I’m new to Charleston and it’s waters…just added to the traffic a month or so ago…sorry. I was looking for opinions on the 270 dauntless as a good all around boat for this area. I have the opportunity to go with gently used models with (2) 225 mercs or single 350. I live on one of the creeks in lighthouse point area
WHAT IS YOUR BOAT HANDLING EXPERIENCING?
THE 270 DAUNTLESS IS ALOT OF BOAT, AND THOSE CREEKS CAN GET VERY SKINNY AT LOW TIDE
www.teamcharlestonmarine.com
www.bombislandboats.com
IF I RESPOND IN ALL CAPS, ITS NOT ON PURPOSE, AND I AM NOT YELLING
My experience is admittedly not what it would be of someone typically getting a 27’ boat, but I’d like to think I’m very cognizant of that fact and taking measures to not get over my head or be that guy that pisses you off at the ramp. Marine experience is limited to sailing and school a lifetime ago, and power boating 19-25 jet boats in freshwater. Spending as much time with a friend who has a 50gt captain license…I’m certainly aware of my experience.
That aside…I was hoping the 270 dauntless would be able to check a lot of boxes while still being reasonable with the skinny water in my neck of the woods. Its 2’ at low tide at the mouth of our creek.
Other boats considered were the Scout 25’ xss and regulator 26xo…the dauntless just seemed to be the best all around boat since fishing was likely only 50% of the usage.
The problem with those small creeks is the mid tide current will rip. Hopefully your dock is on a straight section of the creek and not right after a 90 degree bend. Either way you may not get the opportunity to go bow into the prevailing current/wind and that will really test your experience. If you can turn a 20 footer in the creek near your dock but not a 27 footer, then go smaller. Otherwise you’re going to tear up a 20 footer just as much as a 27 footer learning the ropes.
If you do go with a single engine boat, get a 4 blade prop on there. Makes a big difference as once you figure out how to smoothly shift from forward to reverse without over revving it.
I don’t think a 27 Dauntless would have much less than a 2 ft draft, even if manufacturer says so,Just my .02
05’ 22 McKee Craft Freedom
98’ 13 Boston Whaler Dauntless
DRAFT ON THAT BOAT SHOULD BE LESS THAN 2 FOOT, AND THE DAUNTLESS IS A GREAT BOAT.
VERY STABLE, PLENTY OF ROOM AS WELL AS ALOT OF CREATURE COMFORTS
www.teamcharlestonmarine.com
www.bombislandboats.com
IF I RESPOND IN ALL CAPS, ITS NOT ON PURPOSE, AND I AM NOT YELLING
You may have two feet at low tide at the entrance but where all do you want go around your house and at what tide? I grew up on the island and have lived off Folly Creek for the last 15-years. We spend a lot of time in the creeks between fishing and running to Kiawah, north and south side of Morris beaches. There are some shallow spots that will limit your travels in a boat that size during lower tides. What you need is two boats at least! I run around in the creeks in a flats boat and there are still some days we have to wait a couple of hours to pass through some spots.
(**() it Contender! Your answer was the one I was hoping not to get. I have no idea where I’m trying to go yet…but was hoping the dauntless was my best boat for one boat ownership. Obviously going with 2 boats I’d probably scratch the dauntless from the list.
Since I grew up on the island I knew the area already pretty well however, as soon as I moved in I purchased a 16 foot johnboat with the 30 hp tiler. Pretty much every evening after work my wife and I were in that boat, which we still have to this day, kicking around in the creeks learning our way around while the big boat sat on the hill. I am very particular about my stuff and oyster rash on an aluminum johnboat and an aluminum prop is painful enough. As I said there are quite a few shallow spots, where Folly River dumps into Rat Hall creek a major thorough fare is less than a foot and a half of water at low. Governors Cut another major thoroughfare is less than a foot at dead low. Always having to wait on enough tide to get a larger boat through will be more of a hinderance on your overall boating plans. Don’t get me wrong these waters are all navigable with your proposed boat but you may have to wait 2 to 3 hours after Low to get where you want. You will see plenty of big boats running the creeks they all just have to play the tide more or may only take a direct run from Schooner to the harbor. Just convince your significant other you need two boats and you will have what you need regardless of tide!
quote:
Originally posted by kgearhartThe problem with those small creeks is the mid tide current will rip. Hopefully your dock is on a straight section of the creek and not right after a 90 degree bend. Either way you may not get the opportunity to go bow into the prevailing current/wind and that will really test your experience. If you can turn a 20 footer in the creek near your dock but not a 27 footer, then go smaller. Otherwise you’re going to tear up a 20 footer just as much as a 27 footer learning the ropes.
If you do go with a single engine boat, get a 4 blade prop on there. Makes a big difference as once you figure out how to smoothly shift from forward to reverse without over revving it.
I’m sure there’s a good, legit, logical reason for it, but I never understood why every boat lift or jet dock is build parallel to the creek/current instead of perpendicular. It’s so much easier going with or into the current that dealing with a cross current.
2016 Boston Whaler 230 Vantage w/300 Merc Verado