posted 09-29-2001 09:53 PM ET (US)        

I'm hot on the trail of a used Montauk. It's been way to many years since I've had one and I'm finally close to closing a deal. Anyway, it looks like I'll have to buy a trailer for this one. I don't know what to ask for in a Montauk trailer and a couple of places I called where telling me I needed this or that, some said rollers, some bunks.

You tell me guys. What kind of load capacity and bunks or rollers. I don't need the best, but what is functional.

The boat I'm looking at is an '89 with an '89 Yamaha 90hp Outboard. It's a very very clean boat and spotless motor with all the neat features I want. (i.e. Bow rails, Whaler cooler seat in front with back pads and rod holders, etc. etc.) They're asking $7500 for the rig. I think it's a decent deal. What do you guys think??

Thank for your help.

posted 09-30-2001 08:09 PM ET (US)            

Thanks again for your help in advance.

posted 10-01-2001 07:23 AM ET (US)            

Yep, your to blame my friend !! <G>

I found a 22' Outrage Cuddy with a 225 Yamaha, it's an '88 package. Their asking 15K with trailer. Hmmmmm, what do you think?
It's in CT.

posted 10-01-2001 11:59 PM ET (US)            

Trailers are rated GROSS, including the
weight of the traler. Even 2000 pounds isn't
enough. Montauk weighs 925, 90 HP Everrude
2 stroke 335, 24 gallons of gas 168, 40
pounds for the battery = 1468. Add anchor,
electronics, oil tank, safety gear, etc,
and it's over 1500 no sweat. Net. The trailer
weighs several hundred pounds. The gross
weight capacity of my trailer, IIRC, is
2300 or so.

It's a Shoreland'r (the correct spelling)
with two bunks. http://www.shorelandr.com/

posted 10-02-2001 12:41 AM ET (US)            

With a trailerable boat, the ease that you can haul the boat on the trailer, launch it, and recover it will all have great impact on how much you use the boat and how much you enjoy using it.

One advantage to trailers using keel rollers is they don't have to be buried underwater to recover the boat. This often makes the difference between where the winch handle is versus where the water is. I know on my trailer, which was originally a "float-on" style trailer, it is impossible to get the boat on the trailer without having to put on my waders and get into the water. Guys with all keel roller trailers seem to be able to stand on dry land and winch their boats up; I am two feet into the water cranking mine.
(Please don't respond with comments on "power loading" because it is prohibited at every ramp I use in the state of Michigan.) This is not a problem on a hot day in August, but it is not too inviting on a cold afternoon in March or November.

Also look for quality tires and wheels. The Goodyear Marathon Special Trailer Radial is a popular top-of-the-line tire. Also consider the size of the wheels. Larger tires (14-inch) mean better performance at highway towing speeds. Avoid little 12-inch wheels/tires, unless you only need to tow a mile or two.

A Montauk trailer might be right on the borderline for trailer brakes. I would judge that depending on the towing vehicle. If you plan to tow with a marginal vehicle, brakes might make sense.

Make sure you get a suitable winch.

If you get keel rollers (which I recommend) you should upgrade to the STOLTZ brand poly rollers. Watch out for imitations; there are some other no-brand yellow poly rollers being sold these days. One problem with these is they are a different size than the Stoltz. If you have to replace them it could be hard to match them up.

If you are going to be in salt water, get all stainless steel hardware as much as possible, including the axles for the rollers.

Except for a few national brands, trailers often tend to be a locally supplied item because it is hard to ship them at reasonable costs. Generally the only way to make economical delivery of a trailer is to have three or more of them stacked up and towed to a drop point. Having a single trailer delivered is pretty expensive, thus many local sources are used for trailers instead of 'brand" name ones. You might have a great trailer fabricator in your area--check it out.

And. of course, you have already read the lengthy multi-part article I wrote on trailers, right? http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/trailering/

posted 10-02-2001 07:38 AM ET (US)            

You guys are the BEST !! Thanks for all your help. I'm negotiating on an '89 Montauk with a '89 Yammie 90hp. The boat clearly has little use. No stess cracks or spider cracks, clean clean boat. I offered $6500 w/o trailer and am waiting for a response. The motor was maintained by a high priced marina in CT and the boat was owned by a NY'er who only used it during the summer and on weekends. I saw the complete 12 year repair/maintenance record of the motor. (Eckk ..these marina's charge a bundle.)
LARRY S. : I'd love to have that 22' Outrage, but the timing is just not right. Soon it will be, but for now, the Montauk is all I need. I would hope in 2-3 years that I could sell it for close to what I paid.

Thanks again all for your advice. I'm looking at a trailer with bunks and keel rollers.

posted 10-13-2001 07:39 AM ET (US)            

Muchas Gracias !! I've since bought the boat for $7K. I took a sea trial yesterday and the engine ran well, tached out at 5300RPMS (Spec was 5000 - 5500) and idled down at 600 RPMS very well.
I ordered a Load Rite trailer which has 4 keel rollers and 2 bunks.

Plenty of fishing left up here in CT. Went with a friend yesterday and caught 2 Stripers (37" & 28") and a boat load of 10-12lb. Bluefish.

posted 10-13-2001 04:16 PM ET (US)            

Yes, the boat I just bought was the one from Boats Inc.. I managed to only get $500 off the asking price, but I believe it's a pretty good deal at $7000 w/o trailer. I'm buying the 2002 Load Rite from them too. (Probably could have found a better deal but it's easier letting them do the rigging/adjusting and loading from blocks.)
If you saw the boat, you probably noticed that it was clean. No screw holes all over the console and transom area unlike most other Montauks I looked at from this era. The guy who owned it never even installed a depthfinder.(hence little use)
The Stripers I caught came from Meigs Point in Madison. We fished the buoy ~ 3/4 mile off the beach area.

Keep in touch.