Boston Whaler Introduces the 2018 170 MONTAUK

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jimh
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Boston Whaler Introduces the 2018 170 MONTAUK

Postby jimh » Wed Aug 23, 2017 4:48 pm

As had been rumored, Boston Whaler revealed a new model, the 2018 170 MONTAUK boat. The website at WHALER.COM now has details as of this afternoon.

The new model differs from prior 170 MONTAUK boats most significantly as follows:

--integrated 25-gallon fuel tank for added range; this replaces on-deck plastic fuel tanks

--new integrated forward fishbox with overboard drain; apparently a new feature or adaptation of an existing option

--optional Teak Package with teak boarding steps and swim ladder flooring; dress up the boat for $481 with some classic teak trim

--optional engine is now Mercury [115-HP] FOURSTROKE Command Thrust--a $990 upgrade from the non-Command Thrust 90-HP engine

See more data and pictures at

https://www.bostonwhaler.com/boat-model ... ntauk.html
[Original link went to 404 NOT FOUND; replaced with working link in 2022.}

jimh
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Re: Boston Whaler Introduces the 2018 170 MONTAUK

Postby jimh » Wed Aug 23, 2017 5:09 pm

There are many options for railings. As best I can tell, the STANDARD equipment for railing is a high-profile bow railing and high profile side railings. The options are:

--low profile bow rails; replaces standard bow railing;

--split bow rail with high side rails; replaces standard bow railing; not compatible with with trolling motor panel option;

--low profile aft [side] rail; replaces standard side rails

--complete rail package, with high bow rail, low profile bow rail, high aft rail, low profile aft rail

Many images in the gallery show the new 2018 170 MONTAUK with no high-profile bow rail or side rails, but with very low profile railings on the inside of the gunwales at the bow and sides. I presume those boats have the two options for low-profile rails at bow and side.

frontier
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Re: Boston Whaler Introduces the 2018 170 MONTAUK

Postby frontier » Wed Aug 23, 2017 6:48 pm

[The just announced 2018 Boston Whaler 170 MONTAUK is a v]ery nice looking boat. I was wondering from where the extra 300-lbs in weight comes compared to the 2017 Montauk 170, but I noticed the 2018 version is both longer and wider. A dry hull weight of 1,700-lbs is getting close to double the weight of a classic Montauk. I can see why Boston Whaler now offers a 115-HP option.

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Re: Boston Whaler Introduces the 2018 170 MONTAUK

Postby Jefecinco » Wed Aug 23, 2017 7:17 pm

The new 170 Montauk with the right accessories is going to be a terrific small bay boat. I predict it will be very popular with anglers.
Butch

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Re: Boston Whaler Introduces the 2018 170 MONTAUK

Postby Masbama » Wed Aug 23, 2017 7:44 pm

I love the looks of the new 2018 170 MONTAUK. It is everything the 170 Dauntless is not, and especially now with an option for 115-HP.

That a 2018 170 MONTAUK only weighs 100-lbs less than my 1999 Dauntless 18 to me is interesting.

Butch: Gonna go for three?

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Re: Boston Whaler Introduces the 2018 170 MONTAUK

Postby jimh » Wed Aug 23, 2017 9:44 pm

I didn't notice the different hull dimensions. Here is a comparison:

Dimensions
2002 170 MONTAUK v. 2019 170 MONTAUK 170


Length = 17-feet v. 17-feet 4-inches; 4-inches longer
Beam = 6-feet 10-inches v. 7-feet 3-inches; 5-inches wider
Draft = 9-iniches v. 12-inches; 3-inches more draft
Dry Weight = 1,400 v. 1,700-lbs; 300-lbs heavier
Max. Wt. Capacity = 1,650 v. 1,900-lbs; 250-lbs more capacity
Swamped Capacity = 3,400-lbs v. 2,800-lbs; loss of 600-lbs swamped capacity
Person Capacity = 7 for both
Maximum HP = 90 v. 115-HP; 25-HP increase
Minimum HP = 60 v. 90-HP; 30-HP increase
Deadrise at transom = 16-degrees for both

Price
2002 170 MONTAUK v. 2018 170 MONTAUK

MSRP = $30,971 v. $32,241; a price increase of $1,270

Marko888
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Re: Boston Whaler Introduces the 2018 170 MONTAUK

Postby Marko888 » Thu Aug 24, 2017 10:05 am

Many of the 2018 170 MONTAUK hull dimension--except the LOA--are very close to those of the classic Outrage 18.

If a 2018 170 MONTAUK fuel tank was larger, then the 2018 170 MONTAUK would almost be the equal of a classic OUTRAGE 18--a beautiful boat.
Mark
1984 Outrage Cuddy 22

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Re: Boston Whaler Introduces the 2018 170 MONTAUK

Postby Ridge Runner » Thu Aug 24, 2017 10:08 pm

Here are few pictures of the new 2018 170 Montauk from the Sarasota Florida Boston Whaler dealer meeting (originally posted on Facebook by Hampton Watercraft and Marine):
Swim Platform.jpg
Swim Platform.jpg (49.47 KiB) Viewed 24266 times


New Montauk 170 2.jpg
New Montauk 170 2.jpg (92.86 KiB) Viewed 24266 times


New 170 Montauk.jpg
New 170 Montauk.jpg (70.83 KiB) Viewed 24266 times
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Re: Boston Whaler Introduces the 2018 170 MONTAUK

Postby Jefecinco » Fri Aug 25, 2017 10:12 am

The teak covering boards look like an afterthought. I would give them a pass.

The teak on the boarding platform looks okay, but why have so little on the boat? I don't believe I would have it as it is so unnoticeable it's hardly worth the maintenance it will require. For me, use teak or don't, a few little dabs just look out of place.

With or without the trim, that's a fine looking Montauk and I'd be delighted to own it.
Butch

Masbama
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Re: Boston Whaler Introduces the 2018 170 MONTAUK

Postby Masbama » Fri Aug 25, 2017 11:19 am

How goes the ride of a 2018 170 MONTAUK compare to the 2017 170 Montauk?

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Phil T
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Re: Boston Whaler Introduces the 2018 170 MONTAUK

Postby Phil T » Fri Aug 25, 2017 1:31 pm

We really should refer to the 2018 and future year model of the 170 Montauk as the "170 Montauk II" since it is similar but significantly different than a 2003-2017 Montauk.
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Re: Boston Whaler Introduces the 2018 170 MONTAUK

Postby Ridge Runner » Fri Aug 25, 2017 2:12 pm

With a length of 17-feet 4-inches the Boston Whaler marketing department could have easily named this model the 175 MONTAUK.
Member since 2005
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myakka
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Re: Boston Whaler Introduces the 2018 170 MONTAUK

Postby myakka » Sat Sep 02, 2017 8:44 pm

While at [a Boston Whaler dealer located in] Longboat Key, Florida I tried to get a look at the new 2018 170 MONTAUK. The only 2018 170 MONTAUK boat that dealer had was already sold.

The [Boston Whaler dealer in Longboat Key, Florida] was very interested in steering me toward buying a leftover pre-2018 170MONTAUK.

The dealer quoted a 60-day delay for delivery of a new 2018 170 MONTAUK

jimh
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Re: Boston Whaler Introduces the 2018 170 MONTAUK

Postby jimh » Sun Sep 03, 2017 3:24 pm

Re the naming of the boat: I tend to leave that to Boston Whaler, as they seem to be able to figure out boat model names rather well. As for a model 175 MONTAUK, I don't see the ending-in-5 as an obstacle; the 345 CONQUEST broke the only-end-in-zero pattern already.

Going forward, I suspect that it won't take long for there to be only one 170 MONTAUK in production--the newest model. The c.2002 170 MONTAUK will not be made much longer. That was the fate of the classic MONTAUK 17 once the 170 MONTAUK came out in c.2002. We will probably see a repeat, and the c.2002 model will end its 15-year run.

frontier
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Re: Boston Whaler Introduces the 2018 170 MONTAUK

Postby frontier » Sat Sep 09, 2017 10:19 am

I saw the new 2018 170 Montauk in person and came away very impressed with the attention to detail and the quality in the twin bow lockers, the new style [combined sidelights navigation lamp], the center console flush-mounted windshield, and the interior design. The boat looks like a winner to me.

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Re: Boston Whaler Introduces the 2018 170 MONTAUK

Postby Mambo Minnow » Sun Jan 28, 2018 4:52 pm

I got to see the 2018 170 Montauk. It is a nice boat which feels bigger. The one I saw had a swing tongue trailer. The upgrade to the 115-HP engine might be needed.

jackjax
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Re: Boston Whaler Introduces the 2018 170 MONTAUK

Postby jackjax » Thu Feb 08, 2018 9:42 am

The stern is eerily similar to my 1997 Dauntless 17'.
Jude
1997 BW Dauntless 17 115hp Merc

ConB
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Re: 2018 170 Montauk Thoughts and Experiences

Postby ConB » Fri May 25, 2018 9:38 am

The new 2018 Montauk line looks good to me. I've looked at a couple of 170 MONTAUK boats. I would want the 115-HP engine.

Have your dealer take you for a boat ride to help you decide.

The fuel tank does seem a little small.

Good luck--Con
!987 Outrage 18 / 2011 Yamaha F150
1969 13 / 30hp Johnson tiller

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Re: 2018 170 Montauk

Postby jimh » Fri May 25, 2018 11:49 am

I don't expect that after 2018 the Boston Whaler company will be making two models of 170 MONTAUK; they'll just be making the newer 2018 model. On that basis and if buying a new boat, the better choice for retained future value is probably to buy the 2018 model.

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Re: 2018 170 Montauk Fuel Tank Capacity

Postby jimh » Fri May 25, 2018 11:53 am

In regard to the utility of a 25-gallon fuel tank on a 17-foot boat: with modern outboard engines delivering fuel economy of 6-MPG or better, you'd have almost a 150-mile range with a 25-gallon fuel tank. If your planed use of the 17-foot boat requires a greater fuel endurance range than 150-miles, you will have to carry additional fuel aboard. See the performance data from Boston Whaler on the 2018 170 MONTAUK for more information about performance and fuel economy.

In any case, inasmuch as the older legacy 170 MONTAUK fuel was carried in two 6-gallon on-deck fuel tanks, or perhaps owners upgraded to one 22-gallon on-deck fuel tank from aftermarket suppliers, I don't see how the feature of a 25-gallon fuel tank on the new 2018 MONTAUK could be considered to be a liability that limits fuel capacity. In general the MONTAUK series has always used on-deck fuel tanks, so the use of a below-deck integral 25-gallon fuel tank is really quite a nice upgrade for the MONTAUK.

Problems with adding fuel to integral below-deck fuel tanks are almost always related to blocked venting. Maintaining proper static trim on the boat during fueling (while either the boat is in the water or on a trailer) is essential for proper tank venting. Fueling with the boat trimmed down by the bow will always be a problem; fuel accumulates in the forward portion of the tank, blocking the vent. When on the water lateral trim on the boat may also be a factor. When fueling our Boston Whaler boat with below-deck fuel tank, we always try to maintain the boat trim so the filler side of the boat is higher than the other side, and the boat is not trimmed down by the bow. At a highway fuel station where the grade has a slope, we approach the pump so the bow is on the uphill side.

Boston Whaler has been building boats with integral fuel tanks for decades, so I would expect they are familiar with the proper installation of below-deck fuel tanks. Before deciding there was an error in the design of the fuel tank on this new model Boston Whaler boats, I would have to get some first-hand reports from owners. And I'd have to hear more about the circumstances, the boat trim, were people sitting on the boat at the bow, and so on.

Clay
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Re: 2017 170 Montauk Compared to Newer Version

Postby Clay » Sat Sep 08, 2018 9:20 pm

I bought a 2017 Montauk 170 last spring knowing that there were changes coming in 2018. It was a risk, but it turned out that we were glad we got a 2017 for a few reasons.

The 2017 hull draws 9-inched while the 2018 draws 12-inched. The lesser draft may not be a big deal to some, but on the lakes we cruise some of the channels can be pretty shallow, so 3-inches is a lot.

We like the portable tanks and have never had a problem with range.

A 90-HP engine is plenty of power for this boat, and 115-HP engine really isn’t needed.

The 2018 is a bit bigger and heavier, so the extra room would be nice. But my wife and I are in our 60’s so the size and weight we have is plenty for us.

Now that the 2018 version is out, I recommend the 2018 because they made some worthwhile improvements. But if you can save some money on the 2017 and don’t really need 25 gallons of fuel, you’ll have a choice to make.

We did consider the Edgewater 170, also a great boat. But we chose the Boston Whaler because my wife preferred it and the resale is unbeatable. A great choice.

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Re: 2018 170 Montauk Fuel Capacity

Postby Dutchman » Thu Sep 27, 2018 2:17 pm

Re the limited fuel capacity [of the 2018 170 MONTAUK]: I think that is BS. You'll have a much larger internal tank than the two little carry-on fuel tanks [provided in the 2017 MONTAUK 170 model]. The carry-on fuel tanks take up valuable space now available for storage or live well.

[Sometime in May or June, 2018 or about] three months ago, my local dealer had me drive both models. The new 2018 does drive more nicely but [that impression may be] because I drove the 115-HP on the 2018 compared to the 90-HP on the 2017. Both are great boats. Each have advantages over the other. The 2018 stands out above. I'm not a speed demon but I liked the acceleration the 115 gave over the 90 even with an extra crew.

Re the 90-HP engine: We are talking still about a small boat. When you put seven good-size people that in total weigh 1,400-lbs on board a small boat, the weight will affect how a small boat operates.

The advantage of the 2017 would be its shallower draft--if you need shallow draft-- and a probably much-reduced price due to being an obsolete model.
EJO
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Re: Boston Whaler Introduces the 2018 170 MONTAUK

Postby jimh » Thu Sep 27, 2018 4:55 pm

I don't know if you can be certain the old model will have a lower price. Often new models carry a very attractive price in the first year of their production. I think this is an incentive to launch the new model and encourage sales. When the original 170 MONTAUK was introduced, its price was many thousands of dollars less than the classic 17 MONTAUK it replaced that year.

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Re: Boston Whaler Introduces the 2018 170 MONTAUK

Postby jimh » Thu Sep 27, 2018 9:29 pm

I don’t think of a 17-foot open skiff as a boat that will be or should be or was designed to be used with seven adults aboard that each weigh 200-lbs, and I would never worry than the bare minimum engine horsepower must be chosen so that the 17-foot open skiff boat can be nimbly accelerated onto plane with that sort of load.

I think of a Montauk 17-foot boat as a boat for one adult or two adults as the normal crewing, and perhaps once in a while another adult or maybe two, but not ever seven adults that all weigh 200-lbs,

If the normal and everyday and routine use of your boat requires that you take out seven adults that weigh 200-lbs on average, you need to get more boat than a 17-foot open skiff like a 170 Montauk.

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Re: Boston Whaler Introduces the 2018 170 MONTAUK

Postby Dutchman » Fri Sep 28, 2018 8:06 am

jimh wrote:I don't know if you can be certain the old model will have a lower price. Often new models carry a very attractive price in the first year of their production.


Jim might be right, but that was not the case at Gull Lake Marine a little while ago in West Michigan.

The 2018 has a very favorable write up and review and therefore is in demand, Notice that three month ago you could build either a 2017 or a 2018 on the Boston Whaler web, now [the website responds to attempts to build a configuration for the 2017] model with:

“This model is no longer being produced and cannot be built new from the factory. Please choose another model from this family.”

That clearly indicates go with a 2018, therefore increasing demand for the 2018 resulting in higher prices.
EJO
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Re: Boston Whaler Introduces the 2018 170 MONTAUK

Postby jimh » Fri Sep 28, 2018 8:36 am

Re the Boston Whaler website: I noticed recently that the website explicitly denotes that actual retail prices are set by the authorized selling dealer.

I don’t think demand for the 2018 170 Montauk will automatically increase, that is become greater than demand was for the 2017 170 Montauk, if production of the 2017 model ends and the 2018 model is more expensive. That prediction remains to be fulfilled by new buyers who will pay more for the 2018 model than buyers were willing to pay for the “2017” model; that model goes back 15 years, and it has been a very popular model. The fact that you can no longer buy one from new production does not intrinsically mean the replacement model will outsell the old model. The bar has been set high.

In 2002 when the 170 Montauk was introduced its base price was only $17,655. That was about $4,000 less than the model it replaced. That very attractive price more or less guaranteed there wouldn’t be any competition from the old and more expensive model dragging away sales from the new model.

As mentioned above, we are now in a price range of $50,000 for these 17-foot boats. If demand actually does increase compared to the older and less expensive models, it may be due to buyers moving down in their boat buying because the can’t afford a bigger boat.

The delivered price of $50,000 is exemplified in this narrative of a recent purchase of a 2018 170 MONTAUK boat.