Boston Whaler 280 Dauntless User manual

280 Dauntless
280 Dauntless
The mission of Boston Whaler®is to provide consumers with the
safest, highest quality, most durable boats in the world.

Operating, servicing and maintaining a
recreational marine vessel can expose you
to chemicals including engine exhaust,
carbon monoxide, phthalates, and lead,
which are known to the State of California
to cause cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. To minimize exposure,
avoid breathing exhaust, service your
vessel in a well-ventilated area and wear
gloves or wash your hands frequently when
servicing this vessel. For more information
go to www.P65warnings.ca.gov/marine.
WARNING
MRP: 2402521 BW_280DNT_6048_MY23_20220915

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T H E U N S I N K A B L E L E G E N D™
Welcome to the Boston Whaler®family and congratulations on your purchase!
For over six decades, Boston Whaler has engineered the most reliable and forward-thinking boats on the
water. Every chapter of our history starts with a belief in pushing the limits of what’s possible, and this
heritage is cause for both reection and celebration.
Standing behind every Whaler is an extremely qualied network of dealers to provide you with a truly
exceptional boating experience. Information and assistance is also available at bostonwhaler.com, where
you’ll nd customer resources including how-to videos, maintenance tips, and other technical content.
While there, don’t forget to sign up to receive Boston Whaler’s lifestyle magazine, Whaler.
Since Boston Whaler’s inception in 1958, we are committed to providing customers with the safest,
highest-quality, most-durable boats in the world. We are condent that as a Whaler owner you will love
the quality and pride that is built into every boat.
From all of us here at Whaler, thank you for selecting one of our a legendary and innovative boats. May
that choice bring you a lifetime of boating enjoyment.
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HISTORY
Since our founding more than 60 years ago, Boston Whaler®has conceived and built peerless designs that
meet boaters’ diverse and changing needs. It all began in Braintree, Massachusetts with founder Richard
Fisher’s inspired new construction method featuring two signicant innovations: rst, a twin sponson
hull design that resulted in superior stability and a remarkably dry ride, and second, a unique foam core
construction that made the boat not only durable, but unsinkable as well. So for people whose livelihood and
lives depend on their boat, Boston Whaler is the right choice because of our seaworthiness, dependability,
and the inherent safety of a hull that won’t sink even if severely damaged. Plain and simple, Boston Whaler
boats are built to last.
In 1961, Fisher’s demonstration of that unsinkability was captured by Life magazine in photos
showing a Whaler®boat being sawed in half and Fisher then motoring away in the remaining half.
True to Fisher’s vision, Boston Whaler’s world class team has consistently pushed the envelope, furthering
advances in manufacturing, design, navigation, and propulsion technologies.
In 1996, Richard Fisher was posthumously inducted into the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association
(NMMA) hall of fame for accomplishments made in marine engineering and construction.
In 1958, the legend is born as company
founder Dick Fisher demonstrates a
Boston Whaler’s total unsinkability.
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Welcome Letter.................................. Intro-1
History .............................................. Intro-2
Preface..............................................Intro-5
Limited Warranty (US and Canada).......Intro-6
Limited Warranty (Non-US or Canada) ... Intro-11
CARB Warranty Statement ................ Intro-15
Privacy Statement ............................ Intro-16
Owner’s Packet ................................ Intro-17
Contact Us....................................... Intro-17
Boating Information ......................... Intro-17
Chapter 1 • Safety
Safety Labels .......................................... 1-1
Safe Boating Means................................. 1-2
Maintaining Control ................................. 1-3
Boarding................................................. 1-3
Impaired Operation ................................. 1-3
Operator’s Responsibilities ....................... 1-4
Legally Mandated Equipment ................... 1-4
Personal Flotation Devices (PFD’s) ........ 1-5
Fire Extinguisher.................................. 1-5
Sound Producing Devices ..................... 1-5
Visual Distress Signal ........................... 1-5
Carbon Monoxide (CO) ............................ 1-5
Lifesaving Equipment............................... 1-7
Emergency Situations .............................. 1-7
Fire ....................................................... 1-8
Flooding, Swamping and Capsizing ........... 1-9
Propulsion, Control or Steering Failure .... 1-10
Grounding ............................................ 1-10
Distress Signals..................................... 1-10
Radio Communications .......................... 1-11
Weather ............................................... 1-11
Swimming, Diving and Water Skiing........ 1-12
Engine Emergency Stop Switch .............. 1-14
1st Mate Safety System (Option) ............ 1-15
Float Plan ............................................. 1-15
Chart Course......................................... 1-15
Environmental Considerations ................ 1-16
Homeland Security Restrictions .............. 1-16
Safety Label Locations ........................... 1-16
Symbols Key ......................................... 1-21
Chapter 2 • General Information
Construction Standards............................ 2-1
Hull Identication Number ....................... 2-1
Vessel Servicing ...................................... 2-1
Manufacturer’s Certication...................... 2-1
Certication Plates................................... 2-2
Certication Design Category ................... 2-4
Power Capacity ....................................... 2-4
Specications and Dimensions.................. 2-5
Deck Occupancy...................................... 2-7
Passenger Locations ................................ 2-8
Navigation Lighting.................................. 2-8
Location of Thru-hull Fittings.................. 2-10
Features ............................................... 2-11
Deck................................................. 2-11
Anchor Locker ................................... 2-12
Fishing Platform/Bow Lounge ............. 2-13
Console Lounge Locker ...................... 2-14
Console Storage/Head ....................... 2-18
Convertible Helm Seat........................ 2-19
Helm Seat Livewell/Sink (Option)........ 2-20
Swim Patio (Option)........................... 2-21
Hardtop (Option)............................... 2-22
Stern Area ........................................ 2-23
Transom ........................................... 2-24
Mechanical Access Hatch.................... 2-25
Canvas (Option) ................................ 2-27
Swim Patio (Option)........................... 2-22
Storage (Option) ............................... 2-22
Chapter 3 • Systems Overview & Operation
Boat Start-up .......................................... 3-1
Engine Warm-up ..................................... 3-2
Boat Shut Down...................................... 3-2
Throttle & Shift Control............................ 3-2
Joystick Piloting (Option) ......................... 3-4
Bilge Pump ............................................. 3-5
Fuel System............................................ 3-6
Power Steering...................................... 3-10
Active Trim ........................................... 3-10
Trim Tabs.............................................. 3-11
Gyroscopic Stabilizer (Option) ................ 3-12
Freshwater System (Option)................... 3-13
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Raw Water Washdown (Option).............. 3-14
Livewell ................................................ 3-14
Waste System ....................................... 3-16
Portable Toilet ................................... 3-16
VacuFlush Toilet (Option) ................... 3-17
Overboard Discharge of Waste (Option) .. 3-17
Bow Table Set-up (Option)..................... 3-19
Fishing Platform Set-up (Option) ............ 3-20
Bow Lounge Set-up (Option).................. 3-21
Cockpit Table Set-up (Option) ................ 3-22
Convertible Helm Seat (Option)................. 3-23
Folding Seats ........................................ 3-24
Sun Shade (Option)............................... 3-25
Bow Shade (Option) .............................. 3-25
Entertainment System (Option) .............. 3-26
Swim Patio Set-up (Option).................... 3-27
Swim Patio Override (Option) ............. 3-28
Swim Patio Ladder (Option)................ 3-28
Fishbox with Pumpout (Option) .............. 3-29
Outriggers (Option) ............................... 3-29
Trolling Motor Panel (Option) ................. 3-30
Shallow Water Anchor (Option) .............. 3-31
Jack Plate (Option)................................ 3-32
Beach Boarding Ladder.......................... 3-33
Reboarding Ladder ................................ 3-33
Watersports Tow Point .......................... 3-34
Anchoring ............................................. 3-35
Anchor Windlass ................................... 3-36
Propeller............................................... 3-38
Towing, Docking, Lifting and Trailering.... 3-38
Chapter 4 • Electrical
DC Electrical System................................ 4-1
Batteries................................................. 4-1
Component Breakers ............................... 4-4
Remote Battery Switches ......................... 4-5
Battery Charger (Option) ......................... 4-7
Dockside Battery Charging (Option).......... 4-8
Fuse Blocks & Circuit Breakers ................. 4-9
Main DC Circuit Breaker ......................... 4-11
Automatic Charging Relay ...................... 4-12
NAUTIC-ON Remote Connectivity ........... 4-13
Digital Switching ................................... 4-14
CZone Wireless Remote ......................... 4-18
CZone Modules ..................................... 4-18
Receptacles .......................................... 4-20
Transducer (Option) .............................. 4-20
Rigging Pulls ......................................... 4-20
Electrical Schematics ............................. 4-22
Chapter 5 • Maintenance
Routine Care and Maintenance ................. 5-1
Waxing Gel Coat Surfaces ........................ 5-1
Hull Maintenance..................................... 5-1
Hull Blistering ......................................... 5-2
Bottom Painting ...................................... 5-3
Sacricial Anodes .................................... 5-3
Rubrails .................................................. 5-4
Fiberglass and Non-Skid........................... 5-4
Stainless Steel......................................... 5-4
Seats...................................................... 5-5
Aluminum ............................................... 5-5
Instrumentation ...................................... 5-6
Canvas ................................................... 5-6
Tempered Glass Windshield...................... 5-7
Long-term Storage and Winterization........ 5-7
Engine.................................................... 5-7
Fuel System............................................ 5-7
Freshwater System.................................. 5-8
Waste System ......................................... 5-8
Electrical System ..................................... 5-8
Batteries................................................. 5-8
Protecting Valuables ................................ 5-9
Cover ..................................................... 5-9
Trailer Storage ........................................ 5-9
Environment ........................................... 5-9
Reinforcement Locations........................ 5-10

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Preface
READ AND RETAIN this manual. If the boat is sold, ensure all documentation is transferred to the new owner.
Information in this publication is based on the latest product specications available at the time of printing. Boston
Whaler reserves the right to make changes at any time without prior notice. Boston Whaler is not responsible for
specication changes to parts or accessories manufactured by other companies.
Brunswick Corporation registered trademarks: Mercury Marine, Mercury Racing, Optimax, Nautic-On, Skyhook,
SmartCraft, Verado, Vantage, VesselView, VesselView Mobile.
Boston Whaler, Inc. registered trademarks: Boston Whaler, Boston Whaler with harpoon and hull logo, Conquest,
Dauntless, Montauk, Outrage, Realm, Unibond, Whaler.
All other trademarks listed in this publication are the property of their respective owners.
BOSTON WHALER®• A BRUNSWICK COMPANY
© September 2022 Brunswick Corporation
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BOSTON WHALER LIMITED MANUFACTURER WARRANTY (US AND CANADA)
Boston Whaler, Inc. (“Boston Whaler”) provides the following Limited Manufacturer Warranty to the
original retail owner of its 2023 model year Boats, if purchased from an authorized Boston Whaler Dealer
and operated under normal, non-commercial use, subject to the remedies, exclusions, and limitations set out
below.
1.Ten-Year Structural Hull Limited Warranty: Any Structural Hull Defect in material or workmanship which
is reported within ten (10) years from the date of sale to the original retail owner will be repaired or replaced
at Boston Whaler’s sole discretion. The “Hull” shall mean the single berglass molded shell and integral
structural components. A Structural Hull Defect shall mean a substantial defect in the Boat’s Hull which
causes the Boat to be unt or unsafe for general use as a pleasure craft under normal operating conditions.
2.Three-Year Limited Warranty on Components Manufactured or Installed By Boston Whaler: (not applicable
to 13 Super Sport or 16 Super Sport models): Boston Whaler will repair or replace, at its sole discretion,
any components manufactured or installed by Boston Whaler that are defective in factory materials and/or
workmanship, which are reported within three (3) years from the date of sale to the original retail owner, and
are not addressed in the specic warranties listed in paragraphs 1 or 4 or set out in the Exclusions paragraph
below.
3.One-Year Limited Warranty on Accessory Components for the 13 Super Sport and 16 Super Sport Models:
Boston Whaler provides the following Limited Warranty to the original retail owner of any factory-authorized
accessory for the 2023 model year 13 Super Sport and 16 Super Sport, if purchased from an authorized
Boston Whaler Dealer, authorized Boston Whaler website or any Boston Whaler aliate and utilized under
normal, non-commercial use (“Accessory”), subject to the remedies, exclusions, and limitations set out
below. Boston Whaler will repair or replace, at its sole discretion, any Accessory that is defective in material
or workmanship, which is reported within one (1) year from the date of sale to the original retail owner.
Boston Whaler is not responsible for any defect and/or damage to the Accessory and/or the Boat caused by
improper installation, whether performed by the retail owner, dealer or any other third party.
4.One-Year Limited Warranty on Upholstered Items, Canvas, Teak, and Powder Coating: Boston Whaler will
repair or replace, at its sole discretion, any upholstered items, canvas, teak, and powder coating manufactured
or installed by Boston Whaler that are defective in factory materials and/or workmanship and are reported
within one (1) year from the date of sale to the original retail owner.
5.Limited Engine Warranty: Retail owners will be entitled to the limited engine warranty as provided in the
warranty manual from the engine manufacturer that was delivered to the retail owner with his or her Boston
Whaler Boat.
EXCLUSIONS
This Limited Manufacturer Warranty does not apply to any Boat which has been salvaged or declared a total
loss or constructive total loss for any reason not covered in this limited warranty. This Warranty also does
not apply to the following items:
1) Expenses for hauling out or transportation to and from the dealer or the Boston Whaler factory for warranty
service.
2) Equipment or accessories which are not installed by Boston Whaler or which carry their own individual
warranties, including but not limited to engines, engine components, batteries, propellers, controls, steering
mechanisms, and electronics.

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3) Damage, deterioration, discoloration or mold of cushions or cosmetic surface nishes, including scratches,
gouges, chips, chalking, blistering, cracking, crazing, fading or oxidation of gel coat, stress lines, plated or
painted metal and stainless steel nishes, plastics or acrylic materials, or anti-fouling bottom paint.
4) Windshield breakage and leakage.
5) Damage resulting from abuse, misuse, improper rigging and installation by an owner or any other person
or entity that is not an authorized dealer, accidents, or overloading or powering in excess of the recommended
maximum horsepower.
7) Failure of the owner to use, maintain, or store the Boat as specied in the Boston Whaler owner’s manual;
and any other failure to provide reasonable care and maintenance. Normal wear and tear maintenance items
are excluded from warranty coverage including but not limited to lters, bulbs, batteries, bungees, wiper
blades, anchor rope, trailer nishes, tires, brakes, bearings, and lights.
8) Any Boston Whaler Boat which has been altered or modied from Boston Whaler factory specications,
including penetration of the hull by anyone other than Boston Whaler factory personnel or Boston Whaler
authorized dealer service personnel following factory specied procedures.
9) Damages resulting from use of improper trailer, improperly placed supporting bunks or slings, incorrect
bunks placement, or improper boat lift or sling.
10) Damages due to failure to properly tow the Boat. For those Boats for which Boston Whaler oers a yacht
tender package, damages due to towing when the package has not been installed.
11) Any Boston Whaler Boat used for commercial purposes, which includes, but is not limited to, any for-
prot or other revenue-generating uses.
12) Any representation or implication relating to speed, range, fuel consumption or estimated performance
characteristics.
13) Any failure or defect caused by an act of nature resulting in damage, cost, or expense.
14) Any failure or defect arising from a previous repair made by a non-authorized service provider.
15) Any item exceeding the expressed coverage limits specied in any Boston Whaler Limited Manufacturer
Warranty.
16) Failure of the owner to use, maintain, or store an Accessory in reasonable fashion; and any other failure
to provide reasonable care and maintenance.
17) Any accessory which has been altered or modied from Boston Whaler factory specications.
18) Any accessory not purchased from an authorized Boston Whaler Dealer, authorized Boston Whaler
website, or authorized Boston Whaler aliate. For a list of Boston Whaler’s aliates, please refer to
www.brunswick.com.
19) Any accessory used for commercial purposes, which includes but is not limited to, any for-prot or
other revenue generating uses.
20) Any defect or repair requiring redesign of the Boat, except pursuant to the recall provisions of the United
States Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971 or the recall laws of any other foreign jurisdiction.
SOLE REMEDY
THE REMEDY OF REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF PARTS OR MATERIALS THAT ARE FOUND
TO BE DEFECTIVE IN FACTORY MATERIALS OR WORKMANSHIP COVERED BY THIS LIMITED
MANUFACTURER WARRANTY SHALL CONSTITUTE THE OWNER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE