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I would like to open a Discussion Group: How do you store gear on a 170 Montauk.
I am a new proud owner of a 2008 170 Montauk. My frustration is: Where do I put my fishing gear and safety gear so that I am not tripping over it? Has anyone done anything creative with the space in the center console?
Congrats on your new Montauk. It sounds like you've already discovered their one true weakness; there is virtually no storage. You will learn to minimize the gear you bring aboard. I store my safety gear, first aid kit, extra oil, and a small castnet in a small plastic container in the console. Since my stereo is mounted in a gimble box on the floor of the console that's about all that fits in there. I carry my pfd's in a mesh bag that's usually hanging from one of the handles on the rps.
If my primary plan for the day is fishing I have a cool bubbles baitwell in a stern corner.
If I'm taking the kids tubing I carry an 8" high tote that sits behind the rps when underway. I keep a pump and the tow line in there also. If you think the deck's crowded try finding room for a big inflatable tube!
When we plan a snorkeling trip I keep everthing my crew of 4 needs in a mesh dive bag that sits behind the rps.
It all works pretty good except for when we are in the Keys and want to fish, tube & snorkel all in the same day!
I use the cooler in front of the console as storage space for inflatable (key word!) PFDs, foul weather gear, towels and jackets for the kids. It stays dry since I have a cover for the console and cooler.
I use another cooler (48qt) which I leave at the stern for fishing. I leave a tiny tackle box in the console--I don't even holds 12-15 lures.
For the RPS, I've read how people install a drop in bin with a hatch/cover (search this site and the "other" BW site for more info.
I also have a water repellent back pack that I leave in the car. It always holds my handheld GPS, VHF, keys, sun tan lotion, sunglasses, keys, registration, etc. I then hang it off the RPS or just throw it on deck somewhere.
Guys, you are giving me some GOOD ideas! I have had my new boat out three times and one would think I was trying to save a sinking ship. I'm not exactly throwing "stuff" overboard, but I am leaving more and more "stuff" at home. Because I have a trolling motor on my Montauk I have (3) marine batteries inside my console. They are NOT in Battery Cases. Are your batteries inside battery cases? I am thinking if mine were then I might be able to put "stuff" on top of them. What do you think?
I relocated my battery to the console and it is mounted in the original BW battery box. I am thinking of drilling some vent holes in it so I dont get moisture and green corrosian that I noticed this weeeknd when I was cleaning up some old wiring.
The inflatable life jackets are a great space saving idea even if they are more expensive.
Maybe a second cooler up against the splash well isnt such a bad idea since I use my other cooler for dry storage as well.
Keep the ideas comming
