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Author Topic:   The Classic Montauk 17
jimh posted 05-15-2010 09:08 AM ET (US)   Profile for jimh   Send Email to jimh  
I dropped in at LOCKEMAN'S BOAT AND HARDWARE on Friday. Spring weather had returned to Michigan. It was warm and sunny. There were boats on trailers parked all over the place. New motors were being installed, old motors being tuned up. There was lots of activity.

A customer had left a really nice 1985 Boston Whaler MONTAUK 17 for re-powering with an E-TEC 90-HP. It was wheeled into the showroom area. I was admiring the boat. Another customer came into the store. He walked over to the MONTAUK and gave it a close look. Then he exclaimed, "They just don't make boats like this any more." He went on to say, "The lines on this boat are just great. They're classic."

The customer then told a few stories about seeing on many occasions a fellow with a MONTAUK 17 out salmon fishing in Lake Michigan.

This 25-year-old boat was in very good condition. It was completely sound. And the beautiful wood trim was in excellent shape, nicely varnished with a satin finish.

That the design of this boat has held up so well for over four decades is truly amazing. The MONTAUK is a true classic.

ConB posted 05-15-2010 09:25 AM ET (US)     Profile for ConB  Send Email to ConB     
What I like about the classic Montauk is it's simplicity, fuel economy with an E-TEC should be great, and you don't need a large tow vehicle. It will fit in most garages also.

Con

boatdryver posted 05-15-2010 09:32 AM ET (US)     Profile for boatdryver  Send Email to boatdryver     
I totally agree, Jim.

I still miss the 1979 Montauk I had recently for two seasons. If I had room to store it indoors I would have kept it.

I imagine these really nice Montauks are in the process of becoming "collectors items" for people who don't mind the expense of owning more than one boat and who can store them in a way that they retain their timeless beauty.

JimL

Hoosier posted 05-15-2010 09:54 AM ET (US)     Profile for Hoosier  Send Email to Hoosier     
Yup, I couldn't agree more, I have an '86. Sweet boat, it can go anywhere there's 10" of water and it's easy to push off when it's not 10". I found that out last month in Florida. It tows easy, I could go the speed limit with my V6 SUV and I didn't know it was behind me. That jaunt was a 2K mile round trip. Mine's rigged for easy recreational use with a Honda 50 and downrigger mounts. I can troll all day and still get up to 30 mph when I want to blow the crud from the engine. She'll be in Detour Passage next week going after some early season Atlantics.
Tom W Clark posted 05-15-2010 10:27 AM ET (US)     Profile for Tom W Clark  Send Email to Tom W Clark     
Having owned three of them, I concur with the comments above. It is just a great boat, the Whaler of Whalers.

As somebody said in this article:

"Of all the models ever made by Whaler, the Montauk 17 is perhaps the most versatile and recognizable as a Whaler, as well as being economical to own and operate."

http://www.soundingsonline.com/component/content/article/112-archives/ 196012

DeeVee posted 05-15-2010 11:20 AM ET (US)     Profile for DeeVee  Send Email to DeeVee     
Yes, I agree with all said. My brother in law had a 1986 model- sometimes he wishes he still had it. At times I would like to have my Sakonnet back too.

Doug Vazquez

masbama posted 05-15-2010 12:52 PM ET (US)     Profile for masbama  Send Email to masbama     
I had a wonderful 1977 Montauk in perfect condition with a 90hp 2001 Johnson. I backed into a mint 1999 18 Dauntless. I sold the Montauk in less than 24 hours. Though my growing family enjoys the Dauntless I do miss the simplicity and ease of that wonderful boat.
masbama posted 05-15-2010 01:20 PM ET (US)     Profile for masbama  Send Email to masbama     
Here she was....
http://s775.photobucket.com/albums/yy40/masbama/
home Aside posted 05-15-2010 01:41 PM ET (US)     Profile for home Aside  Send Email to home Aside     
I loved my 1982 Montauk....just a great boat, a great disappointment selling it. I do enjoy my 1986 Revenge 22 WT but I'd be happier if I still had my Motauk to keep the Revenge company...

Pat

fluke posted 05-15-2010 02:32 PM ET (US)     Profile for fluke  Send Email to fluke     
I'm still amazed that they produced and sold the same boat for so many years. Can't see that happening again in this age.
Mark
Salty Tricks posted 05-15-2010 09:17 PM ET (US)     Profile for Salty Tricks  Send Email to Salty Tricks     
I have wanted a Whaler since I was a boy ...that was 40 something years ago. I finally bought an 84 Montauk 5 years ago and little by little trying to bring her back to her glory. This included a brandy new Etec 90 last April. This year, new skins for the cushions. I am preparing this boat for my now 4 year old grandson Roston to inherit. In fact I named it Roston's Whaler and printed up shirts with the name in Whaler logo style. I am hoping he will cherish it as I do. Indeed the most classic among the classical.
LKD posted 05-15-2010 11:03 PM ET (US)     Profile for LKD  Send Email to LKD     
I re-powered my 1987 Montauk in 2000 and hope to always
keep it. It is just a great family boat.
95Outrage17 posted 05-15-2010 11:10 PM ET (US)     Profile for 95Outrage17  Send Email to 95Outrage17     
I picked up my next door neighbor's Montauk yesterday to haul it out until they return to their cottage. It's a 1983 with a 1999 Yamaha 90-hp 2-stroke. The boat ramp is a few min away and as I drove the boat over I couldn't help but think about what a great boat it is. Lots of punch with that Yamaha on the back, easy to plane, practical layout, classic looks and a light/nimble feeling. I tied the Montauk up at the dock while I backed the trailer in the water. As I walked back to the boat I couldn't help but take a picture of it sitting there with its classic lines and freshly varnished wood. I really enjoy my classic Outrage 17, but I'll always think the classic Montauk is a great boat.

- Chris

andygere posted 05-16-2010 02:52 AM ET (US)     Profile for andygere  Send Email to andygere     
Though I love my Outrage 22, I'll always miss my '79 Montauk. Versatile, seaworthy, light, shallow draft, classic good looks, functional deck layout...the list goes on and on.
rbruce posted 05-16-2010 03:09 PM ET (US)     Profile for rbruce  Send Email to rbruce     
There is one on Ebay right now located in NC, the price seems fair, the classic design seems like it was over engineered, perhaps in an era of plentiful resources and little or no cost accountants!
DaveS posted 05-17-2010 08:48 AM ET (US)     Profile for DaveS  Send Email to DaveS     
The best way I've heard describing it's functionality was; "...the Jeep of the sea." I believe it was in one of their sales brochures.
gshalogian posted 05-17-2010 04:05 PM ET (US)     Profile for gshalogian  Send Email to gshalogian     
Hey, thats my Whaler!
Thanks,Jimh, for the complements on the Montauk.
I had a 90 V4 Evinrude on the boat, that ran good,
but was noisy, and my wife was a little nervous,
going out on the Detroit river with it being so
old.
It took me along time to come to grips with the
cost of re-powering, but, life is too short, to
not venture out when ever the mood strikes.
The fact that this Whaler is in such good shape,
and, that it is a Montauk, made the decision a
little easier.It is also a testament to Boston
Whaler, that their boats are, one of the few, that
could justify a new motor.
I also know I made the right choice in going with
Lockmans, for the purchase, Dave and Dorothy, are
real nice, and, instill confidence that they will
do the job right.

Buckda posted 05-17-2010 05:30 PM ET (US)     Profile for Buckda  Send Email to Buckda     
I saw that boat when I was in Detroit last week. You should be proud of the condition in which you've kept it. Great looking example of a true classic.

2manyboats posted 05-18-2010 07:55 AM ET (US)     Profile for 2manyboats  Send Email to 2manyboats     
I bought my first Montauk back in the late 80's. After a few years I sold it because I really "needed" a 19 Outrage, that I later sold to get a 22 Outrage, that I later sold to get a Montauk.
jmorgan40 posted 05-18-2010 09:02 AM ET (US)     Profile for jmorgan40  Send Email to jmorgan40     
Out of all the boats I have owned I still think my 1986 Montauk was my favorite. The most versatile boat for it's size I know of. A seaworthy boat that is comfortable either lake fishing or wreck fishing 20 miles from shore. Easy to handle, trailer and care for. A timeless classic.
Joe
mgeiger posted 05-18-2010 09:24 AM ET (US)     Profile for mgeiger    
That's a nice one. I've had the repower struggle for a while, and while I dabble with the expense and peace of mind, the old Johnson 90 keeps on purring as if it knows. So far I've managed the hold off urge to upsize to a bigger Whaler. With 4 growing kids, I'll get another more family-friendly boat someday, but the Montauk is not going anywhere. Joe - will we see you Saturday?
Slippery Eel posted 05-19-2010 02:00 PM ET (US)     Profile for Slippery Eel  Send Email to Slippery Eel     
I purchased my 1979 Montauk in Feb of 1982. It had 100 hours on it and I paid 8K. That was a lot of money in 1982. My father (rest his sole) split the cost of the boat. I essentially grew up on that boat. Refurbished and repowered with an ETEC 90 I plan to give it to my son in 2 years.

I thought about selling it when I purchased my 22 Revenge but could not bring myself to part ways with it. It will always be in my family.

sapple posted 05-19-2010 07:14 PM ET (US)     Profile for sapple  Send Email to sapple     
When I decided to take up power boating three years ago, I had no idea which boat to get. I came very close to getting a Carolina Skiff. This site and all its information convinced me to get a 2007 170 Montauk. Its not a classic, but it still has the BW classic lines and look. There is no question I made the right choice for all the reasons noted in these postings. I am amazed at what I can do with this boat. My future plans are to get a pocket trawler but my wife refuses to sell the Montauk. Looks like I will end up with two boats.
ossnap posted 05-20-2010 10:36 AM ET (US)     Profile for ossnap    
A 78 montauk owner here. It was the first boat I've owned, and I have a feeling it will be the only boat I own. It does everything I need it to do.
Teak Oil posted 05-23-2010 11:15 PM ET (US)     Profile for Teak Oil  Send Email to Teak Oil     
I drove 1200 miles to get my 1985 Montauk to my home five years ago and have loved it since. Its the smallest boat I have owned and by far the most versatile. It is so easy to maintain its rediculous, and the top notch materials used to construct it last forever.

The original Evinrude 90 is still on the transom and pushes me to 46mph whenever I feel like it. I am taking it out walleye fishing on Saginaw bay tomorrow morning at the crack of dawn and I will feel like I am on the safest boat on the bay

gshalogian posted 05-24-2010 11:14 AM ET (US)     Profile for gshalogian  Send Email to gshalogian     
Picked up the Montauk, with brand new, E-TEC, on Friday!
Went out on the Detroit river, with a Lockeman rep.
The weather was grey and rough...perfect for a classic
Whaler. The E-TEC started in a mere touch of the key,and was
so quiet at idle, I had to get close to hear it over the humming of the Detroit economy.
We took the boat down river a short distance to The Rouge
river, where it was calmer, for a full throttle blast.
I have to say, the E-TEC seems to be a good match for a
17' Montauk, light wt.,economical,relatively quiet,and
almost maintenance free.
Thanks to Dorthy, Dave, and crew, for a job well done,
and an all around good experience.
I can see why so many Whaler aficionados trust their boats to
their care.
P.S. You should see how good the E-TEC looks, as though
it was designed to go with the Montauk, a testament
to a boat design that stands up to the test of time.
PeteB88 posted 05-24-2010 11:30 AM ET (US)     Profile for PeteB88  Send Email to PeteB88     
I got to use Len's Montauk w/ ETEC 90 when we were in FL in April. That ETEC on that boat is just awesome, snaps your neck back like a 60s muscle car when you drop the hammer, I just could not get over how quick that motor is.

I too love my Outrage 17 but there is something unexplainable about Montauks and with that ETEC totally awesome. It's some kind of perfection really. Few things in life just feel right like a perfect pair of shoes, or saddle, the right fly rod, high performance anything. Len and I were jammin around on that Montauk, he came to our beach front hotel on the Gulf and we went for a quick ride and it was entirely awesome. And when you see one you can't take your eyes off it.

I am sure you will enjoy it big time.

Tohsgib posted 05-24-2010 12:26 PM ET (US)     Profile for Tohsgib  Send Email to Tohsgib     
After owning 8 of them I can agree.
wstr75 posted 05-24-2010 07:14 PM ET (US)     Profile for wstr75  Send Email to wstr75     
Pete, gshaologian and Tosglib, it is reassuring to hear your comments as I am putting serious chump change into a 90 hp E-Tec motor, I-Command controls, new trailer, hull work and total re-fit of a 1986 Montauk. I have never been on the water in a Montauk but over the years have admired the design from afar. An act of faith emboldened by nearly ten years of historical commentary supplied by the Continuous Wave community.

Bill in NC

Chris posted 06-02-2010 09:15 PM ET (US)     Profile for Chris  Send Email to Chris     
[Changed topic to discuss another model of Boston Whaler boat. Please start a new thread to discuss a different model of Boston Whaler boat. This thread is discussing the classic Boston Whaler MONTAUK 17.--jimh]
LKD posted 06-03-2010 12:59 PM ET (US)     Profile for LKD  Send Email to LKD     
After some busy weekends, we finally got our 87 Montauk back on the water last weekend. Out of 6 we have owned,
this is our favorite.

http://s78.photobucket.com/albums/j95/lkd_photos/Montauk/

ib00269 posted 06-06-2010 01:22 PM ET (US)     Profile for ib00269  Send Email to ib00269     
I just drove this past week from Western NC to Indiana to purchase a 1986 Montauk. Even though I got a ticket on the Tennessee side of the Tail of the Dragon highway, the trip was well worth it. My 18 year old grandson accompanied me, which provided some nice, albeit overdue, time together, and we met some really nice folks in the sellers once we arrived. They had had the Montauk many years and although they have an Outrage as well, they were sad to see this one go, but they can rest assured this little jewel will receive nothing but tender loving care and will ultimately be willed to my son after I'm gone .................hopefully many years from now. This is the last boat I ever intend to own. The Montauk was a joy to pull behind my F150 and is in such great shape, all I have to really do is drop it in the lake..................if it will ever stop raining! By the way, after spending many years in California where there are donut shops on every corner, and spending the last 15 years in the Southeast where they aren't as prevalent (yes, even taking into account Kripy Kreme), along the way on this trip, we took a detour to Indy and tried the world famous Long's Bakery. What a treat. They, without question, have the world's best glazed donuts; they call them "yeast" donuts. What a treat!

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