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Has anyone took a dauntless 18 into the big waters.I have found one 99 model w a 150 yamaha 06 I can get w/o a trailer for 13 grand which sounds like a good deal.

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I have a ’99 18’ Ventura. Same hull. Different layout. I suppose it depends on what you mean by “the big waters,” but I’m confident that the boat can take more abuse than you can. If you give a better idea of your intended use, I can provide a more detailed response.

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[quote]18 Ventura wrote:
I have a ’99 18’ Ventura. Same hull. Different layout. I suppose it depends on what you mean by “the big waters,” but I’m confident that the boat can take more abuse than you can. If you give a better idea of your intended use, I can provide a more detailed response.[/quote/]

4to 5 miles offshore in the fl panhandle area

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Let me preface this by saying that I have never been in the waters off the panhandle, so may not be the best person to answer your question... Assuming the conditions are reasonable and you have some boating experience under your belt; 4-5 miles shouldn’t be an issue. Keep in mind that this Dauntless is only 18’, so you shouldn’t expect it to perform like a larger boat. That boat also has the older Accutrack hull design. Less of a deep-v than the newer models, so it won’t cut through chop as well but will be more stable at rest. Just watch the weather and be smart out there.

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To me, big water is all about the captain's judgment and mother nature. 5 miles is a 10 minute ride if you pick your day right.

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I thought all AccuTrack hulls were the same.
Can you elaborate more on this?
What year was the change in the AccuTrack hull?

I had a 1997 Outrage 17' II with the AccuTrack hull and it had a very Deep V...
http://users.sisqtel.net/jkriz/Outrag...age17.html

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Joe – In 2001/2002 Whaler changed the design of the Dauntless/Ventura hulls. This was also when the full transom bench replaced the dual aft jump seats. Although both versions of the hull are referred to as ‘Accutrack,' there are a few differences, including length, deadrise, and the design of the reverse chines. The older hull has more of a classic Whaler smirk, while the newer version embodies more of a ‘Brunswick/Sea Ray’ look. The post 2001/2002 Dauntless & Venturas seem to have been designed to be more of a sport boat and less of a fishing/beach boat platform. Maybe I can post a couple pics later.

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Thanks guys Ive got a lot knowledge of bigger boats
never owned a smaller whaler thou.Not sure how they would peform in 3-4 ftr.

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While the Dauntless can handle it, you will be a bit uncomfortable.

The Outrage model has a deep V and will handle 3-4 ft waves with you being comfortable and dry.

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Here is a comparison of a Classic Montauk 17' with an Outrage 17' II with the Accutrack hull.

Click on the photo below to enlarge.

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My understanding of the 180 Dauntless is that the 2002-2007 hulls have better handling characteristics than the earlier versions. Very comfortable and dry and has a smirk. I would attach a picture if I knew how.