Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by pkdivingduo on 02/22/08 - 10:11 PM

I have a 87 montauk and I am looking for a new motor. What is the maxium size motor would you put on it. I have been looking for a fairly new motor and the only ones that I have found are 150's. It seems like that is all that is around here. The smaller motors are selling for more than the large ones. Has anyone every tried and put on a 150 on a montauk???? Please help ???

Posted by joninnj on 02/23/08 - 5:52 AM

Hi PK,

I would not consider putting a 150 on a montauk. You may get away with weight but it will be way over powered :o. I have the same hull I feel a 115 would be absolute max. These hulls are rating is 100 HP which places the the 17 footer is an odd place for Horse power. There are no 100 HP made today that I know of. Only 90 to 115, and mostly the same engine, just slightly detuned. Funny though, that in the 90's you could find 200 HPs that weigh less than 400LBS (Merc V6 for example) Close to the weight of some of todays 90's.

I have seen used mid sized engines on ebay. Very recently a 115 yamie on ebay sold for $2500, a good price for an engine if it's a good one... As a matter of fact I am sure someone on this forum also had a 115 listed for about the same price.

A 90 etec may also be a good choice if you considering close to new. environmentally friendly and light B)

I have 90 on my 17 and it is adequate as far as performance.

Good luck

Edited by joninnj on 02/23/08 - 6:05 AM

Posted by Phil T on 02/23/08 - 7:12 AM

Most owners have engines rated between 70 hp and 115 hp.

My 1987 Montauk had a same year 90 hp 2 stroke Yamaha. With 50 lbs of gear, 25 gallons of gas, she would do 40+ at wide open throttle (WOT). A 115 would get you 3-4 mph more.

With a boat that is 20 years old, the transom was not designed for a heavy engine. Popular choices are (no order)

Yamaha 90
Mercury Optimax 90
ETEC 75, 90
Suzuki 70,90
Honda 90

For power to weight, a E- TEC is a great choice. The newly designed Honda 90 hp looks good and less weight.

As for a 150, too much weight and inappropriate.

You say "around here". Where is "here"?

Edited by Phil T on 02/23/08 - 7:13 AM

Posted by pkdivingduo on 02/25/08 - 9:44 AM

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for the help. I think I am going to settle for a 115 instead of the 150. I think it would probally handle the weight but driving would be a different story....

Posted by Doug V on 02/25/08 - 6:47 PM

My brother in law had a Montauk with a Mercury 115 on it for many years. It was a very good match, however, be sure you are confident with the boat handling skill of every one who you allow to operater the boat. It could get pretty light feeling trimmed out at WOT.

Doug

Posted by Blue_Northern on 02/26/08 - 6:52 AM

PK - Are you in a hurry to get someplace? I have a 17 Montauk with a 90 Johnson Ocean Runner. GPS with 2 adults on board runs 42 at WOT. I am certain the 115 is going to be more of a gas hog -- and with fuel in the $3.00/gal range OUCH!! If I had to replace my motor today it would be a 90HP E-Tec. Nice machines with a ton of power and torque. Light weight, quite, and fuel efficient. I spoke a guy in Matagorda last weekend who was running the E-Tec 90 -- said he was surprised at the power difference this 2 stroke put out over his previous engine. Technology is your friend less is more in these times.

Posted by nicole ligon on 03/12/08 - 9:00 PM

I run a 140hp on my 1979 Montauk. I put this motor on because it was a good buy. Motor works great. Does not consume a much more fuel because it does not have to work very hard. This motor works well for me as I am the only one to drive the boat. At cruising speeds the boat handles wonderfully as all other Montauks. Boat does chine walk if you run it hard. This can be entertaining if you are ready for it. These boat seem to reach a max hull speed then get a flighty, but not too bad. Use the same rules as you would in an overpowered car-apply the throttle appropriately. If you are young or have bad judgement this be a bad choice. If you exercise reasonable judgement this is a very entertaining overpowered little boat.

Posted by Marwin on 03/25/08 - 7:07 AM

Hi PK,
I repowered i 1979 Montauk with a 115 Evinrude Ficht, great combination, specially when you want to save gas as the 2 stoke direct injection engines are very moderate on fuel consumption when not used WOT. My average consumption stayed below 10liters(2.6Gal) while little over 10Gal (38liter) WOT. Which is also fun, flying with 54 miles (86km) over the water. So my choice would be 2 stroke DI and preferably Etec, very nice quit running engine.
Succes, Marwin

Posted by wrangler on 03/25/08 - 10:21 AM

#10

The capacity plate states 100 horsepower.

US Coast Guard federal law and State law say illegal if you do that and go over.
Insurance co. will not honor your policy if you are illegal. You get in an accident, then its your fault. Its also a voyage termination for careless operation. I have a Yamaha 4 stroke 90 and over 30 mph is fast enough. Its not the weight but the horsepower and torque. Whaler did the Federal test and determined it is safe up to 100 HP. Any higher was ruled unsafe. If the boat was under warranty, it will void that as well.

Posted by egerrity on 03/25/08 - 11:33 AM

#12

As long as you tell the Insurance Company the correct year, make, model and HP and not misrepresent the boat, you wil have no problem. The company makes the decision at the time they issue the policy to take on the risk.