Boston Whaler Montauk 190 v. Grady White Adventure 218 for SF Bay commuting/fun/fishing

[sausalitoswiss]

I boat out of Sausalito and want to maximize guest‑friendly fun days on SF Bay without trailering. Crew is usually 2–6 people. Priorities are safe, easy bow access (so people can move forward and sun themselves when it’s calm), plus dryness and warmth when the wind kicks up. I’ll do social cruises, Angel Island/Tiburon/East Bay loops, light fishing, and rare fair‑weather trips just outside the Gate. I could consider a bigger Conquest but they are really expensive, out of budget for me.

I’m comparing three boats and would love input from people with real SF Bay seat time:

Boston Whaler 190 Montauk (2024). This has been my dream boat since I was 15. I grew up as a sailing instructor on Bainbridge Island and drove a 17' Montauk every day as my chase boat and fell in love with it. A new 190 would be a dream. I love the quick bow access. About $50k less than a new Adventure (80K). However, I got very close to pulling the trigger until a yacht broker I met advised strongly against this one because I would be wet so often in the Bay and would alienate friends and family (and my partner). However I had ChatGPT do a bunch of weather and sea state analysis is on the bay and it looks like there’s only around 60 fewer days I would go out comfortably in this boat then the Grady White adventure per year, and I'd still get around .

Grady‑White Adventure 218 (2024): walkaround makes forward movement safer; has a cuddy and head. Very expensive new (180k) and can't find much used (130k for a 2023). feels more like a RV for the water, lots to maintain inside, could be very cozy when it’s cold out but overall seems like a lot of boat.

Steiger Craft 23 DV Miami (2024, lightly used) — pilothouse is dry and warm, but side‑deck to the bow feels tight. It feels like a dealbreaker to get something that’s that difficult to get to the bow of, particularly if solo. Not really considering this option but it is more affordable than the Adventure.

Questions for those who’ve run these (or similar) on the SF Bay:

Q1: How many months per year did you find yourself happily taking guests out, and which months were best?

Q2: On windy afternoon returns, how did each layout do for dryness and warmth? Did guests still have fun?

Q3: Bow access and bow lounging: in practice, when was it enjoyable to be up front (underway vs at anchor), and which layouts felt safest?

Q4: Any oh‑wow or oh‑no moments I should know about crossing the Slot, running Raccoon Strait, or nosing outside the Gate with these sizes/layouts?

Q5: If you switched boats, what pushed you over the edge?

Q6: Given a $90K–$120K target for used, would you pick one of these or pivot to a dual‑console (e.g., Grady Freedom 235, Whaler 230 Vantage, or similar) for my bow‑access + comfort goals?

If you can, please share your exact model/year, key options (hard‑top, canvas/curtains, bow rails/cushions, windlass), and anything you wish you had added for guest comfort. I’m trying to avoid buying the wrong layout for the Bay. Thanks in advance for straight talk from people who’ve actually done these runs.

[NorthShoreWhaler]

I have a 190 Montauk with t top. I’ve previously owned a Grady White 208 Adventure. The 190 Montauk is a great bay boat, not the boat I’d pick for larger seas. The 208 walk around is very tight so bow access isn’t great. It rode like a larger boat though and it will be drier and warmer than a center console. I prefer the Montauk layout for fishing.

[sausalitoswiss]

I have a 190 Montauk with t top. I’ve previously owned a Grady White 208 Adventure. The 190 Montauk is a great bay boat, not the boat I’d pick for larger seas. The 208 walk around is very tight so bow access isn’t great. It rode like a larger boat though and it will be drier and warmer than a center console. I prefer the Montauk layout for fishing.

Thank you.

Q7: do you think I'd be set with the 190 Montauk if I stayed in the Bay and only went outside the Golden Gate on good days?

I really don't like limited bow access and feel it makes for a more enclosed/claustrophobic ride for passengers.

[Moderator's note: I have moved the quoted material to be the first element in this post from its original location as the last element in this post.]

[jimh]

Crew is usually 2–6 people

I don't understand if you mean "crew" as the number of passengers in addition to you, or as the total number of passengers.

If a local Boston Whaler dealer has a 190 MONTAUK on display in his showroom or on his lot, you should visit the dealer with five or six friends. Then all six or seven of you should get aboard the 190 MONTAUK and find a seat--without using the bow seating as you indicated you did not like "the limited access" to those seats. Then assess if the 190 MONTAUK meets your needs for avoiding a "claustrophobic ride for passengers" by asking your friends if they feel claustrophobic when aboard the 190 MONTAUK.

[sausalitoswiss]

OK, thanks.

[bjohn]

Boston Whaler 190 Montauk (2024). This has been my dream boat since I was 15. I grew up as a sailing instructor on Bainbridge Island and drove a 17' Montauk every day as my chase boat and fell in love with it. A new 190 would be a dream.

I will offer some completely subjective advice.

(1) Since you've been dreaming of owning a Boston Whaler since you were 15, you should buy a Boston Whaler. If you've been drawn to Boston Whaler boats, nothing else will be an acceptable substitute (for you). No recreational boat purchase is ever an entirely rational decision. If you're in a position to do so, buy the boat you've always wanted.

(2) Start small. It appears you're also considering larger boats. In my experience, above 20 feet the cost, complexity, and challenges associated with towing and handling increase rapidly. Start with the Montauk 190 and see how you like it.

(3) Capacity and comfort. This depends a great deal on how familiar/comfortable your passengers are with being aboard a small boat and their tolerance for being outdoors. In assessing the type of boat you want, think about who's likely to be aboard. If your passengers have spent a lot of time on small boats or are the type that enjoy outdoor sports, an open boat won't be problem.

Hope this helps.