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Author Topic:   Keep my 15' or move up to a 17'

Monnas Rock posted 04-11-2002 07:07 PM ET (US)
Hi everyone, I just discovered this site the other day. What a find! The perfect forum to pose my question. I have an absolutely pristine 1986 15" Striper with a 70 Evinrude and elec trolling motor. I love everything about it except... the very low freeboard.
( It gets pretty choppy and wet on Lake Mead.) I have been considering a Montauk as it's deeper and a lot bigger inside. Plus I want to be able to run the length of Lake Powell (about 100 miles). Is there enough difference between my 15' and a Montauk to justify finding the right boat and making it as nice as what I already have? My garage and my wife can't handle two boats!
mudpuppy posted 04-11-2002 07:29 PM ET (US)
Get a mooring cover for the 15, do something nice for your wife, and get the 17.
lhg posted 04-11-2002 08:02 PM ET (US)
The REAL main difference between a 15 and a 17 Montauk, is that it is more of an adult boat, providing stand-up piloting of the boat and higher, less back straining, seating. Being able to stand up and drive makes a huge difference in comfort on big water conditions.
Also, while underway, the Montauk is designed so that one can move around in the boat while underway, with plenty of hand-holds. All of this makes all the difference in the world for the kind of boating you are contemplating. The difference is trailerability is negligent.
In your case, you should consider a Montauk.
JBCornwell posted 04-11-2002 08:33 PM ET (US)
Howdy, Monnas Rock.
I agree with Mudpuppy and LHG.
The classic Montauk is the most versatile fisherman ever built. Add a Striper front seat. No, not a bassboat seat, a Striper seat that mounts like the front seat in your Striper.
For the range you mention, you want a 4 stroke. I have a Suzuki DF70EFI on my Montauk and it is wonderful. To run 100 miles and back you will need a 28 gallon under-seat tank plus an auxilary tank.
Other engines I would recommend are the Johnson/Suzi DF50 EFI, The Merc 60 EFI, or other EFI 4 stroke under 360lb.
Good fishing!
Red sky at night. . .
JB :)
tabasco posted 04-11-2002 10:55 PM ET (US)
Buy the new Montauk .......it has much higher freeboard and a more comfortable ride. You can buy a new one with a 90 HP motor for $17500 including trailer or a 90 HP four stroke for under $20,000.
Wild Turkey posted 04-12-2002 02:10 AM ET (US)
Sorry tabasco... but why are you recommending a boat that nobody has experienced a sea trial in?
Chris
PMUCCIOLO posted 04-12-2002 04:27 AM ET (US)
Monnas Rock,
Having owned multiple 13's, 15's, and 17's, I'd suggest your purchasing a 17' classic hull. The reasons include light weight, low HP requirement, easily customizable interior, and an abundance of experience with a hull proven over decades. You'll enjoy the increased freeboard.
I concur with Wild Turkey, in that the redesigned Montauk is unproven. Hopefully, it will work out well, but I have seen (and experienced) too many deficiencies with new designs, even in Boston Whalers.
If you decide to pursue a brand new boat and cannot find an acceptable classic Montauk, I'd be happy to relate my experiences in assembling and outfitting my 17' Alert. I was apprehensive at first, but it took a minimum of work to produce a beautiful boat. The input of the other forum participants, which will be applicable if you buy a classic 17' hull, proved essential to my finishing the boat. Pictures are forthcoming.
Paul
Bigshot posted 04-12-2002 10:27 AM ET (US)
15 is the most fun Whaler ever made. I however in my golden yeras(32) have moved on to comfort instead of fun. The Montauk is still fun but civilized. The wife will actually thank you for upgrading. If you do go for new, I hear you can get good deals on "classic" montauks. I have the 70 $ stroke like JB and absolutely love it.
Alan Hiccock posted 04-12-2002 11:11 AM ET (US)
I think with a situation like yours where you trailer the boat and use it on a lake "maybe" keeping the 15 wouldnt be a bad idea.
Now this knda depends on the hours you put on her per season. The thing is youve got a " pristene" 15 sport, value's only going up on this boat.
Now if your curious as to what you can get for it, take a bunch of nice pictures and put them & the boat on E Bay with a reserve price up there around $ 8K
Ive got an absolutly pristene 15 with a new Yamaha 70 & I'm considering the same things but wont sell this boat cheap, you shouldnt either.
So my answer is MAYBE!
Alan
TightPenny posted 04-13-2002 09:27 AM ET (US)
I'll add to mudpuppy's comment. Buy the Montauk and keep the 15 and give it to your kid if you have one or keep it for a spare.
I moved up from my 1977 Sport 15 to a 2000 Montauk and the difference is like night and day. The stand up piloting position makes a big difference. I take the Montauk 10 miles out of the Barnegat Inlet without any concerns. It is much more boat that one would expect from a 17' boat.
mudpuppy posted 04-14-2002 01:01 AM ET (US)
TightPenny is absolutely correct about the 17' behaving like a much larger boat, and I think the same thing about my 15' when I'm five miles off Bodega Bay and the swells come up. But for that I often wish I was in a 17'. And then I'd be eight miles on the outside thinking what a great boat, but wouldn't it be nice to have a bigger boat.
It depends on what you're gonna do. I can duck hunt tidal sloughs in the 15' and still go outside on a decent day, and get back in okay when it kicks up.
Monnas Rock posted 04-15-2002 01:02 PM ET (US)
Thanks for all the great feedback! Sounds like everyone is confirming what I suspected, the "Big Boy" 17' would suit my purposes better in the long run. While I'm sure the new 170 Montauk will prove to be a great boat at a better price, I kind of want the fun of a fixer-upper so I will probably look long and hard for a good hull and go from there ( I just know I'm gonna have a lot of Montauk questions!) A couple people suggested I keep the 15' AND buy a 17'. I wish I could but I live in one of those housing subdivisions where you can't keep anything parked in a side yard and other than that, I really like where I live (It's close to the lake).
15to17 posted 04-15-2002 10:19 PM ET (US)
Some would suggest that my username should say it all. The posts here all suggest out great points to consider, all I can add is that the my '89 15' Striper (sans front fishing seat) was a perfect joy for me and my wife (and even when my first son was born). However, with Baby #2 on the way and Baby #1 wanting to "cruise" around the boat while we were "cruising" meant we needed a slightly larger boat with more freeboard to keep Baby #1 on board. Hence, the Montauk (my dream boat actually). Hope to pilot an 18' Outrage someday to see for myself why a lot of folks here are so big on them. Until then, here's my plan: keep the Montauk for me and introduce the boys to boating in the most classic of ways. When the boys come of age, look around for a benevolent Whaler owner who is looking to sell their 15'.
Monnas Rock, we should all have such dilemmas as yours. Good luck, and keep us posted!
Draftmanswife posted 04-17-2002 02:41 PM ET (US)
Just break down, buy a 17' and keep the 15' for fun with your buddies. As far as doing something nice for your wife, maybe go for a 18' outrage, and name it after her!
Monnas Rock posted 04-17-2002 05:47 PM ET (US)
Draftsmanswife
Great Idea but, My wife's name is Monna and the 15' is the huge engagement ring she never got. Ergo the Whaler's name... "Monnas Rock". Actually she did finally get the "Rock", 20 years after the fact, while we were on a bare-boat charter in the Virgin Islands. By the way, since we all share a passion for boats, A bare-boat charter in the BVI is the perfect vacation. Just stay out of those duty-free jewelry stores on
St Thomas.
flaglerdave posted 04-18-2002 04:07 PM ET (US)
The 15 is a great boat design no doubt, I am at the same crossroad you are and I am going to keep the 15 for my son ( The excuse to give the Ms. )because in couple of years he will own it !
whaleryo posted 04-18-2002 04:28 PM ET (US)
If I can play devil's advocate...
I'm also considering the move from 15 to 17. Looking at the specs from the Reference section, the Montauk is only 16 inches longer and 6 inches wider. Is this really enough difference to justify the move? (I hope it is) I don't want to be posing a question next year about staying with the Montauk or moving up to the Outrage!
Bill
Monnas Rock posted 04-18-2002 05:17 PM ET (US)
Whaleryo,
I agree, the specs are so close that it doesn't seem like your moving up. But, I think the specs may be deceiving. After using your 15' go take a look at a Montauk. It will seem huge by comparison. The most obvious difference is freeboard. The reply from "lhg" seems to sum up the difference. The Montauk is "more of an adult boat". It seems true and that statement is moving me toward the Montauk.
lhg posted 04-18-2002 05:53 PM ET (US)
Specs can be very deceiving with boats. The difference between a Montauk and a Classic 18 Outrage is one foot of beam and 2 ft of length, and 300 lbs.. But this difference is HUGE. I made this move, and it felt like a whole new world of boating. The same applies between the difference in a 15 and 17. The 17 is a LOT more boat. One can be used for offshore work, where the ability to STAND is critical, the other can't.

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Author	Topic: Keep my 15' or move up to a 17'
Monnas Rock	posted 04-11-2002 07:07 PM ET (US) Hi everyone, I just discovered this site the other day. What a find! The perfect forum to pose my question. I have an absolutely pristine 1986 15" Striper with a 70 Evinrude and elec trolling motor. I love everything about it except... the very low freeboard. ( It gets pretty choppy and wet on Lake Mead.) I have been considering a Montauk as it's deeper and a lot bigger inside. Plus I want to be able to run the length of Lake Powell (about 100 miles). Is there enough difference between my 15' and a Montauk to justify finding the right boat and making it as nice as what I already have? My garage and my wife can't handle two boats!
mudpuppy	posted 04-11-2002 07:29 PM ET (US) Get a mooring cover for the 15, do something nice for your wife, and get the 17.
lhg	posted 04-11-2002 08:02 PM ET (US) The REAL main difference between a 15 and a 17 Montauk, is that it is more of an adult boat, providing stand-up piloting of the boat and higher, less back straining, seating. Being able to stand up and drive makes a huge difference in comfort on big water conditions. Also, while underway, the Montauk is designed so that one can move around in the boat while underway, with plenty of hand-holds. All of this makes all the difference in the world for the kind of boating you are contemplating. The difference is trailerability is negligent. In your case, you should consider a Montauk.
JBCornwell	posted 04-11-2002 08:33 PM ET (US) Howdy, Monnas Rock. I agree with Mudpuppy and LHG. The classic Montauk is the most versatile fisherman ever built. Add a Striper front seat. No, not a bassboat seat, a Striper seat that mounts like the front seat in your Striper. For the range you mention, you want a 4 stroke. I have a Suzuki DF70EFI on my Montauk and it is wonderful. To run 100 miles and back you will need a 28 gallon under-seat tank plus an auxilary tank. Other engines I would recommend are the Johnson/Suzi DF50 EFI, The Merc 60 EFI, or other EFI 4 stroke under 360lb. Good fishing! Red sky at night. . . JB :)
tabasco	posted 04-11-2002 10:55 PM ET (US) Buy the new Montauk .......it has much higher freeboard and a more comfortable ride. You can buy a new one with a 90 HP motor for $17500 including trailer or a 90 HP four stroke for under $20,000.
Wild Turkey	posted 04-12-2002 02:10 AM ET (US) Sorry tabasco... but why are you recommending a boat that nobody has experienced a sea trial in? Chris
PMUCCIOLO	posted 04-12-2002 04:27 AM ET (US) Monnas Rock, Having owned multiple 13's, 15's, and 17's, I'd suggest your purchasing a 17' classic hull. The reasons include light weight, low HP requirement, easily customizable interior, and an abundance of experience with a hull proven over decades. You'll enjoy the increased freeboard. I concur with Wild Turkey, in that the redesigned Montauk is unproven. Hopefully, it will work out well, but I have seen (and experienced) too many deficiencies with new designs, even in Boston Whalers. If you decide to pursue a brand new boat and cannot find an acceptable classic Montauk, I'd be happy to relate my experiences in assembling and outfitting my 17' Alert. I was apprehensive at first, but it took a minimum of work to produce a beautiful boat. The input of the other forum participants, which will be applicable if you buy a classic 17' hull, proved essential to my finishing the boat. Pictures are forthcoming. Paul
Bigshot	posted 04-12-2002 10:27 AM ET (US) 15 is the most fun Whaler ever made. I however in my golden yeras(32) have moved on to comfort instead of fun. The Montauk is still fun but civilized. The wife will actually thank you for upgrading. If you do go for new, I hear you can get good deals on "classic" montauks. I have the 70 $ stroke like JB and absolutely love it.
Alan Hiccock	posted 04-12-2002 11:11 AM ET (US) I think with a situation like yours where you trailer the boat and use it on a lake "maybe" keeping the 15 wouldnt be a bad idea. Now this knda depends on the hours you put on her per season. The thing is youve got a " pristene" 15 sport, value's only going up on this boat. Now if your curious as to what you can get for it, take a bunch of nice pictures and put them & the boat on E Bay with a reserve price up there around $ 8K Ive got an absolutly pristene 15 with a new Yamaha 70 & I'm considering the same things but wont sell this boat cheap, you shouldnt either. So my answer is MAYBE! Alan
TightPenny	posted 04-13-2002 09:27 AM ET (US) I'll add to mudpuppy's comment. Buy the Montauk and keep the 15 and give it to your kid if you have one or keep it for a spare. I moved up from my 1977 Sport 15 to a 2000 Montauk and the difference is like night and day. The stand up piloting position makes a big difference. I take the Montauk 10 miles out of the Barnegat Inlet without any concerns. It is much more boat that one would expect from a 17' boat.
mudpuppy	posted 04-14-2002 01:01 AM ET (US) TightPenny is absolutely correct about the 17' behaving like a much larger boat, and I think the same thing about my 15' when I'm five miles off Bodega Bay and the swells come up. But for that I often wish I was in a 17'. And then I'd be eight miles on the outside thinking what a great boat, but wouldn't it be nice to have a bigger boat. It depends on what you're gonna do. I can duck hunt tidal sloughs in the 15' and still go outside on a decent day, and get back in okay when it kicks up.
Monnas Rock	posted 04-15-2002 01:02 PM ET (US) Thanks for all the great feedback! Sounds like everyone is confirming what I suspected, the "Big Boy" 17' would suit my purposes better in the long run. While I'm sure the new 170 Montauk will prove to be a great boat at a better price, I kind of want the fun of a fixer-upper so I will probably look long and hard for a good hull and go from there ( I just know I'm gonna have a lot of Montauk questions!) A couple people suggested I keep the 15' AND buy a 17'. I wish I could but I live in one of those housing subdivisions where you can't keep anything parked in a side yard and other than that, I really like where I live (It's close to the lake).
15to17	posted 04-15-2002 10:19 PM ET (US) Some would suggest that my username should say it all. The posts here all suggest out great points to consider, all I can add is that the my '89 15' Striper (sans front fishing seat) was a perfect joy for me and my wife (and even when my first son was born). However, with Baby #2 on the way and Baby #1 wanting to "cruise" around the boat while we were "cruising" meant we needed a slightly larger boat with more freeboard to keep Baby #1 on board. Hence, the Montauk (my dream boat actually). Hope to pilot an 18' Outrage someday to see for myself why a lot of folks here are so big on them. Until then, here's my plan: keep the Montauk for me and introduce the boys to boating in the most classic of ways. When the boys come of age, look around for a benevolent Whaler owner who is looking to sell their 15'. Monnas Rock, we should all have such dilemmas as yours. Good luck, and keep us posted!
Draftmanswife	posted 04-17-2002 02:41 PM ET (US) Just break down, buy a 17' and keep the 15' for fun with your buddies. As far as doing something nice for your wife, maybe go for a 18' outrage, and name it after her!
Monnas Rock	posted 04-17-2002 05:47 PM ET (US) Draftsmanswife Great Idea but, My wife's name is Monna and the 15' is the huge engagement ring she never got. Ergo the Whaler's name... "Monnas Rock". Actually she did finally get the "Rock", 20 years after the fact, while we were on a bare-boat charter in the Virgin Islands. By the way, since we all share a passion for boats, A bare-boat charter in the BVI is the perfect vacation. Just stay out of those duty-free jewelry stores on St Thomas.
flaglerdave	posted 04-18-2002 04:07 PM ET (US) The 15 is a great boat design no doubt, I am at the same crossroad you are and I am going to keep the 15 for my son ( The excuse to give the Ms. )because in couple of years he will own it !
whaleryo	posted 04-18-2002 04:28 PM ET (US) If I can play devil's advocate... I'm also considering the move from 15 to 17. Looking at the specs from the Reference section, the Montauk is only 16 inches longer and 6 inches wider. Is this really enough difference to justify the move? (I hope it is) I don't want to be posing a question next year about staying with the Montauk or moving up to the Outrage! Bill
Monnas Rock	posted 04-18-2002 05:17 PM ET (US) Whaleryo, I agree, the specs are so close that it doesn't seem like your moving up. But, I think the specs may be deceiving. After using your 15' go take a look at a Montauk. It will seem huge by comparison. The most obvious difference is freeboard. The reply from "lhg" seems to sum up the difference. The Montauk is "more of an adult boat". It seems true and that statement is moving me toward the Montauk.
lhg	posted 04-18-2002 05:53 PM ET (US) Specs can be very deceiving with boats. The difference between a Montauk and a Classic 18 Outrage is one foot of beam and 2 ft of length, and 300 lbs.. But this difference is HUGE. I made this move, and it felt like a whole new world of boating. The same applies between the difference in a 15 and 17. The 17 is a LOT more boat. One can be used for offshore work, where the ability to STAND is critical, the other can't.