BW Montauk

[Knoxes]

Took Pop shopping this weekend. We mainly looked at the 17' Montauk, altho also looked at the 16' Dauntless. I thought the Montauk was awful short on storage space and I've learned the value of space (or lack thereof) due to my MasterCraft. It seems to be overall a bare-bones boat with a price tag of $22K. Any opinions? He'd be using it to run around the SC coastline (mostly inland) but with a bit of calm blue water - exploring, fishing, pulling grandkids around. etc.

 

[JB]

Re: BW Montauk

Ahoy, Knoxes.<br /><br />Were you looking at the Montauk 17 that was last built in 2001 or the new 170 (I can't call it a Montauk, though Brunswick does)?<br /><br />Yes, Montauks are built for salt water fishermen who aren't carrying a lot of gear. <br /><br />When I needed it, I added a 94qt. Igloo marine cooler in the stern as a storage/fishbox (with a BW cushioned top).<br /><br />On an earlier model ('66 Sakonnet) I had a raised casting platform on the front with a lot of space underneath. <br /><br />Because of the Montauk's bouyancy, everything must be tied down in rough water.<br /><br />When Dad gets a BIG fish on, the floor space left open by the lack of storage is priceless.<br /><br />You called it when you called it a "bare bones" fishing boat. I wouldn't have it any other way.<br /><br />My opinion? The most versatile, safest fishing boat ever made.<br /><br />You want pics?

 

[Knoxes]

Re: BW Montauk

Pics? please. "bare bones" = less to break. But the 18' Grady has a lot more creature comforts(to go along with a $38K price tag. Yeah, I almost fell over too). He's not likely to be fighting that big of a fish, but then again, ya can't help what bites, right? The BW M. was a 170, I think, but he'll probably buy used. I like the older with the teak accents, but that's just more to maintain. Can they handle 4-6' seas? What minimum HP would you look for?

 

[JB]

Re: BW Montauk

Sure, Knoxes. Here are a couple.<br /><br />

<br /><br />This is my Son's 2000 Montauk all dolled up with extras for family boating as well as fishing. Merc 90 2 stroke.<br /><br />

<br /><br />This is my '80 Montauk rigged for fishing. Suzuki DF70 EFI 4 stroke<br /><br />My boat is just as fast (about 38.5 WOT @ 5800rpm), much quieter and more economical. The Suzi/Johnson/Evinrude EFI 70 4 stroke is the engine we recommend.<br /><br />I have been in seas that big many times, but piloting skill is required to stay reasonably dry. You are NEVER in danger of sinking in a Montauk. If you get swamped, you pull the plug and drive her dry.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Mumblerone]

Re: BW Montauk

In that we're talking 17' (16'9") here, JB you are absolutely correct. I'll go further and say it's probably the safest 17' boat afloat. You may have heard me tell this story before...what the heck, here we go again. I have a friend (old) named Gene Bradshaw...maybe he's still alive. He was out of Chatham with his Montauk and litterly filled it with Cod...the weather pickup on the way in (6'-8' footers) and he decided he couldn't make it with the fish. Sooo...he stopped and cleaned them all and headed for the pier. 780# without head, guts or tails, I'm told. Buy the Whaler, perferably the 2001. A last story...I bought a 18' Outrage in 1982 for $11,800 (new) and sold it for $15,000 in 1997! I'm done.

 

[DJ]

Re: BW Montauk

Knoxes,<br /><br />I ditto everything JB said. The BW Montauk or 170 is what it is.<br /><br />And I do Know what what the meaning of "is" is! Sorry, couldn't resist.<br /><br />However, I do not think there is a safer boat available.

 

[JB]

Re: BW Montauk

Just a nit-pick, Mumblerone.<br /><br />The Classic Montauk is actually 16'7".<br /><br />I also made bux on a Whaler. I bought my 1966 Sakonnet new for $3100 and sold it in 1983 for $6500.<br /><br />What other boat can do that?

 

[Mumblerone]

Re: BW Montauk

I was just trying to give you a couple of extra inches there. Thanks. That makes the boat even better! I sometimes get confused when it comes to inches; I've been overstating 'things' all my life...hmmmmm; 2", sure could make a difference!

 

[Beaux]

Re: BW Montauk

Knoxes-<br />One thing I would like to add... If I were you, I would not be out in 4-6 ft. seas in any 17' boat. The whalers are everything these guys report (I have a little 15' BW and wish i had an old 17'). I don't know the history of your fathers marine experiences, but I would imagine that it would be scary and stressful for him to be in a 17' in those seas. Life and death - the boat will not sink...REAL life with his grandkids/wife/family,etc. in the boat-if that boat swamps, that is the probably the end of boating in that boat with family. If you think it will be used frequently in that kind of conditions, or the likelyhood of getting caught in that kind of weather is high, I would think twice. I don't think anyone on here would recommend anyone but an experienced skipper being out in weather like that in a 17'. Otherwise, I agree completely with the above. Good Luck

 

[Mumblerone]

Re: BW Montauk

Beaux...a point well taken.

 

[Knoxes]

Re: BW Montauk

Thanks everyone. I was visiting last night and now he's looking at the 18 Dauntless, but maybe just with lustful eyes. He's a VERY experienced sailor (23' Pearson, various other board boats), which means he knows weather, how to plan an outing, how to watch horizons, wind shifts or increases, etc, but this would be his first power boat. I'm a powerboat owner (by necessity, not always choice ), and consider myself a competent handler, but always in fresh water - altho I've run into some nasties myself - and I'm sure we always overestimate our abilities. I think he wants something like JB's son's boat. Is the aft bench seat an aftermarket?

 

[JB]

Re: BW Montauk

No sir. That seat is $1500 worth of option and really interferes with fishing. That is why I use a quickly removable additional Igloo Marine 94qt cooler for an occasional rear seat (with BW cushioned top, of course).

 

[Knoxes]

Re: BW Montauk

So are the dealers negotiable with the prices on these? Seems like they don't really have to be since the Whalers are so desirable.

 

[Beaux]

Re: BW Montauk

Its winter time.....aka best boat buying time! <br />It is tough with whalers, like jeep wranglers, if he can see you have the "fever" then he knows he's got youas there arent many real substitutes. I would say wait a month or two longer and then negotitate as dealers get small pockets at the end of winter season, but you might be able to get a little better cut if you find a dealer that has one in stock and doesnt want to have to pay tax on his inventory of stock for next year. In that instance, you may be able to get what he was going to pay Jan. 1st in taxes off of the price if you buy it before the new year. He was going to lose that money anyway. Good Luck