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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?

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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!

Good luck; learn to pack light!

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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.

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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?

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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