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Being able to just get up and go is a huge thing for us. The fact that it doesn’t take much effort to be out enjoying the water— whether it’s a fast ride or a longer trip or just soaking up the sun— is the best.
Adventure is something quite familiar to the O’Shaughnessys, and they relish their 270 Dauntless for allowing them to seek it on a moment’s notice. “We love that the 270 is small enough to trailer yet big enough to handle coastal ocean boating,” Chris says. “The seaworthiness is amazing. The Unsinkable Legend thing is true; you feel really safe even when you get into uncomfortable seas. It lives up to its name.” “Being able to just get up and go is a huge thing for us,” Kathy adds. “The fact that it doesn’t take much effort to be out enjoying the water—whether it’s a fast ride or a longer trip or just soaking up the sun—is the best.” The 270 Dauntless is the couple’s third Whaler; they started out with a 170 Montauk in 2008, moved to a 200 Dauntless in 2011, and went for the 270 in 2016. No strangers to boating, they’ve owned
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other brands concurrently with their Whalers, but nothing seems to hold their favor quite as well. “We had a cabin cruiser, but honestly we weren’t using it much. It started to feel like this floating cabin just sitting around,” Chris says. “We wanted something we could easily fish with, more of an everyday boat. Something easier to get around in and more conducive to trailering, fishing, a variety of things. The Dauntless fits the bill like nothing else.” It also has the right amenities to keep everybody happy. “Having the large center storage compartment and the head down below has made some very long days out on the water more comfortable,” Chris explains. “It’s got all our needs covered. And there’s enough seating to bring friends along and everyone has room.” The Midwest offers plenty of fertile boating ground to explore, and Chris and Kathy work to maximize their time between the colder months. With the Whaler in tow, they frequent destinations all around the region. Patoka Lake, Indiana’s second-largest reservoir, is heavily stocked with bass, bluegill, catfish and walleye, tempting them to wet a line. It’s also prime for swimming and waterskiing. South Haven, Michigan, is another favorite spot, offering up nature trails, golf courses, fine dining and nightlife—and, of course, easy access to and from Lake Michigan. Farther afield, the charms of Mackinac Island draw the couple all the way to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula from time to time. Limited to transportation by horseand-buggy, bicycle or foot, Mackinac’s historic architecture, bustling downtown area and world-famous fudge all do their part toward making the trip worthwhile. A LEGEND AND A LEADER FOR 60 YEARS
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