Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Repower a 15 Dauntless 1998

Posted by edo68 on 10/02/12 - 8:09 AM
#1

Hello,
I need to put a new engine on this little boat, I have found a good price on a 2001 Yamaha 50 HP 4 stroke 3 Cilinder.
What do you think about this engine and the power is enough to go to fish in 2/3 people?
Thanks
Edo from Italy

Posted by dauntless-n-miami on 10/02/12 - 6:59 PM
#2

Hello edo68, what motor did your Dauntless 15 have previously?

There rated up to 75 h.p., but that would be for a 2 stroke not a 4 stroke. A 4 stroke in that h.p. range will be to heavy.

I feel that a 50 h.p. 4 stroke will be inadequate when you place a large weight demand on it such as 2 - 3 adults (plus the extra weight of fishing equip. food and drink etc.).

If available in Italy, take a look at Evinrudes E-TEC Series 2 stroke outboards and consider a 75 h.p. model.

My Dauntless 15 is slightly over powered with a 2007 Yamaha 90 h.p. 2 stroke edo68. I will admit that on a few occassions the extra horse power came in handy when navigating away from larger powerboats that think they own the waterways here in South Florida, U.S.A.. Also with the extra h.p. I can very easily get my Dauntless 15 on plane (with either 4 -5 adults aboard) plus the extra weight of either fishing equip. or snorkeling / scuba gear.

At your convenience take a look at my Project Album or Personal Page for views of my Dauntless 15 with the Yamaha 90 on it. The 2007 Yamaha 90 2 Stroke is a 3 cylinder and with the benefits of modern engineering and materials it weighs closely to what a 1990's 75 h.p. outboard would have. Unfortunately their availability here in the U.S.A. was discountinued some time in late 2008 or early 2009 I think.

They may be available in Europe edo68 should you want to investigate this size and type of outboard. I feel that the Dauntless 15 should have been designed for larger horse power similar to it newer cousin the Daunless 16, oh well.

Good luck with your outboard search and I would be interested to know what you decide on.

Posted by Tig on 10/02/12 - 7:12 PM
#3

I have a Dauntless 15 with a Honda 50 hp four stroke. It won't get up and dance like my friend's boat in the post above but it's a nice two person cruiser. See my personal page for some performance notes.

Edited by Tig on 10/02/12 - 7:16 PM

Posted by edo68 on 10/03/12 - 8:09 AM
#4

Hello guys, thanks a lot for your answers.
I have bought the boat without the engine that has been stolen two years ago. The previous owner told me it was a Mercury 995 cc 4 stroke, but he is a very old man that doesnt know very much about boats.
In italy is very difficult find used 50 or 60 hp engines because we need license to drive over 40 HP ( I have).
So many people buy 40 hp (Mercury Suzuki Yamaha) and with a simply hardware eletronic modification they obtain 50 or 60 and now also 70 HP.
The old ones 4 stroke need to modify the carburator that was slightly closed to do the same thing.
A friend of mine that is also an outboard mechanic told me E-tec has some problems so I prefer to go with the four stroke.
I have found many Evinrude/Jhonson 70 hp but no Yammi 70 which is the only 2 stroke I was concerned about.
So for me is easier and also cheapier buy an old 4 stroke 3 cilinder but they are limited to 50 hp, if 50 hp is not enough for the boat I have to go to the more recent 4 cilinders efi that can give 60 hp.

Posted by dauntless-n-miami on 10/04/12 - 9:47 AM
#5

Hello again edo68 and please don't get me wrong, a 50 h.p. 4 stroke will work well on the Dauntless 15.

From your explaination I now understand some of the issues facing you with outboard availability and H.P. sizing in Italy.

When you do finally aquire the outboard make sure that you mount and assemble all necessary motor hardware for maximum safety and efficiency. Take extra effort in choosing the best possible propeller for your application and horse power.

Please "chime in" (post) if we can be of further assistance. Best of luck with your motor search.

Posted by edo68 on 10/07/12 - 2:21 PM
#6

Hello DN Miami, finally I have bought a 2002 995 cc 4 stroke efi Mercury nominally 40 Hp. It is the same outboard that was stolen so I can use the old gauges. May be it is a 60 hp I have to discover yet. There is mounted an original 10 prop, I hope it is the right one .
Thanks for the help
Edo