Beam: 9’0″
Dry Weight: 4,800 lb.
Seating/Weight Capacity: 12/3,349 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 150 gal. More Information: whaler.com Boston Whaler
Boston Whaler’s 270 Dauntless floats shallow for inshore fishing or beach picnics (check out the optional folding bow ladder), but it can also run messy inlets to fish offshore. It’s slender enough to trailer easily, but a moderate-deadrise bottom and a buoyant bow help its generous length negotiate nasty seas and keep steady on a drift. Best of all, while twin engines are available, the 270 Dauntless ran well with a single 300 hp Mercury Verado outboard during our testing, meaning you save on purchase, operation and maintenance while gaining space on the transom swim platform (which also sports a ladder).
Family-friendly features include a roomy, ventilated head, including a portable toilet with pump-out. The front of the console offers a lounge seat for two with cavernous, lockable storage beneath (with room for dedicated racks that can hold five rods). Fit cushions to the bow’s casting platform and add the table between the platform and the console lounge to make seating for six. Or stow the table and flip up the aft ends of the bow-platform seats to provide two more lounges. An optional sunshade attaches to the fiberglass hardtop.
The helm offers space for two 12-inch Raymarine electronics displays, something those with the fishing bug might appreciate. But don’t forget that today’s multifunction marine electronics displays can also provide entertainment. Movies, games, music … the control, display and output of all these can be done at the helm.
The 270 Dauntless offers three different options for a leaning post/helm seat, including four rod holders, a cooler, sink, and a livewell or countertop. There’s more rod storage on the aft end of the hardtop and across the aft deck. The stern seat has a folding backrest, so it easily converts into another casting deck.
For tow sports, a ski pylon fits onto the stern deck, and an 18-gallon tank supplies fresh water to a shower wand that’s mounted there. While the stern swim platform serves most needs, this boat also offers an optional fold-down swim patio mounted in the port side. Versatility is what the 270 Dauntless is all about.
High Points
*Roomy, able, near-coastal fishing boat with lots of family features
*Good performance with a single engine means savings in purchase and operation.
*Head’s size is for adults, not just children.
*Unsinkable, self-bailing construction enhances safety.
How We Tested
Engine: Single 300 hp Mercury Verado
Drive/Prop: Outboard/Enertia 15″ x 15″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.85:1
Fuel Load: 40 gal.
Crew Weight: 400 lb.
Price
$107,084 (base with single 300 hp Verado; $111,711 base with single 350 hp Verado)
