Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Boston Whaler 130 Sport 2008 vs Boston Whaler 180 Dauntless 2021 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Boston Whaler 130 Sport 2008 vs Boston Whaler 180 Dauntless 2021 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 150 hp, the Boston Whaler 180 Dauntless 2021 has a 110-hp advantage over the Boston Whaler 130 Sport 2008's 40-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
Both boats are rated for 5 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Bottom line: The Boston Whaler 180 Dauntless 2021 at 18,1 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Boston Whaler 130 Sport 2008 at 13,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
MakeBoston Whaler
Makenot available
Model130 Sport
Modelnot available
Model Year2008
Model Yearnot available
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam5 ft. 11 in. (1.8 m)
Beam8.10 ft
Beam - Meters1.8
Beam - Meters2.47
Beam - Inches71
Beam - Inches97
Bridge clearance - Detail2 ft. 7 in. (0.78 m) With Sun Top: 5 ft. 9 in. (1.75 m)
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters1.75
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches69
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - DetailBoat Only: 7 in. (0.17 m)
Draft [max] - Detail12.00 ft
Draft [max] - Meters0.18
Draft [max] - Meters3.66
Draft [max] - Inches7
Draft [max] - Inches144
Weight - Detail600 lbs. (272 kg)
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg272.16
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.6
Weight - lbs.not available
Height [transom]20 in. (0.5 m)
Height [transom]not available
Length - Meters4.03
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet13
Length - Feet18.1
Length - Inches3
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail13 ft. 3 in. (4.03 m)
Length overall - Detail18.10 ft
Length overall - Meters4.04
Length overall - Meters5.52
Length overall - Inches159
Length overall - Inches217
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard40 ELPT EFI FourStrokes Mercury? STD
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail6.6 gal. (24 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters26.5
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal6.6
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeoutboard
Engine maxMaximum: 40 hp (29 kW) Minimum: 25 hp (18 kW) Maximum Engine Weight: 225 lbs. (102 kg)
Engine maxnot available
Engine makenot available
Engine makeMercury
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower150 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity935 lbs. (424 kg) Swamped Capacity: 1,600 lbs. (725 kg)
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people5
Maximum peoplenot available
Trailerablenot available
TrailerableYes
Boat typenot available
Boat typePower