Looking for a high-quality 17-19 center console with a few creature comforts for the family (like a rear bench seat, front cushions etc). Went to the local Boston Whaler dealer - saw a "Dauntless 180" - just about exactly what I need. Just a couple of problems...<br /><br />1) With a trailer and a few options (it was hardly "loaded", but did have biggest optional engine - 150 Optimax), the MSRP was $41K and the asking price $37K. Now I am not new to boating and Whalers have always been expensive (and possibly even worth it!), but this strikes me as simply ridiculous. Particularly as I search these forums and see a few hints that Whaler quality may not in fact be quite as high as it once was. <br /><br />2) I understand that Whaler & Merc have the same parent company so that's what you get for power. I don't want to start an engine bashing war, but this strikes me as coupling the absolutely highest priced (& hopefully highest quality) boats in their class with a very ordinary engine choice. I would sure like to have seen a Yamaha or Honda engine option (or maybe even E-tec), but that isn't possible without a huge cost (they are pre-rigged for Mercury so you would actually have to pay to special-order one with the Mercury prerig stripped off.... and then everything associated with adding a different brand. Price going from ridiculous to ludicrous to absurd).<br /><br />I am obviously not too price-sensitive if I am looking at this stuff to begin with but if I am going to get a top-of-the-line hull, how about some consistency with top-of-the-line engines? Or at least give me a choice!<br /><br />Any comments on these issues?
