BOSTON WHALER

250 DAUNTLESS

The new 250 Dauntless almost seems too pretty to fish—too comfortable, too dandy to get bloody. But the combination of day-cruising comfort features and fishing attributes falls right into Whaler’s SUV strategy for on-the-water family fun.

A bow lounge extends prominently from the console. Whaler eased this big-boat feature into the foredeck while maintaining ample walkways to the bow casting deck and leaving plenty of space to cast a line from either the sole or the casting deck. A cooler (or use it as a fish box) resides under the casting deck.

Aft, jump seats tuck into the casting deck, and Whaler situated them as far abeam as possible, giving passengers a better view than centered jump seats.

On a brief check ride, this model with a Merc V-8 250 made 51.9 mph. The 250 Dauntless is rated for 400 hp.

Like all Whalers, it’s unsinkable, distinguished from most competing boats in style and durability. The price with all options on our test boat is $162,600.

· LOA: 24'9" · BEAM: 8'6" · DRAFT: 1'3" (engine up) · DISPLACEMENT: 4,740 lb. FUEL CAPACITY: 90 gal.

BOSTON WHALER Edgewater, Florida; 877-294-5645; bostonwhaler.com