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I live in the midwest and am interested in purchasing a 17' Montauk. The boat would be used for (in order of priority) 1. Fishing (bass, pan fish, live and spin / crank), 2. Family (wife, 3 kids) cruising, swimming. 3. Exploring / camping.

This boat would spend its life on 5000 - 60000 acre inland lakes in Indiana, Kentucky, Tennesee, Ohio river, smaller tributary rivers / creeks.

My experience is limited to canoes and 14' tiller controlled flat bottoms.

Am I looking at the right boat?
I do not recall ever seeing a Whaler on these midwestern lakes.
I ball park priced one at the local Searay / Boston Whaler dealer 22-23K. Kind of expensive when compared to the aluminum bass rigs typically found here but then I don't believe it a fair comparison.

Also does anyone know why BW offers livewell options on the 15' and 19' models but not on the 17'? 15' is too small for my needs and 19' is out of my $$$ range. Dealer says they can install a livewell but the factory does not "bless" this?????

Thanks for any info!

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Assuming you're only considering buying new, I'd have to say to just go with the 170, which will do all you want it to do adequately, and add a livewell option aftermarket.

If you're willing to buy a slightly used model, I'd recommend looking at the 180 or 160 Dauntless for your stated uses. This gives you greater flexibility and a bit more room.

Have you looked at those options?



If

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I agree with Buckda. If you want to consider used a Dauntless sounds like a perfect match for you.

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it is easy to install a after martket livewell. i have a 84 montauk we used it alot up in minnesota for the same kind of fishing that you are wanting to do, now that i live in florida, i use to for saltwater flats fishing and even going 5-6 miles offshore on calm days, i think it is a all around great boat.

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Thanks to all for the response!
I am certainly not opposed to buying used, however finding a used Dauntless within a one day, (300-400 mile) round trip from Southern Indiana I think would be difficult. My dealer says used Whalers are very rare here.

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Whalerless -

Michigan City Indiana has a Whaler Dealer - you can check his inventory online, and check boattrader this spring - Michigan City, St. Joseph MI, and CHICAGO are all within a (long) day's drive for you.

You should also check the Cincinnati and Louisville area.

There should be a few Whalers for sale this spring...

...or you can do whatever you want! Just trying to help!

Dave

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Find the boat you want first--then worry about how it's going to get to you.

You'd be surprised how many folks would be willing to help move a boat around the country.