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pizano1 posted 07-27-2001 04:13 AM ET (US)
O.K. guys (it's me again) be honest... Considering you have all made it clear to me that I can pull a 13' or a 17' Whaler w/ my 4-cyl. truck, and also considering I plan on using a whaler mainly in the bay (Ocean Shores, WA)... would I be wise to save a few more bucks and but a 17' or buy the 13' that I can afford now? Thanks for any input!
Tsuriki BW posted 07-27-2001 05:02 AM ET (US)
Pizano1,
I pull my Dauntless 14 with a 4cyl Benz. I have taken it from Edmonds to Tacoma. It weighs more that a 17 Montauk and certainly more than a 13. It can be done safely and without problems.
Sometimes I wish I had waited to to get a Dauntless 16. Several reasons...But..
The bottom line is I got what met my needs..for the type of fishing I want to do, the areas I want to fish..Lks Washington, Sammamish, and Puget Sound (Pt Defiance, Elliot Bay, Allan Bank, Jeff Head, Kingston, Possession Point, Point no Point (weather permitting). "Mainly" is relative as you will discover many more places you want to take your boat once you have it.
Visualize yourself in both boats, (physically sit in both of them if you can), Put yourself in different situations, places, and I think your decision will be easier.. Whichever way you go, you are going to spend a lot of money getting your boat set up the way you want it...fact of boating life. You will do it and you will love every minute of it.
That being said...I, personally, would get a 17 even if you have to wait a bit....
Honestly.....
Tsuriki
RobDimel posted 07-27-2001 05:34 AM ET (US)
I'm going to have to go with Tsuriki's comments. If you have pangs for the 17, find one and bujy it. If you get the 13 now, you are probably going to be wishing it was the 17 every time you use it. Don't just settle, get what you really want.
Whaler15 posted 07-27-2001 06:09 AM ET (US)
I hate to cloud the water, but have you considered a 15?
JFM posted 07-27-2001 09:34 AM ET (US)
The 17 may be to heavy for your truck. You will be adding 600 lbs. with the boat alone. I have used a 13 sport in the bays in the pan handle of Fla. and also an inflatable because of the depth of water I fish in. The 17 draws more depth but not much. In all cases I would have rather had a bigger boat unless I was stranded in low tide. Regards, Jay
GAwhale posted 07-27-2001 10:14 AM ET (US)
pizano1
The moment you buy the 13, you will want the 17.
The moment you buy the 17, you will want a bigger tow vehicle.
I tow my 17 with a 6 cylinder Ford Taurus Station Wagon. It works, however my next tow vehicle will definitely be a SUV with an 8 cylinder. The bigger the engine, the less it has to work.
triblet posted 07-27-2001 10:55 AM ET (US)
Current 17s are about 935 pounds, hull only.
A complete 17 rig (boat, motor, trailer, gas,
battery) will probably come in just over 2000. I keep meaning to weigh mine.
Go check the manufacturer's spec for towing
capacity on your truck. If it's more than
the rig, it's OK, but you'll be a lot happier
if it's about 1.5x or better.
You don't need a V8 for a 17.
My old (1995) Pathfinder with the 3.0L 170HP
V6 pulled my Montauk, with two people and 300
pounds of dive gear in the truck, just fine.
It's about 50 miles to the ramp and I drive it
60 times a year. My new (2001) Pathfinder
with the 3.5L 250HP V6 (four-cam) pulls it
a little better (less down shifting).
Chuck
Tom W Clark posted 07-27-2001 11:21 AM ET (US)
pizano1,
It's really up to you. If you can afford a 17 then buy one. If all you can afford is a 13 then buy one now, get familiar with Whalering and get a 15 or a 17 next.
Either way you needn't let your tow vehicle drive the decision.
For the record, I towed my last Montauk with a Toyota p/u, 4 cylinder, 100 hp, 2wd without any problems. Just used the bumper hitch and made at least a couple of trips from Seattle to Sekiu or Neah Bay each summer with one or two other guys and my Montauk with a 90 hp V-4, kicker motor, all the usual extras and gear and always returned with a huge ice filled cooler full of salmon. Only place I couldn't maintain speed was the long uphill climb on SR104 just after leaving SR101 heading towards Hood Canal.
Honestly, I think you ought to get a 13 now and start enjoying the bay.
Bigshot posted 07-27-2001 11:37 AM ET (US)
No problem on towing, tust me. The 13 is great, I would look for a 15 even if it only has a 40(will be faster than the 13) and has a semi-vee. I love the 15's and you can get a nice one for $4-5k.
andygere posted 07-27-2001 11:39 AM ET (US)
The Montauk is pretty easy to tow. I tow mine with a '93 Jeep Wrangler with a 4 liter in-line 6 (180 hp) and a 5 speed. This includes towing in the mountains, and I have no problem pulling up long, steep grades. Having owned both a 13 and a 17, I would go with the 17. It's just as easy to single hand, launch and recover, but it is much more boat, especially in any kind of chop. Perhaps the biggest advantage over the 13 is the ability to drive while standing.
skookum point posted 07-27-2001 11:51 AM ET (US)
I agree that you ought to consider the 15. It will give you the best of both worlds - more boat than the 13 and much easier to tow than the 17. An added bonus - the 15 rides better than either.
Wild Turkey posted 07-27-2001 11:57 AM ET (US)
I tow the Montauk w/ 90HP(V-4) with my Toyota Tacoma, 4 cylinder, 2wd. It works fine..... route to ramps is pretty flat here on the Gulf Coast.
The added benefit is when your not towing... 30 MPG!!! How about that, boys with your SUVs and big V-8s????
Dick E posted 07-27-2001 07:44 PM ET (US)
towed my 17 whaler from Charlotte nc to the coast with a volvo wagon 2.4 l engine strained on hills and did get hot. you are pushing it with a four also braks are a lot smaller in size.
Bought a 6cyl Jeep and had no problems.
Buy the 17 you will not regret it.
Look for a bigger tow vechicle.
Dick posted 07-27-2001 08:21 PM ET (US)
Guess it's time to toss in my comments.
I have a 99 Montauk and I tow with a Ford F150, 4.6L V-8. Don't even know it's behind the truck.
The Montauk does everything I want and need in a boat. It's big enough so the wife feels safe but small enough to handle by myself.
I picked up a used 13 SS project boat today. I haven't been in a 13 for many years and had forgotten how small it was untill I parked it next to the Montauk.
If you can swing it, go for the Montauk.
Dick
Matthew posted 07-27-2001 08:29 PM ET (US)
pisano,
if you buy the 13 now you will be able to use it and in a few years if you want to move up to a larger Whaler you will probably be able to get most or all of your money out of the 13--if you keep it up.
Matt
simonmeridew posted 07-27-2001 08:31 PM ET (US)
I'd get the 17.
Take out a home improvement loan now since interest rates are down, pay the balence off by next summer and enjoy the boat now. (I don't work for a bank BTW, and only borrow money for capital expenditures). You can pull the boat with a 4 cyl vehicle, and if you like the boat, which is a given, you'll keep it, and surely you'll need a new replacement vehicle in a year or so, and will be in a better position to evaluate the needs in terms of towing etc when you develop experience pulling your boat. I don't care what you're using to tow with, you ought to slow down up a steep upgrade anyway, it's no dragstrip contest to the top of the hill as far as I'm concerned.
And by the way, any vehicle with good front disc brakes isn't going to have trouble stopping a 2000 lb trailer. I've seen photos of race cars at Le Mans coming out of a tight turn with all four discs glowing red hot; they still stop. Brakes are made to get hot, that's how they work. Pedal pressure might get heavier, but they won't go away. just my 2 cents
simonmeridew
Eric posted 07-27-2001 09:00 PM ET (US)
Sure no consensus here that I can see. I'll see if I can muddy the waters some more. I've had both a 13 and a 17, and with the 13 I felt pretty limited. This was a 1968 hull, I don't know if the later hulls had a bit of vee to them, but that one was flat at the transom. Rode hard, and made the 1962 Nauset I've got feel like a "big" boat.
whalerron posted 07-27-2001 09:38 PM ET (US)
hmmm...very light tow vehicle with good front disc brakes on a wet road pulling a 2000lb trailer.......can you spell J-A-C-K-K-N-I-F-E? ....I don't think ABS will account for jackknife since the front wheels would still be spinning as the trailer tried to pass the tow vehicle....
In all fairness, I have seen this happen with fullsize pickups too...
Hank posted 07-27-2001 11:18 PM ET (US)
I pull my 17 montauk with 90HP Evinrude using my 1991 Volvo 245 Wagon with 2+ liter engine. The Volvo is rated for 2000 lbs without modification and for 3000 lbs with extra transmission oil cooler. My trailer , boat, fuel and engine weigh in at under 2000 lbs. I have no problem with this set up. Two reasons; no hills here in Florida, and rear wheel drive on the Volvo. Check out the auto manufacturer's recommended towing capacity and if it's 2000 lbs or more, go for the Montauk.
Hank
Tsuriki BW posted 07-28-2001 01:19 AM ET (US)
""""O.K. guys (it's me again) be honest... Considering you have all made it clear to me that I can pull a 13' or a 17' Whaler w/ my 4-cyl. truck, and also considering I plan on using a whaler mainly in the bay (Ocean Shores, WA)... would I be wise to save a few more bucks and but a 17' or buy the 13' that I can afford now? Thanks for any input! """"
Sorry, just to pull the thread a bit more to:
".. would I be wise to save a few more bucks and but a 17' or buy the 13' that I can afford now? "
tough question and one you are going to have to make. Good luck and let us know what you decide.
Tsuriki
pizano1 posted 07-28-2001 01:27 AM ET (US)
WOW! What a wealth of information. Thanks everyone, your advice will be taken. My wife (also a first year teacher) just signed a contract for a job, YEAH! She is quite the photographer and decided for me. We're going to keep the truck and get the 17 footer. She says she could take better pictures of the whales, seals, etc. standing up. I LOVE that woman. My new budget is 9k-10k. YEEHAW!!!
Tsuriki BW posted 07-28-2001 02:51 AM ET (US)
pizano1
Congratulations on your decision.,, and your wife's new job..and on having a very understand and supportive wife.
Keep us posted on your progress.
Tsuriki
Arch Autenreith posted 07-28-2001 06:05 AM ET (US)
Congrats, pizano1. Great wife! Another Whaler convert.
I pull the Montauk with a really old 1990 Mercury Grand Marquis v-8. Of all the cars and trucks I've owned this is the most underpowered vehicle ever. New it had 160 hp. and weights in around 3700 pounds. It can't even get out of it's own way without downshifting 2x. I will turn over 200K miles on my way back to Pittsburgh tomorrow and this is my second trip this year making this 2200+ mile round trip while towing.
My point is that even though it is underpowered to begin with it hasn't really ever bothered me. I'm a relatively slow driver most of the time and even going through the hills of WVA it's not so bad. Oh, once in awhile I wish I had more but I always want something else anyhow. (19-21 Outrage is coming into focus I see. But it may be another Montauk again. Who knows? I need another one here in Florida.)
I guess it has a lot to do with how one drives or expects to I guess. Good luck and let us know the moment you get it!
Arch
Dick posted 07-28-2001 10:58 AM ET (US)
Congrats Pizano1
Both you and your wife will apreciate the stability of the 17 hull.
Dick
Tom W Clark posted 07-28-2001 11:58 AM ET (US)
pizano1,
OK, now that you've made your decision it's time to get to work and find a boat!
For starters check this one out: (from the Seattle Times classified) http://classifieds.nwsource.com/classified/
"17' Boston Whaler - 90HP Johnson & trailer, 7.5 Honda, canvas. Good cond!! $7000 (206) 793-3532"
Macman posted 07-28-2001 02:32 PM ET (US)
Good Luck, Pizano. A word of advice...scare up the cash, or financing, and be prepared to act on a good deal. Do your homework and know what to look for. I think that others will share this sentiment. I lost out on at least 3 good deals( in retrospect) before landing my 95' Montauk.
Put down a big refundable deposit pending sea trials....thats the key.
pizano1 posted 07-29-2001 01:33 AM ET (US)
Thanks guys! ;)
sklein posted 07-29-2001 09:24 PM ET (US)
Just a note on towing a Montauk with a 4 cylinder:
I towed mine with a 4 cyl, 5 speed S10 for a season. It accelerated well, and pulled out of launches well, but suddenly quit accelerating at 60 mph. I could get 70 wound up to 5000 rpm in 3rd (not good for efficiency or longevity). It seemed to be an aerodynamics problem of the bow of the boat being higher than the tailgate of the truck and packing air under the cathedral hull. I thought a cap on the truck might help, but bought a full size truck before trying it out.
The most important point, though: I spent my money on the Montauk I wanted first and got by with the 4 cylinder (below 60mph). Once I had the money, I upgraded the truck. It was the best decision I ever made. I love my Montauk and wouldn't want anything less.
Just do it.
Steve

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Author	Topic: Be honest
pizano1	posted 07-27-2001 04:13 AM ET (US) O.K. guys (it's me again) be honest... Considering you have all made it clear to me that I can pull a 13' or a 17' Whaler w/ my 4-cyl. truck, and also considering I plan on using a whaler mainly in the bay (Ocean Shores, WA)... would I be wise to save a few more bucks and but a 17' or buy the 13' that I can afford now? Thanks for any input!
Tsuriki BW	posted 07-27-2001 05:02 AM ET (US) Pizano1, I pull my Dauntless 14 with a 4cyl Benz. I have taken it from Edmonds to Tacoma. It weighs more that a 17 Montauk and certainly more than a 13. It can be done safely and without problems. Sometimes I wish I had waited to to get a Dauntless 16. Several reasons...But.. The bottom line is I got what met my needs..for the type of fishing I want to do, the areas I want to fish..Lks Washington, Sammamish, and Puget Sound (Pt Defiance, Elliot Bay, Allan Bank, Jeff Head, Kingston, Possession Point, Point no Point (weather permitting). "Mainly" is relative as you will discover many more places you want to take your boat once you have it. Visualize yourself in both boats, (physically sit in both of them if you can), Put yourself in different situations, places, and I think your decision will be easier.. Whichever way you go, you are going to spend a lot of money getting your boat set up the way you want it...fact of boating life. You will do it and you will love every minute of it. That being said...I, personally, would get a 17 even if you have to wait a bit.... Honestly..... Tsuriki
RobDimel	posted 07-27-2001 05:34 AM ET (US) I'm going to have to go with Tsuriki's comments. If you have pangs for the 17, find one and bujy it. If you get the 13 now, you are probably going to be wishing it was the 17 every time you use it. Don't just settle, get what you really want.
Whaler15	posted 07-27-2001 06:09 AM ET (US) I hate to cloud the water, but have you considered a 15?
JFM	posted 07-27-2001 09:34 AM ET (US) The 17 may be to heavy for your truck. You will be adding 600 lbs. with the boat alone. I have used a 13 sport in the bays in the pan handle of Fla. and also an inflatable because of the depth of water I fish in. The 17 draws more depth but not much. In all cases I would have rather had a bigger boat unless I was stranded in low tide. Regards, Jay
GAwhale	posted 07-27-2001 10:14 AM ET (US) pizano1 The moment you buy the 13, you will want the 17. The moment you buy the 17, you will want a bigger tow vehicle. I tow my 17 with a 6 cylinder Ford Taurus Station Wagon. It works, however my next tow vehicle will definitely be a SUV with an 8 cylinder. The bigger the engine, the less it has to work.
triblet	posted 07-27-2001 10:55 AM ET (US) Current 17s are about 935 pounds, hull only. A complete 17 rig (boat, motor, trailer, gas, battery) will probably come in just over 2000. I keep meaning to weigh mine. Go check the manufacturer's spec for towing capacity on your truck. If it's more than the rig, it's OK, but you'll be a lot happier if it's about 1.5x or better. You don't need a V8 for a 17. My old (1995) Pathfinder with the 3.0L 170HP V6 pulled my Montauk, with two people and 300 pounds of dive gear in the truck, just fine. It's about 50 miles to the ramp and I drive it 60 times a year. My new (2001) Pathfinder with the 3.5L 250HP V6 (four-cam) pulls it a little better (less down shifting). Chuck
Tom W Clark	posted 07-27-2001 11:21 AM ET (US) pizano1, It's really up to you. If you can afford a 17 then buy one. If all you can afford is a 13 then buy one now, get familiar with Whalering and get a 15 or a 17 next. Either way you needn't let your tow vehicle drive the decision. For the record, I towed my last Montauk with a Toyota p/u, 4 cylinder, 100 hp, 2wd without any problems. Just used the bumper hitch and made at least a couple of trips from Seattle to Sekiu or Neah Bay each summer with one or two other guys and my Montauk with a 90 hp V-4, kicker motor, all the usual extras and gear and always returned with a huge ice filled cooler full of salmon. Only place I couldn't maintain speed was the long uphill climb on SR104 just after leaving SR101 heading towards Hood Canal. Honestly, I think you ought to get a 13 now and start enjoying the bay.
Bigshot	posted 07-27-2001 11:37 AM ET (US) No problem on towing, tust me. The 13 is great, I would look for a 15 even if it only has a 40(will be faster than the 13) and has a semi-vee. I love the 15's and you can get a nice one for $4-5k.
andygere	posted 07-27-2001 11:39 AM ET (US) The Montauk is pretty easy to tow. I tow mine with a '93 Jeep Wrangler with a 4 liter in-line 6 (180 hp) and a 5 speed. This includes towing in the mountains, and I have no problem pulling up long, steep grades. Having owned both a 13 and a 17, I would go with the 17. It's just as easy to single hand, launch and recover, but it is much more boat, especially in any kind of chop. Perhaps the biggest advantage over the 13 is the ability to drive while standing.
skookum point	posted 07-27-2001 11:51 AM ET (US) I agree that you ought to consider the 15. It will give you the best of both worlds - more boat than the 13 and much easier to tow than the 17. An added bonus - the 15 rides better than either.
Wild Turkey	posted 07-27-2001 11:57 AM ET (US) I tow the Montauk w/ 90HP(V-4) with my Toyota Tacoma, 4 cylinder, 2wd. It works fine..... route to ramps is pretty flat here on the Gulf Coast. The added benefit is when your not towing... 30 MPG!!! How about that, boys with your SUVs and big V-8s????
Dick E	posted 07-27-2001 07:44 PM ET (US) towed my 17 whaler from Charlotte nc to the coast with a volvo wagon 2.4 l engine strained on hills and did get hot. you are pushing it with a four also braks are a lot smaller in size. Bought a 6cyl Jeep and had no problems. Buy the 17 you will not regret it. Look for a bigger tow vechicle.
Dick	posted 07-27-2001 08:21 PM ET (US) Guess it's time to toss in my comments. I have a 99 Montauk and I tow with a Ford F150, 4.6L V-8. Don't even know it's behind the truck. The Montauk does everything I want and need in a boat. It's big enough so the wife feels safe but small enough to handle by myself. I picked up a used 13 SS project boat today. I haven't been in a 13 for many years and had forgotten how small it was untill I parked it next to the Montauk. If you can swing it, go for the Montauk. Dick
Matthew	posted 07-27-2001 08:29 PM ET (US) pisano, if you buy the 13 now you will be able to use it and in a few years if you want to move up to a larger Whaler you will probably be able to get most or all of your money out of the 13--if you keep it up. Matt
simonmeridew	posted 07-27-2001 08:31 PM ET (US) I'd get the 17. Take out a home improvement loan now since interest rates are down, pay the balence off by next summer and enjoy the boat now. (I don't work for a bank BTW, and only borrow money for capital expenditures). You can pull the boat with a 4 cyl vehicle, and if you like the boat, which is a given, you'll keep it, and surely you'll need a new replacement vehicle in a year or so, and will be in a better position to evaluate the needs in terms of towing etc when you develop experience pulling your boat. I don't care what you're using to tow with, you ought to slow down up a steep upgrade anyway, it's no dragstrip contest to the top of the hill as far as I'm concerned. And by the way, any vehicle with good front disc brakes isn't going to have trouble stopping a 2000 lb trailer. I've seen photos of race cars at Le Mans coming out of a tight turn with all four discs glowing red hot; they still stop. Brakes are made to get hot, that's how they work. Pedal pressure might get heavier, but they won't go away. just my 2 cents simonmeridew
Eric	posted 07-27-2001 09:00 PM ET (US) Sure no consensus here that I can see. I'll see if I can muddy the waters some more. I've had both a 13 and a 17, and with the 13 I felt pretty limited. This was a 1968 hull, I don't know if the later hulls had a bit of vee to them, but that one was flat at the transom. Rode hard, and made the 1962 Nauset I've got feel like a "big" boat.
whalerron	posted 07-27-2001 09:38 PM ET (US) hmmm...very light tow vehicle with good front disc brakes on a wet road pulling a 2000lb trailer.......can you spell J-A-C-K-K-N-I-F-E? ....I don't think ABS will account for jackknife since the front wheels would still be spinning as the trailer tried to pass the tow vehicle.... In all fairness, I have seen this happen with fullsize pickups too...
Hank	posted 07-27-2001 11:18 PM ET (US) I pull my 17 montauk with 90HP Evinrude using my 1991 Volvo 245 Wagon with 2+ liter engine. The Volvo is rated for 2000 lbs without modification and for 3000 lbs with extra transmission oil cooler. My trailer , boat, fuel and engine weigh in at under 2000 lbs. I have no problem with this set up. Two reasons; no hills here in Florida, and rear wheel drive on the Volvo. Check out the auto manufacturer's recommended towing capacity and if it's 2000 lbs or more, go for the Montauk. Hank
Tsuriki BW	posted 07-28-2001 01:19 AM ET (US) """"O.K. guys (it's me again) be honest... Considering you have all made it clear to me that I can pull a 13' or a 17' Whaler w/ my 4-cyl. truck, and also considering I plan on using a whaler mainly in the bay (Ocean Shores, WA)... would I be wise to save a few more bucks and but a 17' or buy the 13' that I can afford now? Thanks for any input! """" Sorry, just to pull the thread a bit more to: ".. would I be wise to save a few more bucks and but a 17' or buy the 13' that I can afford now? " tough question and one you are going to have to make. Good luck and let us know what you decide. Tsuriki
pizano1	posted 07-28-2001 01:27 AM ET (US) WOW! What a wealth of information. Thanks everyone, your advice will be taken. My wife (also a first year teacher) just signed a contract for a job, YEAH! She is quite the photographer and decided for me. We're going to keep the truck and get the 17 footer. She says she could take better pictures of the whales, seals, etc. standing up. I LOVE that woman. My new budget is 9k-10k. YEEHAW!!!
Tsuriki BW	posted 07-28-2001 02:51 AM ET (US) pizano1 Congratulations on your decision.,, and your wife's new job..and on having a very understand and supportive wife. Keep us posted on your progress. Tsuriki
Arch Autenreith	posted 07-28-2001 06:05 AM ET (US) Congrats, pizano1. Great wife! Another Whaler convert. I pull the Montauk with a really old 1990 Mercury Grand Marquis v-8. Of all the cars and trucks I've owned this is the most underpowered vehicle ever. New it had 160 hp. and weights in around 3700 pounds. It can't even get out of it's own way without downshifting 2x. I will turn over 200K miles on my way back to Pittsburgh tomorrow and this is my second trip this year making this 2200+ mile round trip while towing. My point is that even though it is underpowered to begin with it hasn't really ever bothered me. I'm a relatively slow driver most of the time and even going through the hills of WVA it's not so bad. Oh, once in awhile I wish I had more but I always want something else anyhow. (19-21 Outrage is coming into focus I see. But it may be another Montauk again. Who knows? I need another one here in Florida.) I guess it has a lot to do with how one drives or expects to I guess. Good luck and let us know the moment you get it! Arch
Dick	posted 07-28-2001 10:58 AM ET (US) Congrats Pizano1 Both you and your wife will apreciate the stability of the 17 hull. Dick
Tom W Clark	posted 07-28-2001 11:58 AM ET (US) pizano1, OK, now that you've made your decision it's time to get to work and find a boat! For starters check this one out: (from the Seattle Times classified) http://classifieds.nwsource.com/classified/ "17' Boston Whaler - 90HP Johnson & trailer, 7.5 Honda, canvas. Good cond!! $7000 (206) 793-3532"
Macman	posted 07-28-2001 02:32 PM ET (US) Good Luck, Pizano. A word of advice...scare up the cash, or financing, and be prepared to act on a good deal. Do your homework and know what to look for. I think that others will share this sentiment. I lost out on at least 3 good deals( in retrospect) before landing my 95' Montauk. Put down a big refundable deposit pending sea trials....thats the key.
pizano1	posted 07-29-2001 01:33 AM ET (US) Thanks guys! ;)
sklein	posted 07-29-2001 09:24 PM ET (US) Just a note on towing a Montauk with a 4 cylinder: I towed mine with a 4 cyl, 5 speed S10 for a season. It accelerated well, and pulled out of launches well, but suddenly quit accelerating at 60 mph. I could get 70 wound up to 5000 rpm in 3rd (not good for efficiency or longevity). It seemed to be an aerodynamics problem of the bow of the boat being higher than the tailgate of the truck and packing air under the cathedral hull. I thought a cap on the truck might help, but bought a full size truck before trying it out. The most important point, though: I spent my money on the Montauk I wanted first and got by with the 4 cylinder (below 60mph). Once I had the money, I upgraded the truck. It was the best decision I ever made. I love my Montauk and wouldn't want anything less. Just do it. Steve