1996 Boston Whaler 170 Dauntless Boat in Bayfield, WI 54814 US
Built in 1996
170 Dauntless
1 Engine (Honda)
17 feet
--
Fiberglass/Reinforced
The Dauntless 17 is a side console open powerboat perfect for day-cruising, water skiing and fishing. Built of unsinkable and a stout fiberglass construction process, she has a Deep Vee hull and can handle a variety of conditions with comfort. Her helm is side mount to starboard with a swivel seat and across is another like it. You can walk through to the bow by opening the center window on the wrap-around windshield. There are two forward facing seats on the bow right in front of the windshield and a wide cushioned seat spread across the bow facing aft. She can easily seat 7 people. This boat is well equipped and ready to go. Boating Magazine 1996 Boat of the Year.
130 HP Honda 4-stroke w/39 gallons fuel
1996 EZ Loader Galvanized Trailer
Compass
Speed & Depth
VHF Radio
Chart Plotter
Fishing Station
12v Electrical System w/Nav Lights
Bow Rail
Bow Cushions
Cockpit Table
Ski Pylon
Ski Rack
Swim Platform w/foldable stairs & rail
Kicker Motor Mount
Red Tonneau Cover
Red Bimini Sun Top
Red Aft Cockpit Cover
Bilge Pump
2 Life Jackets
Horn
Type IV Throwable PFD
Fire Extinguisher
Bow & Stern Dock Lines
2 Boat Fenders
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 8/18/26 | Initial price | $16,900 |
Boston Whaler 170 Dauntless: BoatTEST Review
Overview
The Boston Whaler 170 Dauntless is designed to seamlessly transition between fishing and water sports, offering versatility and performance in a compact package. Its hull design and operational features cater to both recreational and practical boating needs.
Exterior Design and Deck Features
The 170 Dauntless features a hull with a 14-degree dead rise at the stern combined with a flat keel, resulting in a shallow draft of just 11 inches. This shallow draft facilitates beaching and accessing remote fishing spots. The bow presents a deep V with chines extending fully forward to form spray rails, effectively keeping the ride dry by deflecting spray away from the crew. Operational details include 8-inch cleats mounted at an angle around the boat to eliminate the need for chafing gear, large deck drains for rapid cockpit dewatering, and a forward anchor locker with an additional cleat for securing ground tackle.
Helm and Console Layout
The helm seat on the 170 Dauntless is notably comfortable and versatile, allowing multiple seating positions including fully aft, partially forward for upright driving, forward with the seat back serving as a leaning post, and a reversible position facing aft for line watching. The center console is straightforward and functional, with the helm positioned to port and an instrument panel aligned with the helm. The panel includes three analog gauges, rocker switches, and circuit breakers. Optional equipment on the test boat included hydraulic steering, a stereo system, and a VHF radio. The console also offers ample space for GPS/Fishfinder units, either 5.5-inch or 7-inch models. A grab handle encircles the console and windshield, providing secure handholds for operation and movement around the boat.
Power and Performance
Powered by a 90-horsepower Mercury 4-stroke engine, the 170 Dauntless has an empty weight of 1,750 pounds. With full fuel, engine, and two people aboard in test gear, the test weight was 2,780 pounds. The boat achieved a top speed of 42.2 mph at 6,000 RPM, consuming 10 gallons per hour and delivering 4.2 miles per gallon for a range of approximately 133 miles. The most efficient cruising speed was 21 mph at 3,500 RPM, burning 3.2 gallons per hour and yielding 6.6 miles per gallon, extending the range to 207 miles. Acceleration was brisk, reaching planing speed in 2.8 seconds and 30 mph in 11 seconds. Handling was responsive and comfortable, with slight banking during turns that did not cause discomfort or instability. The absence of a deep keel contributes to the boat's docile and manageable handling characteristics.
Ride Comfort and Stability
The 170 Dauntless offers exceptional stability and a dry ride, largely due to the forward-reaching chines that form effective spray rails. During testing, no spray was observed coming over the rails regardless of speed or angle through wakes. The boat's solid stability and comfortable handling make it a pleasure to operate in various conditions.
Conclusion
The Boston Whaler 170 Dauntless impresses as a versatile, well-designed boat that balances fishing functionality with recreational water sports capability. Its shallow draft, responsive handling, comfortable helm seating, and dry ride characteristics make it suitable for a wide range of boating activities. Overall, it delivers a stable, enjoyable experience on the water.
Be the first to know when similar boats hit the market
Get notified when new boats become available
Boats For Sale in Wisconsin, United States Similar to the 1996 Boston Whaler 170 Dauntless
Compare with similar boats and find the perfect one for you.
 1996 Boston Whaler 170 Dauntless | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $16,900 | $16,500 | $11,999 | $21,990 | $22,595 | $22,815 |
| Location | Bayfield | Fontana | Pewaukee | Sullivan | Kenosha | Madison |
| Nominal Length | 17' | 19' | 20' | 19' | 23' | 20' |
| Engine Make | Honda | Mercury | - | Mercruiser | MERCURY | INMAR |
| Total Engine Power | 130 hp | 125 hp | - | 240 hp | 320 hp | 325 hp |
| Days on Market | 8 | 4 | 151 | 18 | 133 | 348 |
| Get in touch |
Other Boston Whaler boats for sale in Wisconsin, United States
Meet the Broker
Address
Boat Location
Contact Hooper's Yachts about 1996 Boston Whaler 170 Dauntless
871 Tamarack Lane, Hudson, WI, 54016
Login with Google