BOSTON 270 DAUNTLESS. FOR EVERYONE, READY FOR ANYTHING

Boston Whaler 270 Dauntless is a clear example of how a fast funny fishing boat can satisfy even the needs of a normal quiet family having their holiday on the sea. It is a versatile 8-metre-boat, with many convertible elements, which confirm the excellent builder’s skills.

The basis of everything is a construction which make boats “unsinkable legends” thanks to a particular construction technology which uses foam between two layers. The final result (and the absolute singularity) is a “light but very strong monolith”, with stainless hardware and excellent finishings (even inside the smallest locker).

When a hatch or a locker is closed, it produces a noise like a solid reassuring “clonk”. So, not plastic, but something more.

The deck is so simple than appropriate and it assures an excellent circulation on board even though the boat is only 8 metres long. The space is divided into three different areas: a big central cockpit, a fore living zone and an astern fishing area (or a kitchen, thanks to a small corner behind the seat).

A fore sunbathing platform satisfies all those who wants to sunbathe and it is equipped with a small detachable table, surrounded by six chairs. The locker (picture above) under the cockpit seat is huge and very useful, like the anchor one, which has the same size than in a boat 5/6 metres longer.

The astern bench is a good example of versatility: the seatback is flip-open (thanks to two lateral small pistons), while the lined part leaves room for a solid fiberglass surface.

What else have we appreciated? The driver’s desk. The seat is adjustable in all directions (even for not tall pilots), levers are well-arranged, tools are easy to read ( you can choose a 9′ or a 12′ display) and wheel can be turned in an almost horizontal position, which is very comfortable in long navigations.

Among the most useful optionals, we like the new flip-open lateral small dash-board which can be powered manually with some powerful pistons (there is also an intelligent alarm system which signals if you forget it lowered) and the hard top. They cost 15,000 and 9,000 dollars, respectively.

The small bathroom under the console (not too small, the height is 1,6 m) is an intelligent useful solution.

As regards performances, 270 Dauntless ensures excellent speed and great fun. Drawing trajectories is a pleasure and it is always surprising to see how Boston boats keep dry even when you decide to exaggerate (maybe when sea is rough, like during our sea trial).

Our boat had two Mercury Verado 200 HP engines. Maybe the best solution among the possible engines (there are in fact also: 1 x 300 Hp engine, 2 x 150 Hp and 2×225 HP engines, all Verado, since Boston and Mercury are part of the Brunswick family). The maximum speed is 44 knots, while fast cruising speed is 38 knots ( less than 100 l/h). For long travels, you can sail at 34 knots (5,000 revolutions, 70 l/h).

As regards acceleration, performances are good: it only takes 4,9” for a full gliding and 8,3” to reach gliding. Another merit? It is absolutely impossible to perceive any annoying vibration, even with the highest acceleration.

Boston Whaler 270 Dauntless – Technical file

Project: Boston Whaler Technical Office

Builder: Boston Whaler, Florida (USA), www.bostonwhaler.com

Importer: Boston Whaler – Europe, Middle East and Africa, Via Liguria 20, 20068, Peschiera Borromeo, Milan, tel. 39 02.51657115

CE Category: B

Materials and construction: fiberglass hull and deck, with foam core. Unsinkable hull.

Overall length: 8,33 m

Max length: 8,48 m

Max Width: 2,74 m

Hull Immersion: 0,43 m

Weight without engine: 2.177 kg

Max people: 12

Max engine: 450 HP

Sea trial engine: 2 x Mercury Verado 200 engines

Fuel Tank: 575 l

Water Tank: 68 l

Basic Price: 108,000 US$, free delivery to construction site

 Boston 270 Dauntless – Numbers