Test / Boston Whaler 250 Dauntless, still a benchmark, but at a high price

The price of the 250 Dauntless is high, but partly justified © Boston Whaler

By offering the 250 Dauntless an all-new hull and more premium equipment than previous generations, Boston Whaler raises the bar a notch. It also makes this series more versatile by opening the doors to new horizons, but all this comes at a price, as we discover in this fourth and final part.

By modernizing the Dauntless series with the 250, Boston Whaler has also reaffirmed its position as the benchmark for open hulls. The competition gets closer every year, starting with EdgeWater and its 245 CC, Pursuit and its S 248 Sport, and Scout, which continues to move upmarket and, with its 251 XSS, offers a fine alternative to the king of the category. There are many other brands to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

This generation features a better equipment
This generation features a better equipment

More than ever the leader of the category

What makes the difference and keeps Boston at the top of the class is, first and foremost, its highly-serious manufacturing process, based on patents and methods used only by the Edgewater shipyard. Boston Whaler also relies heavily on innovation, regularly proposing unique ideas and solutions developed in the Technology Center.

The 250 Dauntless doesn't forget comfort
The 250 Dauntless doesn't forget comfort

In recent years, the brand has increasingly positioned itself at the top end of the market, enabling it to add accessories not found on entry-level or mid-range models.

Inside the console it's possible to install a chimical toilet
Inside the console it's possible to install a chimical toilet

Finally, Boston Whaler's strength also lies in its membership of the Brunswick group and its network of dealers. A network that lets you rest easy knowing that, in the event of a breakdown, you'll find someone nearby.

All this partly justifies a price averaging $175,000, about 20% more expensive than most competitors.

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