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I have a 1984 Montauk 17, and we are exploring options for a custom console to replace the original. What we are looking for is for a smaller footprint, built-in insulated LiveWell, area for battery, etc .... but smaller left to right. If anyone has any ideas please let me know.
Where in Florida? There are tons of boat manufacturers here and would be easy to see what they offer. A small boat company called Catch boats would be able to make one for you. They are in Dixie county, west of Gainesville.
i'm located in Fort Lauderdale, and yes I would expect to see a lot of options for this kind of thing, but my searches have been difficult. A few here and there (offer-up), with only one website that seems to specialize in consoles, http://boatconsolesandbaitwells.com/. The Montauk presents some challenges with limited space, no below deck storage (life jackets, battery, gear, etc...) and when a topside fuel tank is needed, it gets tight.
I'm thinking that there might be some creative options out there. What i'd like to do is to replace the original console and seat too, with a smaller console and leaning post. I'd like to incorporate a livewell into the leaning post or console, and replace the Moeller 22 gal top side tank, with a custom topside tank, that I can fit inside the console or under the leaning post. There are plenty of custom fuel tank providers nearby, so its just about finding the console and leaning post.
As soon as you put an aftermarket console in any Whaler, you devalue it to a knowledgeable buyer. If planning on keeping it for a long time, or the boat is already highly altered, no worry.
Putting a cap vented on-deck fuel tank inside any center console is a REALLY BAD idea, and a violation of sound boating practice, unless of course, you want to blow yourself up. Adding a battery in the same console, is even worse. Wiring and gasoline, either in a liquid or vapor state, in an enclosed space, don't mix.
