2025 Boston Whaler 280 Dauntless

The flagship of our bay boat family, the 280 Dauntless is a multifunctional center console that is versatile enough to venture offshore for big game. True to its name, this 28-foot bay boat is fearless and ready for any adventure, with a wide range of options and packages available to tailor it to your specific angling needs— whether that’s inshore casting for reds or far past the breakers jigging for snapper. Superb styling, ideal layout and Whaler’s legendary unsinkable hull make the 280 Dauntless a true saltwater champion.

Console:

• Acrylic access door in aluminum frame with stainless steel latch
• Cast stainless steel steering wheel with knob
• Compass
• Console face tan gelcoat
• Drink holders (3) stainless steel
• Electrical switch panel
• Electronics mounting surface (for 16" display or dual 12" displays)
• Head - porta potti (with pump-out)
• Hooks - stainless steel (2)
• Interior LED light
• Wireless phone charger

Deck/Cockpit:

• 22.5" cockpit depth
• 8" cleats; bow (2), stern (2), spring line (2)
• Casting platform aft
• Drink holders stainless steel, forward (4), lounge (2), console (3), aft seats (2)
• Garboard drain plug
• Heavy-duty rub rail
• Lifting eyes - bow and stern
• Lighting - LED courtesy lighting in cockpit, (multi color RGBW) (2 in bow, 2 at helm, 2 at stern deck)
• Livewell (19 gallons) Insulated with blue interior, light and flush mounted lid in stern deck
• Low profile aft side rails - welded stainless steel
• Low profile bow rail - welded stainless steel
• Rod holders stainless steel, stern deck (3), gunnel mounted (2), Bow (2)
• Self-bailing cockpit sole
• Starboard transom walkthrough
• Swim platform with telescoping ladder

Fiberglass Hardtop:

• Floodlights (1 aft, 1 forward)
• Dome light (red and white)
• LED courtesy lighting, (Multi color RGBW) (2)
• Lifejacket storage
• Watersports tow point
• Rod holders (4)

Mechanical:

• 400 V10 DTS Black Mercury Verado with hydraulic power steering and fuel/water separator
• Active engine trim
• Automatic bilge pump
• Battery trays (3) with switch and wiring
• Electric horn
• Electric trim tabs with indicators
• Freshwater shower (18-gallon tank) with stern sprayer
• Fuel tank 160-gallon
• Integrated Mercury SmartCraft® Connect
• Navigation lights
• Propeller - stainless steel
• Tilt steering
• 12” SIMRAD NSX ELECTRONICS/NAVIGATION PACKAGE
• Simrad NSX 12” MFD (GPS, Chart plotter, Fishfinder)
• Active Imaging 3 in 1 Transom Mount Transducer (CHIRP, SideScan, DownScan)
• C-Map® DiscoverTM X Chart Card: North America/Canada

Seating:

• Fiberglass leaning post with convertible deluxe helm seating: Port and starboard armrests, flip up bolsters, integrated storage drawers, grab rail, electric actuation converts helm seating into aft facing couch with leaning post for captain
• Forward console lounge with armrests
• Forward port and starboard seats with folding backrests
• Stern bench seat with folding backrest

Standard Equipment:

• All Hardware 316-L Stainless Steel
• All Rails Welded 316-L Stainless Steel

Storage:

• Bow, anchor locker with overboard drain and stainless-steel gas shock
• Forward in floor fish box with overboard drain and pump out
• Insulated bow storage lockers, P&S, with overboard drains and stainless-steel gas shocks
• Lockable console front storage - holds multiple rods, buckets, gear, and optional dive tank racks (includes: garage storage organizer for easy access to smaller gear)
• Storage under aft seat
• Storage drawers in leaning post

Vessel View Mobile:

• Bluetooth® connection via VesselView® mobile app (compatible while connected to stereo)
• Display key engine data on your smartphone (Android® or Apple® iPhone®)
• Troubleshooting assistance with dealer notification

Features May Include: 

• Seamlessly integrated Simrad technology for precise navigation and enhanced onboard control
• Innovative helm seat transforms from a captain’s chair into a leaning post or a vantage point for trolling with the push of a button.
• Spacious forward lounge conceals a large storage garage, designed to provide easier access to dive tanks, buckets, and fishing rods.
• Ample rod storage, a standard transom livewell, and pump-out forward fishbox provide outstanding fishability.
• Digital Switching Technology lets you control lighting and electronics remotely for better battery life.
• Offering a comprehensive pre-rig trolling motor panel option as well as  a fully installed 36V MotorGuide XI-5 trolling motor option providing anglers with a customizable configuration
• Power Pole options, allowing boaters to enhance stability and control during fishing maneuvers; while ensuring seamless integration with the vessel's design for effortless deployment and retrieval
• Available with Seakeeper gyro-stabilizing system
• Engine and piloting packages ranging from 400 horsepower single engines to multiple dual-controlled options including Joystick Piloting
• Entertainment enhancements through an improved stereo system and colored RGB lighting take your journey from fearless to fun in no time flat
• Large swim platforms with an optional fold-out patio give you the power to safely take on more pursuits—on the deck, behind the boat, and in the water—with fewer obstacles in between
• Digital Switching Technology lets you intuitively control lighting and electronics
• Optional windlass and beach boarding ladder lets you drop anchor wherever you find yourself on the journey.
• An optional full tempered-glass windshield offers enhanced protection with additional vents and wiper wash for visibility in all conditions