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Thoughts on 22 dauntless for Great Lakes / Florida area
Looking for a boat that I can trailer to fish in Lake Michigan, Lake Erie and also the flats around Port Charlotte, Fla. during the winter. Been looking at the Dauntless 22' because of the advertised 12" draft as I want to be able to fish the flats. Wondering how well the Dauntless can handle the 2-4' chop? Are there any of these boats being used around the Great Lakes? I've looked at the Outrage, but I'm told by several Fla. fishermen that the draft is too deep for flats fishing. The porta-potty is an impt. feature as my wife is my fishing partner.
If you have any experience with this boat I'd appreciate hearing about it.
Thanks for your replies.
Jim
I have seen many 22 Dauntless all over the Great Lakes. There are a couple I always see in Grand Haven and some in the Port Huron and Lake St Clair area as well. While the Dauntless can handle 2-4 chop it is nothing like an Outrage. The deadrise on the Outrage makes for a much better ride when it gets rough. Though from the sounds of it you are not going to be using it much in big offshore runs. Honestly living in the Great Lakes I have thought the 22 Dauntless would be a great post classic whaler if I was looking for one. However, I would not be using for Salmon fishing on Lake Michigan. If I was the Outrage would be a better choice on the Great Lakes but not the back waters of Florida.
Anyway, have a look at this thread for some more thoughts on the two hulls as well as a freeboard comparison of the two.
Edited by Jeff on 07/12/08 - 8:06 PM
1993 23' Walkaround Whaler Drive
Jeff,
thanks much for the ideas and your thread was very helpful....great to have a visual on the differences...nice job! In some ways I think I'm just trying to ask too much of one boat.....it's just that I can't afford to buy 2 boats for inshore and offshore.....the fishermen in Fla. tell me that I can't expect the 21' Outrage to perform in flats fishing.
I just sold today my 1974 19' seacraft and am excited about my next boat.
Jim
What year 21 are you looking at. The first 21 Outrage, seen here would work great for flats fishing. I am not sure where in our great state you are but there is a nice one for sale in Grand Rapids area I found last week.
If you are looking at a current 21 Outrage I will say the draft on the 21 is 15" where the 22 dauntless in 12". Is 3" going limit you that much in you flats fishing? However the 21 Outrage does not have the option for an enclosed head. You will have to move to a 24 Outrage for that and then your draft is up to 18"
I am sure though the 22 Dauntless or the 230 Dauntless would work just fine for trolling in the Great Lakes.
Edited by Jeff on 07/13/08 - 5:23 PM
1993 23' Walkaround Whaler Drive
The Dauntless 22 is a great freshwater boat! I use mine on a lake called Mille Lacs in MN and it handles the heavy water beautifully. We were in 6' rollers (top to bottom) fishing for walleye and were very comfortable. I have the T-top which is also nice in rougher water when needing to move around in the boat. I also fish shallow and the draft is noticably minimal, Rather suprising. THe Verado has been an awesome motor! I put a 17 pitch 4-blade on it and not only does it carry a full load of fuel and people at 46+ MPH, but allows you to get up and out of the water, or catch waves to ride very fast. THe head is a nice feature for the ladies. Just back the old caboose in and..... The Smart Craft system is great for trolling, and the freeboard sets you at water level for working with fish in all conditions. Though I have not had it on Superior, I wouldn't hesitate for a minute.
Mine is a 2005, with an 06 Verado 225 and 250+ hours. I am entertaining offers and can send pictures if you are interested as times are a little tight for me.
