for a sunshade that clips to the hardtop and provides excellent sun protection.
Twin Mercury CLX V8 Dual Verado w/JPO propel the 280 Dauntless at a comfortable speed of 38.8 mph at 4000 rpm.
The 280 Dauntless is available with Mercury engines in single (350 HP) or twin engine configurations (up to twin 350 HP), with our test boat featuring the latter. With the twin engine configuration, operators benefit from Joystick Piloting (JPO), and regardless of the engine package selected, you can choose between white or black colors.
On a sweltering summer day, we took the 280 Dauntless for a spin on the Hudson River – and selfishly, to cool off while admiring the stunning views of lower Manhattan! Unfortunately, the busy ferry traffic and a brisk wind did not provide ideal testing conditions, especially for assessing top speeds. However, we took the chance to evaluate its performance in choppy waters, and as expected, it was impressive. The ride was smooth and soft, even in rough conditions, and the combination of the gyro and the expertly designed hull provided a stable and dry experience. In turns, the 280 Dauntless felt secure, and the helm responded effortlessly, requiring minimal movement to navigate with agility.
Heading towards the Statue of Liberty, we cruised comfortably at 33 mph at 3500 RPM. At full throttle, we barely surpassed 50 mph, as the chop and opposing tide prevented an optimal run. According to the manufacturer, they have recorded a speed of 58.5 mph at 6000 RPM. As we returned to the Brunswick event dock at Chelsea Piers, the Joystick control was remarkably smooth, and maneuvering around the dock was impressive.
Boston Whaler continues to demonstrate why they excel in producing a complete line of versatile and exceptionally crafted models. Whether it’s for inshore or offshore fishing, a day filled with water sports, or leisurely cruising, the 280 Dauntless truly excels at it all.
Boston Whaler 280 Dauntless Specifications
LOA: 28’ 8” / 8.74 m
Beam: 9’0” / 2.74 m
Draft: 18” / 0.46 m
Dry Weight (no engine): 5,495 lbs. / 2,492 kg
Weight (engine, fuel, water): 7,410 lbs. / 3,361 kg
Max. Weight Capacity: 3,736 lbs. / 1,694 kg
Person Capacity: 12
Maximum HP: 600 hp
Minimum HP: 350 hp
Deadrise at Transom: 18 degrees
Fuel Capacity: 160 gal. / 606 L
Water Capacity: 18 gal. / 68 L
Performance (Manufacturer Provided)
RPM MPH GPH MPG RANGE
600 3.3 1.5 2.28 328
1000 5.6 2.7 2.09 302
1500 7.9 4.5 1.76 254
2000 9.6 7.2 1.33 192
2500 13.3 9.7 1.38 198
2750 16.4 11.2 1.47 211
3000 25.6 12.2 2.10 303
3250 29.8 14.0 2.14 308
3500 33.0 15.9 2.08 300
4000 38.8 20.7 1.88 270
4500 43.9 25.8 1.70 245
5000 49.0 32.2 1.52 219
5500 54.0 40.2 1.34 194
6000 58.5 47.2 1.24 178
For more details: www.bostonwhaler.com