1991 Montauk 17: Getting Stripped Hull Back in Service

[scott3294]

What a difference a year makes. New house, new job with a fair amount of travel. I bought a 1991 Montauk last November. Stripped it down to make extensive modifications. It has been sitting in my garage, completely stripped since December. I have no time for extensive modifications. The center console, upon inspection after removal, is rotten and cut up from multiple electronic installs over the years. Probably won't try to reuse it.

What do with a completely stripped hull? There is nothing in it at all: no railings, no engine, no seats, nothing except a really nice hull. What would you do to it to get it back on the water with minimal time to work on it? I have SOME time, but not enough to bring it back to Montauk status. I also love the hull and don't want to sell it. Give me suggestions. Thanks--Scott

[Dutchman]

Buy a "Big Tiller" outboard in the say 60 to 90-HP range. Mercury has them. Mount to the transom. Buy a portable gas can with fuel line. Get a milk crate or cooler to sit on, and off you go. Don't forget to have required safety equipment on board too. Your question is very open ended hence this answer is, too.

[scott3294]

Actually not a bad answer at all. This is my conundrum: I have a good hull, but want to get it out on the water for fishing without too much time. I thought about a tiller outboard, as well. Thanks for the response. I hope to get ideas from folks who may have started with a 16-foot hull and created their own boat. Thanks.--Scott

[jimh]

To keep it simple, get an engine you can pull-start and run without a battery. Have internal-battery-operated navigation lamps for running in darkness.

[BrianK]

Scott,
I have a really nice 2004 Honda 4 stroke 50 hp tiller with power tilt and electric start that I was going to list for sale. It has 500-600 hrs on it and runs great. Very fuel efficient. Was for my 17' sport with bench seats (also a pristine hull)! I would sell it for $2000 if you are interested?

Brian