2001 206 Champion from Plano/Lavon Marine

27 years young. Wouldn't dream of selling it. Certainly not the best pick for any kind of fishing - but does all types well. When I was guiding in the early '90s it was the #1 moneymaker. Very little cost to feed.

The Boston Whaler Dauntless & Walkaround models of 1992-8 were designed by BlackWatch designer Peter Van Lancker. These were the perhaps the most expensive boats ever built and certainly the most expensive by Boston Whaler. To make matters worse, they came at a time when the country went into deep economic recession, Boston Whaler was in severe turmoil, and the new and very expensive Dauntless line very nearly sunk Boston Whaler (Brunswick bought them from Reebok at a severe discount). The Dauntless of this era was built with a 15 degree transom V hull which translates to a smooth ride in rough water and a capable offshore boat in a little package (within reason). The Dauntless 13 here is the rare fishing model with poling platform and built in bait & fish boxes. Due to the extremely high build quality (even for Boston Whaler), these years of Dauntless production make them candidates for re-engining. When looking at the Dauntless to buy, be aware this was the era of the "wet boat" fad (brought on by a very popular fishing guide of the times) and the Dauntless scuppers are set low. Seal the Dauntless scuppers, put a bilge pump in the Dauntless and you have a dry boat for all water.

Mine is 25 yrs old this year I have had it for 22. Champion 181.

I have an uncle that fished one of these in the Pacific ocean for salmon, exact same size Whaler , but much older . He rigged it with outriggers to drop down 10lb balls for trolling . The first time I ever went on it , we went out about 8 to 10 miles offshore in 10 foot swells --- worst seasickness I have ever had , 6 hours of pure misery