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I have a 2003 Dauntless 180 with a 135 Optimax. It has 900 hours and I have an opportunity to trade in this motor for a new 2010 135 Verado. The Optimax weighs 195 kg and the Verado weighs 231kg dry weight and - 36 kg or about 75 lb heavier. Has anyone used a Verado on this boat? I am concerned it will be too heavy. The boat specs say that the maximum motor weight is 231 kg. Does anyone have any options on the Verado?
To see what the additional weight will do, add bags of sand, buckets of water or any material you have to the splashwell. Note the static trim from off the boat and mark with a grease pencil.
While the Verado is a great motor, I seem to recall reading the early Dauntless 180's were sensitive to stern weight.
Thanks. I am not sure but I think the 2003 model changed body shape in 2006 or 2007. I was thinking if it were a bit too heavy I can add a bit of weight up front in the anchor locker and a second battery in the wheelhouse. I have had the boat since new and it is in perfect shape want to keep it for another 10 years. The opti has performed well - no complaints. Just a bit noisy for my liking now.
Are there any more opinions or experiences out there.
If you are not set on sticking with Merc you can switch to a 150HP E-Tec @ 196kg or 419#. There is a member here who has one on his 2001 180 Dauntless and loves it. It really makes the boat fly and is light for the HP it puts out.
