posted 05-09-2009 11:17 PM ET (US)        

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I saw an advertisement for a 1986 Boston Whaler [Newtauk] 17. I am not sure if the model is spelled correctly by the person selling it, but it appears to my untrained eyes to be a center console Montauk hull with a Newport's wider gunwale with built-in storage area.

Was this a limited or short run production model? Any info would be appreciated. I think it looks pretty interesting.

Here is a link to some pictures of the boat:

http://boats.iboats.com/cgi-bin/marine_classifieds/view_photos.cgi?ad_id=453808&img=

Is that a standard Montauk center console for a 1986?

posted 05-09-2009 11:25 PM ET (US)            

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I think that is Nick's old Newtauk. It has been for sale for some time.

Whaler never offered the model officially. Many dealers would order a Newport for a customer as well as a Montauk console and when the boat was delivered they would just rig the Montauk Console. I personally like the set up a lot.

posted 05-10-2009 12:10 AM ET (US)            

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Interesting - I hadn't thought of the console switch, rather I envisioned a Montauk modified by adding a Newport's Gunwale. Would “Newtauk” be a more correct name for this boat? I assume, based on the information you provided, the lettering on the boat would in fact read Montauk 17 (unless it was changed by a previous owner).

Assuming that console is from a Montauk and was installed centered, could any of you determine the distance between the console and the Newport's Gunwale? If so, how much narrower would the walkways be compared to a Montauk of the same era?

posted 05-10-2009 12:13 AM ET (US)            

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"I assume, based on the information you provided, the lettering on the boat would in fact read Montauk 17 (unless it was changed by a previous owner)"

I meant to write "I assume, based on the information you provided, the lettering on the boat would in fact read Newport 17 (unless it was changed by a previous owner).

posted 05-10-2009 08:56 AM ET (US)            

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"I was told that it was dealer converted in NJ circa 1988"

Must have been a dealer here that did this regularly, as there are several of them locally (NJ). They are nice boats. Most of the ones I have seen have had the model name removed from the hull and just have the Whaler logo.

Dave

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posted 05-10-2009 09:42 AM ET (US)            

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My 1988 Newtauk went from Rockland Ma to a dealer in Manahawkin, NJ ( near Nick's old stomping grounds)

The dealer is Hansce Smythe and is still in business.

posted 05-10-2009 11:31 AM ET (US)            

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That is my Newtauk...she still looks great. What are they asking for it? If under $9k it is a nice rig. Trailer is alum and custom made in 2004. Today that trailer would cost about $2200. Engine is a 1999 EvinZuki 70 4 stroke that was installed in 2002 as a leftover. Full Mills cover as well.

Mine said Newport 17' on it and so did the title. It was also built that way custom AT the factory, no dealer conversion. You can tell mainly because it does not have the mounting holes where the side console would have been and Chuck Bennett told me so. It was delivered to a dealer in Jacksonville who supposably had a dozen or so done over the years. Rare boat, only like 3 dozen were made. Best setup out there in my opinion.