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Would love the groups thoughts on how a 2005 Montauk 170 would handle on the bay and up and down the rivers? Too small for the bay?

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How many passengers do you plan to have? Planned uses?

If the Chesapeake, I would say the Montauk 170 would be great in all but the rare nasty days of 3' wind driven waves.

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You might also consider a 1996 to 1999 Outrage 17' II with the same style Accutrack hull..

These models can some times be purchased for around the same price as a Montauk 170....
http://www.whalercentral.com/userphot...album_id=4

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We ran two 17' Whalers on the bay. The first was a 1969, the second was a 1976. They were perfect for the bay in all but the roughest conditions. We'd run across the bay from the York River to Cape Charles all the time.

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Thank you for the replys so far. Our use would mostly be running up and down the rivers and on nice days the bay. Most trips would be two people and sometimes up to 4. A little fishing, wakeboarding and tubing and enjoying exploring the South, West and Rhode rivers.

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Myself and many others have been boating the Chesapeake for over 20 years in Montauks. No denying the fact when the chop is 3’ or greater the ride becomes very rough. The newer design hull in my opinion would change that greatly. Too small? No, not at all considering you’re using good judgment.

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State Natural Resources police use Whalers on the Chesapeake. I used my late 1960s Whaler on the bay and in the rivers for 20 years with no problems and even got caught in a squall or two. But I was much younger then. My new 170 Montauk will stay mostly in the rivers, but I won't rule out an excursion into the bay.

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We're on the South River and have an 87' 18' Guardian (basically a heavy Outrage). A 17' is fine for the area you are talking about - and you can always hug the shore to dodge the pots between the Rhode and South river for a little more protection.

If the bays kick'n up no small boat is fun out there... good luck on that. Love the Rhode R.

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I live on the Chesapeake on the eastern shore of virgina. I see many whalers from the creeks and guts all the way from tangier island and back and forth to the the eastern and western shores. Just use common sense on sea and wind conditions when making plans for the day. But have the security knowing if you get caught in something you've got a whaler beneath you.

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The 170 will be fine, especially in the severn, south rivers, etc...I'd be more worried about all the "traffic". We routinely take our currituck accross the bay and around kent island after checking the weather and marine forecast

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On calm days, my 17 montauk is great on the Chesapeake. Last year I took some large waves over the bow (3 foot waves, blowing 20 kts). It is the first time I have ever felt the need to put on a life jacket while in a motor boat. I lasted about 15 minutes - I thought my fillings were going to drop out of my head.

I just bought an Outrage 240 this week to be able to handle the bigger stuff.

I guess it comes down to being able to pick which days you have time to go fishing.

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the boat will handle more than you can. The bay can kickup quickly and go calm again, just as fast. The boat will be fine and if you get out there and the bay kicks up, just make your way slowly to the closest protected area and you will be fine.

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Lot of love for the Rhode river. Explore the area. The West river is a magical area. Keep an eye out for the finger off the West and Rhode rivers.

SE winds generally kick up after 3 PM in the summer time. The entrance for the West and South rivers can be 3 feet rollers in no time.

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I grew up on the Wicomico river, and haved fished the bay area over 40yrs, also my dad retired after 32yrs with DNR. Most of the boats back then were 17' or 16 Nauset. I remember he complaining about the weather changing quickly many times, and how bad the ride was. Most of those guys ended up with bad backs, knees, and pulled muscles. I think it was related to the Whalers they used most of the time on the bay. Toward the end of his service OC Md got the 18-19 Outrages. I think they call them Guardians, and now Justices. But he was very happy with the difference in ride. I now have a 19 Guardian, and can't believe how well it handles the bay chop, and I can still go in shallow water for clamming. Good luck with whatever you decide.

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MD DNR out of Point Lookout runs an 19 Justice with a 175HP E-Tec on the back.

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I just purchased my first Boston Whaler, a 1988 Montauk 17, this year and we have had a blast running around the northern bay exploring, fishing and tubing. I could not be happier. She lives on a lift but is easy to trailer. Perfect for two kids and two adults. I did have to purchase a cushion for the cooler- my kids 8 & 11 complained their bottoms hurt when we where in a chop. (Lately,I am the one sitting on the cooler and they are fighting to drive.) The occasional wakes from cargo ships can add a little excitement.

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Agree with all the others. My 1964 16' was a pretty rough ride in the bay from any chop and wakes. The 18' Outrage is probably similar to the ride you can anticipate with the newer 17' hull. If you have young crew no problem as the boat is safe for almost anything that you will encounter. Older crew, pick the weather or you may have trouble getting them back for a second trip. My wife always wanted to ride on the 18 Whaler, even if we were making a fairly long trip and would hate the chop when it would raise its ugly head. The 24' Blackfin would meanwhile be left on the lift. Go figure, but I liked taking the Whaler as it was more fun when we got to our destination for exploring ect.

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I have an 1983 17 Montauck with an 1985 90 hp yamaha and we run the full length of the potomac river It does great .You do need to keep an eye on the weather to avoid it getting to rough.