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What is the best cover to buy for my 2001 Montauk 17?

The old one has a big tear in the front. I called Mills and priced what they call a mooring cover for a classic Montauk 17 with center console and front rails. They quoted me $1,099 plus about $45 to ship.

I am looking for something for half as much money. My boat sits on a trailer not a mooring. I have a constant battle keeping mud daubers out (here in Atlanta, Georgia) so the cover must seal tightly all the way around (even the outboard motor).

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Nice to be back on this wonderful site.

Nice to have you back.

I can't offer advice on a cover. I just had a mooring cover made for my boat. I used a local canvas company. They did great work, but it was expensive. The custom-designed made-in-Pacific-Blue-SUNBRELLA-fabric cover's cost was in that Wm. J. Mills & Co. price range you just mentioned ($1,100).

Re mud-wasp nests: when I first bought my REVENGE 22 W-T Whaler Drive boat, it had been down in Florida for a while, hardly getting any use. Every time we would hit a bigger wave and take a hard landing, another mud-wasp nest would come loose from under the the gunwales or somewhere. It took a few trips and some big seas, but soon they all revealed themselves and broke free.

I bought my cover through iBoats where they offer semi-custom covers that fit many of the Whaler and are made by several different suppliers for a lot less than what Mills wants. Mills covers are of great quality and design but for the price conscious person the covers at iBoat are a good deal and Sunbrella is also offered there.
I'm very happy with the cover I bought (see below) with bow rail and motor cover. I even use it when traveling over 150 miles to keep grime out and nosy eyes out.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/evF9z2fcBrcSosvj7
https://photos.app.goo.gl/u3vHQ3kVKdbdf7H17

Go here https://www.iboats.com/shop/boat-covers/custom-boat-covers.html?find=boston-whaler-17-montauk-center-console-bow-rails-o-b-motor-hood-1980---2002-10150873&finder=22 and keep in mind they just show a standard image and not your boat and the cover will fit like shown in my pictures.

I have read very positive reviews of Carver semi-custom covers for many Whaler models. Westland also makes very good options as well.

Tears and holes in Sunbrella are really quite easy to repair or patch if you have access to a sewing machine, even if you have not had prior experience. Mills and others will sell Sunbrella by the yard, and videos on how to repair Sunbrella have been posted by Sailrite, which also sells Sunbrella and the thread (in Pacific Blue and other colors) and double sided tape to use for a neat repair. After repairing the item, wash it and treat it with 303 Fabric Guard to restore the original Sunbrella waterproofing. "How to" videos and instructions are on the Sunbrella, Sailrite and other web sites.

I am trying to find a cover for a 1975 Montauk that says Montauk 16 on the side. The boat is pristine. I doubt the side stickers are fake or aftermarket. The boat even has the steering wheel and loading stickers too.

I'm new here, am not trying to hijack this thread, and just don't know where to ask.

A 2001 MONTAUK 17 is really the same hull as an earlier 1975 MONTAUK 16, so any advice given in this thread about recommendations for a cover would be applicable to either boat.

Thank you for the reply to my 1975 whaler inquiry, I had an idea that was the case, but wasn't sure. I dont care for the taste of my foot so I ask ; ).

I needed a cover for my 1981 Montauk and just bit the bullet and ordered from Mills. They came highly recommended so I just did it. Supposed to arrive on Friday so am a bit excited.

Sorry I can't offer any other advice to the OP. I'm really new to all this.