Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by daverdla on 03/25/15 - 8:40 AM

I'm a former 1989 Montauk owner. I sold that boat last year after 13 faithful years. I wish I'd kept it but life got in the way.

I'm ready to buy another small whaler in the 17-20' range. I found a decent 2000 model year 18' Dauntless with a 135 Optimax motor. It's a one owner boat with very low engine time, about 250 hours. It's got a trailer, console cover and older electronics. The problem I have with the boat is that it was never waxed. It was winterized and covered every winter according to the dealer but never waxed. The fiberglass is really dull. The seller thinks that it's bad enough that it's beyond buffing back to a shiny finish. The motor checks out but even that looks tired. The decals are pealing off. The hull has no significant marks or scratches. The trailer is in very good shape. The boat looks like it just sat around unloved for the last 15 years.

What's it worth assuming the only negative is the condition of the gelcoat?

Thanks
Dave

Posted by hc803 on 03/25/15 - 12:04 PM

Dave,
I would say somewhere around 9-10k for it. Maybe a little less depending on the fiberglass condition, but usually that can be fixed by a pro. You can get replacement decals for the motor and hit it with some paint beforehand, or have a local spray shop do it. As reference, we paid 10 for our 2000 18' Dauntless with a 135 Yamaha (comparable hours) and trailer and the gelcoat was in good condition, which I thought was a steal. Just factor in what the labor would cost to bring it up to condition.

Posted by Buoy on 03/25/15 - 7:30 PM

It's incredible how the 18" Dauntless has held it's value over the years. I think the 1998-2001 18' Dauntless has been consistently selling for about $10k-$13k, going back to circa 2002.

I would stay in this price range and as long as the motor checks out you won't get hurt.

Good luck and keep us updated.

Posted by daverdla on 03/27/15 - 12:01 PM

I checked out the NADA guides for boats and came up with $11.3k to $12.5k so I offered $11.3k. They'll let me know next week. It's a 2001 not a 2000.

As much as I loved my Montauk, I'm looking for forward to the smoother ride of the Dauntless.

Dave

Edited by daverdla on 03/27/15 - 12:01 PM

Posted by Dukiball on 03/28/15 - 9:07 AM

In 2013 I paid 14,000 for a very clean 1998 Dauntless 18 1998 aluminum trailer & a 2003 Evinrude 150 with a jackplate I love the ride & room for a 18' boat I run all over Galveston bay in this it's good all around boat

Posted by Phil T on 04/01/15 - 8:12 AM

Buyers pay what they think it is worth. In looking at the listings, I think 18K is way high.

There is a 1998 year with new ETEC power in MA for 19k. That is reasonable.

Posted by daverdla on 04/03/15 - 6:14 AM

Phil T wrote:
Buyers pay what they think it is worth. In looking at the listings, I think 18K is way high.

There is a 1998 year with new ETEC power in MA for 19k. That is reasonable.

Got a link to the ad? That's not too far away. I also found an 05 Nantucket for 19k.

Posted by Buoy on 04/20/15 - 12:14 PM

#10

Here's one in your own backyard. I don't know much about the Honda 130 4 stroke but mine's pretty quick with its Yamaha 130 2 stroke.

http://newjersey.craigslist.org/boa/4982662586.html

Posted by daverdla on 04/20/15 - 1:49 PM

#11

Wow Buoy, thanks for that link. I just looked at another one that's similar but it has a 2002 Mercury 115HP Four Stroke. I'd rather have the 130HP Honda. That's a good price too.

I wonder how it would perform with only 115HP?

Dave

Posted by Buoy on 04/20/15 - 3:39 PM

#12

If I'm not mistaken 125hp is the minimum hp as recommended by Whaler and I've seen mixed reviews of performance with that configuration. It's curious because as I stated earlier performance is very good with my Yamaha 130 2 stroke, i.e. about 32 mph at cruise and 44 mph at wot.

115 hp just sounds light, doesn't it? I think that was the max hp rating for the 16 Dauntless.

Posted by daverdla on 04/21/15 - 5:47 AM

#13

I'm thinking that's too light too. It's a shame because it's a really nice boat. One nick in the fiberglass is the only thing I found.

BTW, that boat in the the link is sold pending funds. RATS!!!!! that was a very good deal.

Dave

Posted by daverdla on 06/03/15 - 9:25 AM

#14

The dealer just called me. They took a test drive in the Dauntless with the 115HP Mercury 4 stroke and found that it was underpowered. They are now brokering a 2002 180 Dauntless with a 135 Mercury 2 stroke that they want $18.5k for. I think that's too much I may look at it on Saturday.

Posted by Belizeman on 06/03/15 - 9:23 PM

#15

I've been shopping for Dauntless 18s from '98 to 2003' (whats currently available online), and have found prices ranging from $13K to $18K depending upon year and engine (some are repowered). Today I test drove a 2000 in great shape with an'06 175 Mercury Verago with just 300 hours, aluminum trailer like new, hydraulic steering, electronic shifting (no cables), dashboard engine computer, GPS/Depth, factory bimini. The boat ran super, looks shiny, lacks rear bench seat & forward cooler seat (I will install a Todd), asking price $17,500 my offer of $15K was accepted- the outboard alone cost $21K when purchased and still looks brand new... Great finds are out there!