Boston Whaler says its Dauntless center-console bay boats are “built to do it all”. They mean inshore fishing, watersports, island-hopping, and “every activity imaginable.” The smallest of the Dauntless family, the 220, promises versatility with special pricing at Chesapeake Whalertowne.
At 22’ overall, the 220 is compact enough to launch easily off a dual-axle trailer towed by a compact crew-cab pickup, but she’s large and able enough to be safe—operating carefully—anywhere in the Chesapeake. Her moderate-V hull allows her to run well with Mercury’s smooth, efficient, and powerful 225-hp V-6 outboard. And like all Boston Whalers, she’s unsinkable, thanks to her foam-filled Unibond construction.
“Do it all” first means carrying up to nine passengers, with seats for six and secure handholds for three more standing around the T-top/hardtop and the helm’s leaning post while underway. Either top option also offers lifejacket storage. On the hook or idling up a creek, those three can sit comfortably on the cushioned bow platform. The seats include a double lounge with grab handles and cupholders in front of the console, two at the helm, and two on jump seats on either side of the transom splashwell.
For tow sports, both top options (laced canvas or hardtop) include elevated towpoints, while twin transom platforms serve swimmers. The starboard platform holds a telescoping ladder. There’s plenty of storage in the bow deck, under the lounge, and inside a cooler under the helm’s leaning post for food, drink, and gear. Under the console, there’s space for a changing room and a portable head with pumpout, as well as lockable storage and access to the console’s operating systems.
Remove the bow cushions, fold down the tops of the transom jump seats, deploy the (optional) 36-volt MotorGuide bow mount electric motor, though, and this Dauntless is ready to prowl the Chesapeake’s marsh banks, bridge pilings, wrecks, and oyster reefs with casting platforms fore and aft. Each top option offers four rod holders on the aft edge, as do the leaning post options, while the transom has three holders in the center (one of which can be replaced by a ski pylon). There are also rod holders on either side of the bow platform and one in each gunwale. Both leaning post options offer either a cooler/fishbox or a livewell.
Though the 220 Dauntless is available with a 250-hp Mercury V-8 outboard, the 225-hp V-6 offers a wide range of 15-30-knot efficient cruising speeds (3,000-4,500 rpm) with a range of 250-300 nautical miles and a top speed of 42 knots (6,000 rpm), according to Mercury’s performance figures. Like other Whalers, the owner’s manual (137 pages for this model) provides clear, extensive diagrams for access to and maintenance of the 220’s wiring, plumbing, steering, and control systems.
Base MSRP for the 220 Dauntless with a T-top and a 225-hp Mercury V-6 is $127,707. According to the Build & Price section of the website, adding desirable options like bow cushions, Simrad electronics, a trolling motor with batteries, a washdown or freshwater shower, and an aluminum trailer push the MSRP to around $170,000. To see what deals might be available, discuss your needs with Chesapeake Whalertowne.
SPECIFICATIONS
LOA: 22’
Beam: 8’6”
Draft: 15”
Transom Deadrise: 180
Persons Capacity: 9
Fuel Capacity: 80 gal.
Freshwater Capacity: 12 gal.
Weight: 3,040 lbs. (dry, no engine)
Weight with engine, fuel, & batteries: 4,135 lbs.
Max HP: 250
Bridge Clearance: 5’11” w/ hardtop
