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   17' NEWPORT A GOOD FAMILY BOAT?

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Author Topic:   17' NEWPORT A GOOD FAMILY BOAT?

CHRISSKELLY posted 05-31-2002 04:47 PM ET (US)
I'M IN THE MARKET FOR A USED WHALER THAT WOULD BE SUITABLE FOR A YOUNG FAMILY OF FIVE. I LIKE THE NEWPORT BECAUSE IT SEEMS TO OFFER MORE SEATING THEN MONTAUK. iS THIS A GOOD CHOICE? ANY OTHER OPTIONS? CHRIS
JFM posted 05-31-2002 04:54 PM ET (US)
Chriss, if you can find a Newport it's a great family boat. Will you use it on a lake or the ocean? If ocean you may want a Montauk. Regards, Jay
CHRISSKELLY posted 05-31-2002 05:25 PM ET (US)
JAY , IT WOULD BE A SALT WATER BOAT,USED MOSTLY IN THE BACK BAYS OF SOUTH JERSY. CHRIS
John O posted 06-01-2002 12:13 AM ET (US)
why would a Montauk be a better "Family" boat at sea than a Newport. I understood they had the same hull. in just bought a 88 Newtauk and the only difference seems to be the side storage.//????
Tom W Clark posted 06-01-2002 12:31 AM ET (US)
John O,
I think Jay's point is that with a Montauk you can stand whereas with a Newport you are pretty much limited to sitting. If it gets rough, standing makes for a much more comfortable passage.
Your so called Newtauk (a Newport with the center console of a Montauk and usually the teak backed RPS in lieu of the upholstered back Newport RPS) may be the best of both worlds, though in larger seas the added security of the Montauk's taller bow rail is surely an asset.
Chris,
I really thing the Montauk is the better boat. Though the Newport was marketed as a family boat and the Montauk a fisherman’s boat, the Montauk has always been much more popular because of its more versatile center console arrangment, regardless of whether or not it's used for fishing. I did a lot of skiing and horsing around with my two Montauks.
With a cushioned cooler seat in front of the console it has really has the same amount of seating as a Newport.
The one thing the Newport has is the added storage space along the gunwale and the stern platform. But these two items take up precious space and restrict movement within the boat.
Of course the rear platform could be added to a Montauk as well if you really wanted it.
RMS posted 06-03-2002 12:39 PM ET (US)
Chris, Another 'family' model Whaler would be the Super Sport Limited. Plenty of seating, two full width upholstered bench seats. These came in 13, 15, and 17 foot models.
AllanR posted 06-04-2002 12:00 AM ET (US)
My Montauk has the extra bench seat in the stern. To me its like a minivan. You can sit up in the bow, on the cooler seat, on the pilot seat or on the stern seat. For a family or fishing or cruising its a great. I have had 7 people in it and everybody has had room. combination. And the ability to stand up is a huge advantage, both for going through rougher water and for visibility. I think it beats anything else in the family.
AllanR posted 06-04-2002 12:00 AM ET (US)
My Montauk has the extra bench seat in the stern. To me its like a minivan. You can sit up in the bow, on the cooler seat, on the pilot seat or on the stern seat. For a family or fishing or cruising its a great. I have had 7 people in it and everybody has had room. combination. And the ability to stand up is a huge advantage, both for going through rougher water and for visibility. I think it beats anything else in the family.
AllanR posted 06-04-2002 12:01 AM ET (US)
My Montauk has the extra bench seat in the stern. To me its like a minivan. You can sit up in the bow, on the cooler seat, on the pilot seat or on the stern seat. For a family or fishing or cruising its a great. I have had 7 people in it and everybody has had room. combination. And the ability to stand up is a huge advantage, both for going through rougher water and for visibility. I think it beats anything else in the family.
Augusto posted 06-05-2002 02:26 PM ET (US)
Chris,
Great Family boat!..at least for us in our conditions. I too have a young family as well as a Newport (1976), and we love the boat. We use the boat in Freshwater lakes here in Texas and occasionally on the coast. While I have seen Montauks, I have never ridden in one but will agree that the option of standing, does have merit. I selected the Newport because it was a cheap fixer upper. It also had a layout that we liked. The Newport also had a layout which I considered to be valuable in keeping my kids safe in their seats, I installed removable seat belts (Lap only) on the front seats of my newport for my children to use in relatively smooth conditions. Additionally, I do not know if the Newport you are looking at has the same but, my Newport has a molded FRP fore and aft facing seat (Not to be confused with a reversible pilot seat) for the helmsman and crew. It is hinged allowing access to the fuel tank/battery. While it does take up some room, as compared to the Montuak it is functional for me since during rougher conditions I will locate the kids to this seat along with their portable seat belts. If you would like some photos of this installation I would be happy to send them to you. Bottom line...we love the Newport, but our needs/conditions may not be consistent with yours. Nevertheless, this forum provides some sound advice for you to consider in making you decision, and if the S. Jersey coast is your boating area, I would say..."Standing is a nice option"
Good Luck
RMBW posted 06-05-2002 02:51 PM ET (US)
If you run on anything other than a small lake, think nothing but Montauk. The ability to stand up can not be over stated, shock to your body and ability to read the water on long runs in any conditions is what whalering is about. If the waters should turn nasty, you will be in the best boat out for it's size. Mike
Taylor posted 06-05-2002 03:01 PM ET (US)
I went through this exact same thought process a year ago and ended up with a Montauk. And I do like standing.
The Montauk has one (and only one) disadvantage that I can see for kids, and that is the tall bow rails. They are tall enough that the kids want to go under them. The Newport feels a little more enclosed. When I mentioned this to the spousal unit she said she actually perfered the higher rails for kid retention. But for my uses, Supersport style rails might be better.
I agree with Augusto. I happened to get a Montauk, I'm happy, but the Newport would have been fine for inshore and lake use.
One thing you really need for kids is a forward shelter (canvas) on either boat. The kids just love being up there, and it keeps them out of the wind.
BTW, my kids are 5 and 8. See my profile for a picture of the boat and kids.
BillVT posted 06-05-2002 03:55 PM ET (US)
If the operative word is "family", Newport is a clear standout. The original marketing spoke of the safe low ride in the forward bucket seats, where you can keep track of the kids--it's all true. We enjoyed ours for several years, and even in some heavy seas, never worried.
Standing up at the console is no problem whatsoever--the top of the wheel is an easy grasp. For standup riding, Passenger #2 stands to port and holds on to the console rail. #3 and #4 are secure in heavy going behind the RPS holding onto the top handles in the seatback.
Purists may not agree, but the lack of much storage in the Montauk gets old after a while. The Newport didn't add a huge amount, but it helped. You could use the larger flat spaces on the console, and sit on the side decks when fishing or going along slow; the short bow deck and windshield screens wind from the front passengers, and does help to divert some water when you ship a big one over the bow.
The full canvas also buttons things up well on this model, starting on the foredeck ahead of the windshield.
The bucket seats will rot out pretty quickly if not covered from rain--same as most other upholstery, but worse here cause rain puddles up. Replacements are available, either semi-custom pricey ones or off-the-shelf ones that don't look original but are still comfy.
CHRISSKELLY posted 06-06-2002 09:51 PM ET (US)
AUGUSTO ,THE NEWPORT THAT I LIKE DOES HAVE THE MOLDED FRONT PILOT AND AFT FACING SEAT LIKE YOU HAVE, BUT IT DOES NOT HAVE THE TWO SEATS IN FRONT OF THE CONSOLE. INSTEAD IT HAS A COOLER SEAT PLUS A BOW CUSHION. AN OPTION WOULD BE A BENCH SEAT IN THE STERN LIKE ALLAN'S MONTAUK . THAT WOULD GIVE ME THE EXTRA SEATING AND THE ABILILITY TO STAND DURING ROUGH SEAS. CHRIS
newportguy posted 06-08-2002 04:36 PM ET (US)
Okay guys,
We need to put this to bed once and for all.... The Newport and Montauk are identical hulls.. and surprise of all surprises you can stand while under way, while holding to the windshield rail and the wheel as in a Montauk. And finally if you have small kids the jump seats forward of the console are great. AND lastly....a Newport can go anywhere a Montauk can and it can do it well....with a whaler smile :)
Curtis Johnson posted 06-08-2002 09:43 PM ET (US)
I almost always stand, comfortably, in my Newport,passenger in the RPS or not. Also, anyone who thinks they will enjoy being in the bow in this hull in anything above a mild chop won't soon care if they have Montauk rails or Newport rails. They will just want aft. We have had some strong winds here, lately, and I have appreciated the beam of the GTX. If you can find one it may be the most versatile of the brand.

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Author	Topic: 17' NEWPORT A GOOD FAMILY BOAT?
CHRISSKELLY	posted 05-31-2002 04:47 PM ET (US) I'M IN THE MARKET FOR A USED WHALER THAT WOULD BE SUITABLE FOR A YOUNG FAMILY OF FIVE. I LIKE THE NEWPORT BECAUSE IT SEEMS TO OFFER MORE SEATING THEN MONTAUK. iS THIS A GOOD CHOICE? ANY OTHER OPTIONS? CHRIS
JFM	posted 05-31-2002 04:54 PM ET (US) Chriss, if you can find a Newport it's a great family boat. Will you use it on a lake or the ocean? If ocean you may want a Montauk. Regards, Jay
CHRISSKELLY	posted 05-31-2002 05:25 PM ET (US) JAY , IT WOULD BE A SALT WATER BOAT,USED MOSTLY IN THE BACK BAYS OF SOUTH JERSY. CHRIS
John O	posted 06-01-2002 12:13 AM ET (US) why would a Montauk be a better "Family" boat at sea than a Newport. I understood they had the same hull. in just bought a 88 Newtauk and the only difference seems to be the side storage.//????
Tom W Clark	posted 06-01-2002 12:31 AM ET (US) John O, I think Jay's point is that with a Montauk you can stand whereas with a Newport you are pretty much limited to sitting. If it gets rough, standing makes for a much more comfortable passage. Your so called Newtauk (a Newport with the center console of a Montauk and usually the teak backed RPS in lieu of the upholstered back Newport RPS) may be the best of both worlds, though in larger seas the added security of the Montauk's taller bow rail is surely an asset. Chris, I really thing the Montauk is the better boat. Though the Newport was marketed as a family boat and the Montauk a fisherman’s boat, the Montauk has always been much more popular because of its more versatile center console arrangment, regardless of whether or not it's used for fishing. I did a lot of skiing and horsing around with my two Montauks. With a cushioned cooler seat in front of the console it has really has the same amount of seating as a Newport. The one thing the Newport has is the added storage space along the gunwale and the stern platform. But these two items take up precious space and restrict movement within the boat. Of course the rear platform could be added to a Montauk as well if you really wanted it.
RMS	posted 06-03-2002 12:39 PM ET (US) Chris, Another 'family' model Whaler would be the Super Sport Limited. Plenty of seating, two full width upholstered bench seats. These came in 13, 15, and 17 foot models.
AllanR	posted 06-04-2002 12:00 AM ET (US) My Montauk has the extra bench seat in the stern. To me its like a minivan. You can sit up in the bow, on the cooler seat, on the pilot seat or on the stern seat. For a family or fishing or cruising its a great. I have had 7 people in it and everybody has had room. combination. And the ability to stand up is a huge advantage, both for going through rougher water and for visibility. I think it beats anything else in the family.
AllanR	posted 06-04-2002 12:00 AM ET (US) My Montauk has the extra bench seat in the stern. To me its like a minivan. You can sit up in the bow, on the cooler seat, on the pilot seat or on the stern seat. For a family or fishing or cruising its a great. I have had 7 people in it and everybody has had room. combination. And the ability to stand up is a huge advantage, both for going through rougher water and for visibility. I think it beats anything else in the family.
AllanR	posted 06-04-2002 12:01 AM ET (US) My Montauk has the extra bench seat in the stern. To me its like a minivan. You can sit up in the bow, on the cooler seat, on the pilot seat or on the stern seat. For a family or fishing or cruising its a great. I have had 7 people in it and everybody has had room. combination. And the ability to stand up is a huge advantage, both for going through rougher water and for visibility. I think it beats anything else in the family.
Augusto	posted 06-05-2002 02:26 PM ET (US) Chris, Great Family boat!..at least for us in our conditions. I too have a young family as well as a Newport (1976), and we love the boat. We use the boat in Freshwater lakes here in Texas and occasionally on the coast. While I have seen Montauks, I have never ridden in one but will agree that the option of standing, does have merit. I selected the Newport because it was a cheap fixer upper. It also had a layout that we liked. The Newport also had a layout which I considered to be valuable in keeping my kids safe in their seats, I installed removable seat belts (Lap only) on the front seats of my newport for my children to use in relatively smooth conditions. Additionally, I do not know if the Newport you are looking at has the same but, my Newport has a molded FRP fore and aft facing seat (Not to be confused with a reversible pilot seat) for the helmsman and crew. It is hinged allowing access to the fuel tank/battery. While it does take up some room, as compared to the Montuak it is functional for me since during rougher conditions I will locate the kids to this seat along with their portable seat belts. If you would like some photos of this installation I would be happy to send them to you. Bottom line...we love the Newport, but our needs/conditions may not be consistent with yours. Nevertheless, this forum provides some sound advice for you to consider in making you decision, and if the S. Jersey coast is your boating area, I would say..."Standing is a nice option" Good Luck
RMBW	posted 06-05-2002 02:51 PM ET (US) If you run on anything other than a small lake, think nothing but Montauk. The ability to stand up can not be over stated, shock to your body and ability to read the water on long runs in any conditions is what whalering is about. If the waters should turn nasty, you will be in the best boat out for it's size. Mike
Taylor	posted 06-05-2002 03:01 PM ET (US) I went through this exact same thought process a year ago and ended up with a Montauk. And I do like standing. The Montauk has one (and only one) disadvantage that I can see for kids, and that is the tall bow rails. They are tall enough that the kids want to go under them. The Newport feels a little more enclosed. When I mentioned this to the spousal unit she said she actually perfered the higher rails for kid retention. But for my uses, Supersport style rails might be better. I agree with Augusto. I happened to get a Montauk, I'm happy, but the Newport would have been fine for inshore and lake use. One thing you really need for kids is a forward shelter (canvas) on either boat. The kids just love being up there, and it keeps them out of the wind. BTW, my kids are 5 and 8. See my profile for a picture of the boat and kids.
BillVT	posted 06-05-2002 03:55 PM ET (US) If the operative word is "family", Newport is a clear standout. The original marketing spoke of the safe low ride in the forward bucket seats, where you can keep track of the kids--it's all true. We enjoyed ours for several years, and even in some heavy seas, never worried. Standing up at the console is no problem whatsoever--the top of the wheel is an easy grasp. For standup riding, Passenger #2 stands to port and holds on to the console rail. #3 and #4 are secure in heavy going behind the RPS holding onto the top handles in the seatback. Purists may not agree, but the lack of much storage in the Montauk gets old after a while. The Newport didn't add a huge amount, but it helped. You could use the larger flat spaces on the console, and sit on the side decks when fishing or going along slow; the short bow deck and windshield screens wind from the front passengers, and does help to divert some water when you ship a big one over the bow. The full canvas also buttons things up well on this model, starting on the foredeck ahead of the windshield. The bucket seats will rot out pretty quickly if not covered from rain--same as most other upholstery, but worse here cause rain puddles up. Replacements are available, either semi-custom pricey ones or off-the-shelf ones that don't look original but are still comfy.
CHRISSKELLY	posted 06-06-2002 09:51 PM ET (US) AUGUSTO ,THE NEWPORT THAT I LIKE DOES HAVE THE MOLDED FRONT PILOT AND AFT FACING SEAT LIKE YOU HAVE, BUT IT DOES NOT HAVE THE TWO SEATS IN FRONT OF THE CONSOLE. INSTEAD IT HAS A COOLER SEAT PLUS A BOW CUSHION. AN OPTION WOULD BE A BENCH SEAT IN THE STERN LIKE ALLAN'S MONTAUK . THAT WOULD GIVE ME THE EXTRA SEATING AND THE ABILILITY TO STAND DURING ROUGH SEAS. CHRIS
newportguy	posted 06-08-2002 04:36 PM ET (US) Okay guys, We need to put this to bed once and for all.... The Newport and Montauk are identical hulls.. and surprise of all surprises you can stand while under way, while holding to the windshield rail and the wheel as in a Montauk. And finally if you have small kids the jump seats forward of the console are great. AND lastly....a Newport can go anywhere a Montauk can and it can do it well....with a whaler smile :)
Curtis Johnson	posted 06-08-2002 09:43 PM ET (US) I almost always stand, comfortably, in my Newport,passenger in the RPS or not. Also, anyone who thinks they will enjoy being in the bow in this hull in anything above a mild chop won't soon care if they have Montauk rails or Newport rails. They will just want aft. We have had some strong winds here, lately, and I have appreciated the beam of the GTX. If you can find one it may be the most versatile of the brand.