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Author Topic:   Under the covers, oh so ugly!

Salmon Tub posted 01-13-2003 08:46 PM ET (US)
O.K., Whaler does a fine job of fit and finish on their new boats compared to most other manufacturers. But when it comes to the Montauk (pre-2002/3), I don't understand who left the barn door open. Here is the deal, inside the console, there is ample storage space along with the battery, and wiring. Now, I do not understand why they did not use removable partitions to segregate the area where the battery is, and the upper area with all the wiring from the left side of the console. As it is now, I have to carefully place things in, and carefully remove them so as not to accidentally tear a wire, or knock off the battery box cover... It seems to me that they could have designed a simple way to isolate the upper area from the rest of the console. The console could be used to store so much stuff like vests, rope, anchor, clothes... all of which are potential snags waiting to happen with the current design. Has anyone built a partition like what I described and if so, have you had any drawbacks?
Dick posted 01-13-2003 09:15 PM ET (US)
I have a 99 Montauk and have found that all wires are well tied up and out of the way, no problem with snagging. If you have wires hanging down it's from improper installation of accessories. Get some tie wraps and correct the problem.
The battery box has a high quality tie down strap, no way can you knock the top off. A factory installation has never been without a battery box strap. If you don't have one, install one.
To me it is a great place to store jackets, clothing layers you may take off during the day and rain gear.
You can modify it to what fits you, but I am happy with it as is.
Dick
Bigshot posted 01-14-2003 10:13 AM ET (US)
Most console wiring is done at the dealer so tidyness depends on installer. I have so much crap in my console, I don't even know where the battery is:)
TightPenny posted 01-14-2003 10:13 AM ET (US)
Agreed about the factory wiring and the battery box cover, at least based on my 2000 model.
As to the floor of the console only held in place with puny #10 screw, Whaler cheapened out big time. It took me a while to figure out just why I kept finding bent and broken small screws on the deck after a rougher trip.
I replaced all fasteners for the floor with #12 SS bolts through the console and through the floor using the factory angles. I used nylock nuts, and it seems to have held since I did the repair.
triblet posted 01-14-2003 12:06 PM ET (US)
I found the console floor on the deck after a
rough trip.
I replaced the factory angles with angles that
went the full length and width of the console,
with holes drilled for bolts every couple of
inches. I think there's something like 60
screws now. Overkill? yes, but the work was
getting the console tipped up so I could work
on it. After that it was just pulling the
trigger on the Makita.
It's the screws into the console sides that
are critical. Gravity helps the screws that
hold the floor to the angles.
I agree that the factory wiring could have
been better dressed. I've added a few tie
wraps and rerouted a couple of wires.
This on a '96 Montauk console.

Chuck
Bigshot posted 01-14-2003 12:56 PM ET (US)
My shelf broke last year,I still have not rebuilt it. The wood they use for the shelf lip was held on via staples and broke loose from the console. I just have to clean it out and fix it but it works as-is, the battery box basically holds it up, etc. I dread having to unbolt the console to tilt it, so I am procrastinating big time.
lhg posted 01-14-2003 03:37 PM ET (US)
Nick - That would be the perfect time, and way, to add a set of teak blocks under it to raise it up a little. You'll like it, believe me. You'll gain extra storage space under it, too.
Bigshot posted 01-14-2003 03:43 PM ET (US)
Thought of that Larry but honestly I do the majority of my driving with my tuckiss on the RPS cushion. It is also the first Whaler that I do not have to constantly tighten the console screws(except for railing). Now my 15' I should have raised that console about 5" and I might have kept the boat. Next time I am out I will see if my vision would be ok with it up a few inches.

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Author	Topic: Under the covers, oh so ugly!
Salmon Tub	posted 01-13-2003 08:46 PM ET (US) O.K., Whaler does a fine job of fit and finish on their new boats compared to most other manufacturers. But when it comes to the Montauk (pre-2002/3), I don't understand who left the barn door open. Here is the deal, inside the console, there is ample storage space along with the battery, and wiring. Now, I do not understand why they did not use removable partitions to segregate the area where the battery is, and the upper area with all the wiring from the left side of the console. As it is now, I have to carefully place things in, and carefully remove them so as not to accidentally tear a wire, or knock off the battery box cover... It seems to me that they could have designed a simple way to isolate the upper area from the rest of the console. The console could be used to store so much stuff like vests, rope, anchor, clothes... all of which are potential snags waiting to happen with the current design. Has anyone built a partition like what I described and if so, have you had any drawbacks?
Dick	posted 01-13-2003 09:15 PM ET (US) I have a 99 Montauk and have found that all wires are well tied up and out of the way, no problem with snagging. If you have wires hanging down it's from improper installation of accessories. Get some tie wraps and correct the problem. The battery box has a high quality tie down strap, no way can you knock the top off. A factory installation has never been without a battery box strap. If you don't have one, install one. To me it is a great place to store jackets, clothing layers you may take off during the day and rain gear. You can modify it to what fits you, but I am happy with it as is. Dick
Bigshot	posted 01-14-2003 10:13 AM ET (US) Most console wiring is done at the dealer so tidyness depends on installer. I have so much crap in my console, I don't even know where the battery is:)
TightPenny	posted 01-14-2003 10:13 AM ET (US) Agreed about the factory wiring and the battery box cover, at least based on my 2000 model. As to the floor of the console only held in place with puny #10 screw, Whaler cheapened out big time. It took me a while to figure out just why I kept finding bent and broken small screws on the deck after a rougher trip. I replaced all fasteners for the floor with #12 SS bolts through the console and through the floor using the factory angles. I used nylock nuts, and it seems to have held since I did the repair.
triblet	posted 01-14-2003 12:06 PM ET (US) I found the console floor on the deck after a rough trip. I replaced the factory angles with angles that went the full length and width of the console, with holes drilled for bolts every couple of inches. I think there's something like 60 screws now. Overkill? yes, but the work was getting the console tipped up so I could work on it. After that it was just pulling the trigger on the Makita. It's the screws into the console sides that are critical. Gravity helps the screws that hold the floor to the angles. I agree that the factory wiring could have been better dressed. I've added a few tie wraps and rerouted a couple of wires. This on a '96 Montauk console. Chuck
Bigshot	posted 01-14-2003 12:56 PM ET (US) My shelf broke last year,I still have not rebuilt it. The wood they use for the shelf lip was held on via staples and broke loose from the console. I just have to clean it out and fix it but it works as-is, the battery box basically holds it up, etc. I dread having to unbolt the console to tilt it, so I am procrastinating big time.
lhg	posted 01-14-2003 03:37 PM ET (US) Nick - That would be the perfect time, and way, to add a set of teak blocks under it to raise it up a little. You'll like it, believe me. You'll gain extra storage space under it, too.
Bigshot	posted 01-14-2003 03:43 PM ET (US) Thought of that Larry but honestly I do the majority of my driving with my tuckiss on the RPS cushion. It is also the first Whaler that I do not have to constantly tighten the console screws(except for railing). Now my 15' I should have raised that console about 5" and I might have kept the boat. Next time I am out I will see if my vision would be ok with it up a few inches.