Matching a modified vee Boston Whaler 170 Super Sport 2012 against a deep vee Boston Whaler 230 Dauntless 2009 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Boston Whaler 230 Dauntless 2009 measures 23,0 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 6,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Boston Whaler 170 Super Sport 2012 at 17,0 feet (2012). At 115 lbs and 29 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 250 hp, the Boston Whaler 230 Dauntless 2009 has a 160-hp advantage over the Boston Whaler 170 Super Sport 2012's 90-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Boston Whaler 170 Super Sport 2012 carries 13 gallons versus 9 gallons in the Boston Whaler 230 Dauntless 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Boston Whaler 230 Dauntless 2009 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Boston Whaler 170 Super Sport 2012 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Boston Whaler 230 Dauntless 2009 could be the deciding factor.