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Yukon Peter-

I fish my Montauk from Neah Bay to Olympia, year round on the Sound and the inner Straits, during the summer on the ocean and outer Straits. An 18' outrage would be an advantage some days on the ocean but a Montauk can handle all an Outrage can and is perfect for the Sound and Straits.

In my opinion there is just an additional measure of apparent security with the Outrage. An earlier post on the site comparing the Montauk to an 18' made this observation as I recall: "An Outrage is half again as heavy and needs half again as much power and half a gain as much fuel to cover the same distance." That said, there are times when I wish I didn't have to cary so much fuel on deck to get my Montauk to and from fishing spots.

In the end your question is about weather and how one handles it in a Whaler. I have had my Montauk for 18 years. It came with full canvas. I haven't mounted the canvas and fish the boat in the winter. Good raingear and warm clothing are all I need to make a winter trip managable. I enjoy the visibility and unobstructed rod management benefits of the open boat at all times of the year.

I would be happy to talk further if you are interested. George Milla