Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by mwalsh5 on 08/13/09 - 4:34 PM

Hello all,

I am considering what I want to get for my first boat. I don't plan on going way out to go fishing but I live in Massachusetts and I know even going into Boston there can be some pretty good wakes. Can the 170 Montauk handle large wakes or conditions okay or will water be spilling into this boat? I am worried it is low to the water so water will get in or over the bow. I am also condering waiting and going for a grady white but way above my price range right now.

Thanks all.

Posted by Phil T on 08/13/09 - 6:19 PM

As with many models of Whalers, the Montauk 170 can probably handle more than you can. My classic Montauk and Outrage 17 are both this way.

The 170 is a good all around boat. If you handle the boat correctly, you will be fine. If the marine forecast shows conditions below small craft advisory, (SCA), you are good to go.

Consider a late model used 170 rather than new to save on the big depreciation hit.

Regardless of what brand and model you choose, I strongly urge you to take a boater safety course BEFORE you buy a boat.

Edited by Phil T on 08/13/09 - 6:22 PM

Posted by MW on 08/13/09 - 11:32 PM

I "prefer" to go out in the ocean in nothing less than 22', I'm "NOT" saying that the 17' can't do it, just saying where my "Comfort" zone is. A lot depend's on the skill of the "Pilot" too. Phil gives some great advice about the "Boater's safety course", It can save your life !

Posted by themclos on 08/14/09 - 7:29 AM

I agree with the points made by Phil and MW. I recently sold my Montauk and just purchased a 22 Outrage Cuddy, the primary driver being to increase the number of days I can get on the water.

I live in NJ and do my saltwater boating out of the Raritan Bay/Sandy Hook area. Conditions can change quickly, and while the Montauk could easily handle most conditions, depending upon my crew on a particular day, we found we lost too many days when a 22 footer would have gotten us out on the water.

I should point out that 50% of the time, my crew consists of my children, ages 13, 11 ,11 and my wife. 25% of the time, I am alone, and the remainder of the time with 2 - 3 adults fishing.

With a 170 Montauk, you will need to pick your days.

I also agree with Phil's recommendation to look for a lightly used boat.

Best of luck,

Posted by bottomfish on 08/14/09 - 10:34 AM

I agree, the 17' will handle more than most people are willing to endure. For comfort a larger boat will get you out and into your comfort zone, but it is gonna cost you. For ease and cost and the hearty a 17' is hard to beat.

Posted by mwalsh5 on 08/14/09 - 11:09 AM

awesome information all, I really appreciate it. Ya I am really leaning on getting a bigger boat but I dont have much capital so I may again have to wait a year or two. I want to on the high side get something in the 20-30K range at the most and I don't want something older than the 2005-06 range so pretty much that is nothing :)

Posted by themclos on 08/14/09 - 12:21 PM

mwalsh5,

If you would like to stay with newer boats, then yes, your options are limited. If you expand your search just a little, to include 2003/4 you may find 19 Nantuckets available. This hull will handle the chop a bit better than a Montauk.

If you can get comfortable with moderately older boats, say going back 10 or so years, you will find 23 Conquests available, and these are great boats for this area of the country. They have a cuddy, and offer protection from the elements. If you are a fisherman, you can greatly increase your fishing season.

But I can appreciate your desire for a newer, turnkey boat. The Montauk is a great, versatile, simple, easy to maintain hull, that will take you most places you want to go.

If you can get comfortable with 20 year old boats, there are some great opportunities in 25 foot and 27 foot hulls, for the type of money you are talking about. There is a 27 Offshore in NY that looks to be in great shape, listed for $29K.

Good luck - searching for a boat is almost as much fun as owning one. :)

Posted by greenshoe on 08/14/09 - 9:18 PM

hi mwalch5. take philt s advice ,allso carry with you all the safety eqipment such as vhf ,life vests ,use them,eperb,and get some hands on experance ,go out with two boats. watch the weather .i launch my boat out of Scithuate some times ,going to stellwagon .in a81 mountuk .good luck