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Hello all. I am new to this board but looking for some advice. I am looking to purchase my first boat with the wife. I was looking yesterday at the 170 and 190 Montauk. I liked the 17 footer as it seemed easier to handle as I am a short guy but the 19 footer I was thinking would be better if I was going to someday put it on a slip because of the auto water pump out system. The 19 footer has a 60 gallon tank, I am guessing it may be about 360.00 bucks to fill it. What I was wondering and I know it is a tough question to answer how long a tank like that would last me say if I was just going out fishing for a few hours maybe out for a 1/2 day or so with the guys. The 17 footer has two 6.6 gallon tanks but no idea how far that would get me if I wanted to go fishing etc. Any advice on this as well as any advice on purchasing my first boat would be a huge help. I want to make sure the cost does not kill me with gas so weighing both options. The 17 footer I would have to launch all the time but will probably be a little better on gas, so that is where my decision is coming in.

Thanks for any info all.

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You need to give us a little more information. What kind of motor will each boat be running? Will you be crusing and putting along or running hard going from point A to point B. How many people will you normally have onboard?

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Probably be going from point A to B and then putting along for a bit. The 17 footer has:

Mechanical

No-feedback steering
Classic style navigation lights
Battery box with hold-down strap in console
Mercury® pre-rig
90 ELPT L4NA FourStroke Mercury engine
Stainless steel propeller
Bilge pump with float switch
6.6-gallon fuel tanks (2) with hold-down straps

The 19 footer has:
Mechanical

No-feedback steering
Classic style navigation lights
Battery box with hold-down strap in console
Mercury® pre-rig
115 EXLPT L4NA FourStroke Mercury engine
Stainless steel propeller
Bilge pump with float switch
60-gallon built-in fuel tank

So I am trying to really figure out if I want the 17 or 19 footer. There is about a 6-7K difference between the two of them. I am just not sure if I will place it on a slip at some point then want the auto water push out the 19 has.

As far as the number of people probably anywhere between 3-6 people.

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That is always a tough decision and one that can really only be made by the individual.
They are both good boats.

The Montauk 170 is more nimble but by how much?
The Montauk 190 carries a lot more fuel for longer trips.
Will your tow vehicle be able to handle either boat?

Here are the specs on the 170,
http://www.whalercentral.com/userphot...lbum_id=34

Here are the specs on the 190,
http://www.whalercentral.com/userphot...lbum_id=35
Will the 115 hp be enough power for you? Do you plan on doing any water sports?
If so, you might think about getting the 135 hp as an upgrade.
I think I would go for the Verado 135 hp which of course is going to run a little more money.

3 or 4 people on a Montauk 170 is OK... 6 would be too crowded for me.
I would again go for the 190 in this case.

Lots of variables which the individual needs to determine for themselves in the long run.

Good Luck and let us know what you end up buying.
If you buy the 190, please post some photos as no one has sent any in yet.

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Good point with the tow. I have currently a 2001 Ford Escape so I have no idea what that can tow but need to look into that. Great point. I am sure I am going to be pondering which boat for a while. :)

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I assume that by water push out, you are referring to a bilege pump. If that is the case, then you can very easily install and automatic one on just about any boat for under $100

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In looking at edmunds.com, they list the 2001 Escape as having a towing capacity of 3500 lbs.

The 170 weighs 1400 lbs + 400 (motor) + ~300 (trailer) + 50 (gas) + 100 (gear) = ~2150 lbs.

The 190 weights 1900 lbs + 400 (motor) + ~400 (trailer) + 160 (gas) + 100 (gear) = ~ 2960 lbs

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Thanks Casco Bay Outrage. Ya it looks like I can pull both of them so that should not be an issue. I have a lot to learn as I have no idea what I am doing but it will be fun learning it and being able to handle the boat with practice. I think I am leaning towards the 190 the more I think about things. I am thinking if I don't go too far most times with it just cruising for a say 4-5 hours I should be able to get a full tank 60 gallon to last a while I am hoping. I think the 190 will provide more room as well.

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Any advice on what to not get screwed on when purchasing, such as should I get electronic equipment like GPS, Fish Finder etc. from the dealer or do that after the purchase. I am sure the extra equipment can be costly.

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60 gals of fuel should last you all day with no problem at normal cruising. You can however for a comfort zone, carry an additional 6 gal tank, but be sure you will have a means to connect it to to motor

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I had my rig ( 170 Montauk) weighed about 2 months ago. The total weight was 1278 kg (2812 lbs). I do have a heavy trailer and let's say you would subtract 330lbs from this weight to compensate for my heavy trailer you would still have a weight of +/- 2500 lbs. (I also have the lighter 90-hp, ELPTO Mercury engine on my boat). One often underestimates the total weight of rig.

Erik

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hmmmm so I might be cutting it close with the 190 then it may seem. I will have to make sure it can handle the tow. I really hope a full 60 gallon tank lasts me more than one day out that will be a very expensive 300+ dollar day to go out ouchhh.

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S -

While not exactly comparable, I cruised 70 miles in an 8 hour day in my boat last fall with a Whaler buddy in his Outrage 20. Of that total, 50 miles were at speed (30 -35 mph). The remaining was no wake zone (5 mph) and puttering. I estimate I went thru 15 - 18 gallons.

I recall owners talking about averaging 3-5 gallons per hour in general cruising and puttering and idling etc.

If you are concerned regarding the price of fuel, the 170 is less weight and horsepower. It will get a bit better gas mileage. (see whaler.com performance charts)

On the flip side, boat stands for....Break Out Another Thousand.
Boating is expensive. After buying a 26 - 35K boat, expect to spend several hundred on fuel, registrations, and basic maintenance every year. Dockage can cost several thousand per year.

With the boat market being slow and many getting out of ownership, you might want to consider a practically new but used 170. That can save you 5-8K. That is a lot of gas!

Food for thought.

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thats great info and definatly food for thought. The 170 though does not hold that much gas with the two 6.6 gallon I am sure that will require me to refill on the water a few times if I wanted to spend the whole day on the boat all depending where I go. That is why I like th 60 gallon tank if needed. I was thinking of getting one used maybe one year old or a last year model that was on the floor etc. I will check out the performance data thanks for the info.

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If fuel capacity is a concern, many members have replaced the standard tanks with a Moeller 20 or 26 gallon tank.

Erik recently installed one on his 170. Looks like this and fits under the seat:

The best prices have been the found at Cabella's page

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You seem to be leaning hard over and over towards the 19. do yourself a favor and get it. That way you will never have to play the "What if game" :D

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yup I think I will pull the trigger and get the 190 in November. Thanks so much guys for helping me with information. Being a first time buyer it is a little overwhelming knowing what to look for but at least I know I found the right boat for me. Now I have to learn how to use the thing ha.

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Since you have a few months before your purchase, you have time to try to arrange for a short trip in each boat to get some first hand info. Should be worth your time.
Mike

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will a dealer be able to setup a demo ride on a boat like a car?

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You might want to take the 1- day "ABC" (America's Boating Course) given by the USCG Aux. it's only $50 and you will be "Certified", and an "Insurance" reduction of up to 20% will pay for the course. Then have the boat inspected for "FREE" by the USCG Aux., they'll go over the boat to make sure it meet's all safety req's, if it does, you'll get a "VSC" sticker on your boat (Vessel Safety Check), if it does not meet safety spec's, they'll tell you what you need, No ticket's or violations are EVER given, they just want you to be "SAFE" out there, and so do we ;)
mw

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Hey also I have a two car garage I measured this morning is about 6 ft 5 inches up to the mechanical door opener in the middle of the garage. Any idea if the 170 would fit in there? The length is about 19-20 ft I think at least. I am wondering if that should also now be a consideration for winter storage if it would fit.

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Typically you add 2' for the motor and 3-4' for the front of the trailer. My estimate would be 23' long for the 170.

In addition to the height, you need to also consider the width of the door and the width of the boat on the trailer.

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yup I think there is no way it will fit but that is fine. Any idea what winterization costs to shrink wrap a boat etc? Say it was the 190.

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Regarding additional equipment: Since you are new to all of this I suggest purchasing from the dealer. While it is less expensive to purchase it yourself, you then have to install and calibrate it yourself or pay to have someone else do it. If the dealer does the work, they can fix it on their dime if there are any problems. If you havent done it before, drilling holes in the console, etc, can be an experience.

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Those are great points about the options. Dont let the prices scare you, many time there is alot more into these options with installation and parts. Concider a swim platform if they offer it on that size, it would be great for the kids. Inquire about the extended warantee's as well.

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I think CBO mentioned it earlier....I would recommend you look at a good used 17' Whaler for a first boat. If you decide you don't like it, you can sell it without taking a loss. If you need more space, look at an 18 Outrage. Both are great boats.

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I wonder if I should take a look at the Outrage. Any idea if the 190 between the two is much of a price difference? I am wondering if the V front makes it a better boat for deep ocean water where I am in MA.

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S -

Being a first time boat purchaser can be difficult. I would use the analogy, it is like buying a car. Figure out what you want to do and how much you want to spend. That will lead you to the model you want/need.

It is a question of what type of

water (lakes/river or ocean).......you said both
activity......................................you said fishing and pleasure
passenger load..........................you said "fish with the guys" and family
budget
New or used
Tow vehicle limit

Before you get serious on a 170 Montauk, 190 Montauk or a 190 Outrage, if you can figure out (privately) what you want to spend and if you want a new or used boat it will narrow down your choices.

A used Montauk 170 is ~ 15 to 20 k
A new 170 Montauk is > 26k
A new 190 Montauk is > 35k
A new 190 Outrage is > 40k

All are really great boats. It is hard to decide but money is the great equalizer!

For snotty ocean conditions like you can have, the Outrage 190 handles the best of the 3 I listed. The classic Outrage 18 is also good as are several other 18/19 models.

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Thanks to all that gave me great info. I am overall leaning towards the 190 Montauk but will see how it goes :)

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Hey guys is there a site where I can price out a boat with options? I think my plan may be to go to the Boston boat show and try low balling a price there in October for the 190. I want to see though what is a ballpark figure so I can know where to come in at. I am going to go for the 190 Montauk, Verado 135HP upgrade engine, VH FM radio, GPS, Fish Finder and the bimini if that is the thing that blocks the sun overhead. Thanks for any last advice you guys really helped me narrow in on things.

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If you go to Link to Build yours you can "build" your ideal boat with MSRP pricing. Gives you a ballpark. With the soft market, the final price should, in my opinion be the maximum you should pay.

I have read about members getting the dealer to throw in a fishing package or other items.

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excellent. I am thinking more about the Verado engine and I am thinking if I amn not going to be doing water skiing or tubing etc. why bother with the extra horse power for 4-5 K more. Would you agree?