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Hi Ben:

"Is the Sakonett as good as the Montauk?" Actually, from my perspective, the question should be asked: is the Montauk 17 model as good as the Sakonnet 16 model (note proper spelling)?

I own both a Nauset 16 and a Montauk 17, so I can judge fairly well.

The only thing the two hulls share is the same length of 16 feet 7 inches. Everything else is different include the ride and handling qualities. To list a few things:
The gunwale guard is different
The bow locker size and shape is different
the mold was different with the introduction of the downward facing chine that we now commonly call the "smirk"
The planing strakes are different
The non-skid pattern is different
The substrate plywood used is different
The engine splash well is a different shape
The drain tubes in the splash well are in different locations (one vs. two)

The Sakonnet/Nauset/Eastport 16 hull has better lateral stability and handles a following sea better than the Montauk 17.

The Sakonnet hull is lighter in weight

The Sakonnet with all of its mahogany wood requires much more annual maintenance and care, i.e., canvas covering when not in use, than the utilitarian interior of the Montauk 17.

The colors of the boats are different, of course, and Desert Tan and Outrage Gray color faded less quickly than the interior blue-green color on the Sakonnet.

The teak wood on the Montauk model is superior to standing up in harsh maritime conditions, compared to the mahogany.

Overall, I think the Montauk 17 is a more popular model, certainly it was mass produced in greater numbers than the Sakonnet model.

Montauk model boats hold their value when cared for properly by the owner.