MONTAUK 17, 1986 v. 1989

[AuxHoo]

I am well into my search for a classic 1970's or 1980's Montauk 17. I'm soon to check out an 1986 and an 1989.

Give me your opinions, useful information, and suggestions on the two boats.

Q1: other than obvious cosmetic differences (like less teak) is there a difference in quality [between the production years]?

Q2: is thre anything I should aware of between the years?

Q3: is there a reason you would lean towards one of these years over the other?


The outboard engines and trailers on these two boats are the same quality. I plant to re-power and possible invest in a new trailer if I end up purchasing either.

The accessories don't have an impact on my buying decision.

After looking for almost year and seeing about a dozen boats, and I am pretty decent at testing for dull responses, soft spots, spider vs. deep cracks, transom condition, etc. At this point my real concern is one has bottom paint and the other does not. Both have been under full covers and stored out of the water.

Thanks for your time and guidance.

[Dick E]

Q4: Are you going to use use in fresh or saltwater?

Q5: Are you going to leave the boat in saltwater?

Bottom paint is nasty to get off and it devalues a boat.

Q6: were the boats used in saltwater or fresh water?

Saltwater is harder on the boat and the engine.

Q7: What are the engine hours?

[jimh]

Thanks for the thorough description of the boats and what is different between them--very little.

Q1: other than obvious cosmetic differences (like less teak) is there a difference in quality [between the production years]?

I don't know of any particular year of production of the MONTAUK 17 that would be more likely to have a defect in manufacturing than any other year.

The difference between a 1986 and a 1989 boat in terms of their age is 34-years-old versus 31-years-old. Between boats of that age, there is no reasonable basis to assume that the younger boat is always in better condition. The actual present condition and actual past history of use will be more influential on the boat condition than the difference in age of three years. But you assert their condition is equal. Since no readers can see the boats, we may only presume they are the same condition based on your description. You really need to see both boats in person to properly assess them.

Although you want to ignore the presence or absence of teak trim as simply a cosmetic change, I must disagree. If you want a really classic MONTAUK 17, get one with more teak. The teak trim dresses the boat into a little yacht. On the other hand, if you want to eliminate any on-going work on maintaining the teak, get the boat with less teak. I think it really comes down to the teak as being the difference.

[AuxHoo]

Thanks for the info, Dick and Jim. I guess by "same quality" I meant the outboards and trailers are similar age and apparent condition (again just by photos). I'm looking forward to seeing the boats' conditions and getting more information from the sellers. I'm with you in that I hope the '86 is the better option, as I am a huge fan of the teak.

As for Dick's questions:

Q4: Are you going to use use in fresh or saltwater? I'll use it primarily in fresh water, but may occasionally take it to salt water.

Q5: Are you going to leave the boat in saltwater? No. I don't live on the water so I'll trailer it each time out unless I rent a house or stay with friends/family with a house on the water.

Bottom paint is nasty to get off and it devalues a boat. Agreed...not a fan of bottom paint, but I understand it does not necessarily mean there's any
hull problems.

Q6: were the boats used in saltwater or fresh water? I believe the boats were used in both, but will get the full story when I see them.

Saltwater is harder on the boat and the engine.

Q7: What are the engine hours? Not sure. The outboards are the original ones and my hope is to be able to repower soon.

[biggiefl]

I have owned both and many more years as I think I have owned eight.

A few comments:

There should not be any less teak on the 89 except maybe the front hatch. I think in 89 they went to fiberglass anchor locker which is a major bonus over the teak in my opinion. It also might have been a transitional year as I think I have seen them with teak hatch and with glass.They might have done it in 1990 as I had one too. I also have a fiberglass anchor locker in my garage I think. I think the first years of fiberglass RPS, etc. was 1991 and optional, teak was still available on most models. The all glass was the 30th anniversary model and people liked the new look and easy to maintain replacements. Jim has a pic on this site.

As they have mentioned, condition is everything. As far as bottom paint goes, to some it is a plus and adds value if in good condition. Do you know how expensive it is to etch, barrier coat, and put 2 coats of paint on a boat correctly? For your use I would want no paint but again condition between the two is everything.

As far as repowering goes, you might want to pay more now for one with newer power than pay $10,000 for an engine in a couple years.

[AuxHoo]

Update - bought the 1986 Montauk for what I thought was a good deal until the outboard died during the second trip out on the water (pulled the exhaust cover and saw brown rust and various metal pieces in one cylinder). Now the work begins.

[biggiefl]

Did you do a compression test before you bought it? Best $25 you will spend on a tool.

[jimh]

As far as repowering goes, you might want to pay more now for one with newer power than pay $10,000 for an engine in a couple years.

Considering the outcome, your advice was very prescient.

[biggiefl]

Who knew I would be so accurate?

[AuxHoo]

Biggiefl, no compression test done. Did a sea trial and put the boat through its paces. I didn't see, hear, or feel anything that concerned me so I bought the boat. Now I wonder if the boat's beauty caused me to overlook something with the outboard. I'm putting a new Suzuki on it and plan to enjoy years of reduced stress (emphasis on "plan").

I figure I'll part out the mid-80's Mercury 90 (at least the good parts) on eBay. The engine may be worth more that way than selling outboard as a whole.