Better Ride: 170 Montauk or 170 Dauntless - Moderated Discussion Areas

  ContinuousWave
  Whaler
  Moderated Discussion Areas
  ContinuousWave: The Whaler GAM or General Area
  Better Ride: 170 Montauk or 170 Dauntless

search | FAQ | profile | register | author help

Author Topic:   Better Ride: 170 Montauk or 170 Dauntless

masbama posted 03-28-2015 03:37 PM ET (US)
[I am] thinking of downsizing to a Boston Whaler 170 Montauk or 170 Dauntless from a 1999 DAUNTLESS 18. I had the opportunity to look at the Boston Whaler 170 Montauk or 170 Dauntless at the dealer yesterday. There are differences in the hull and the Dauntless does look a bit bigger, even though they spec-out the same in length and beam. Has anyone had the opportunity to ride in both [the Boston Whaler 170 Montauk and the 170 Dauntless]? I am wondering if one rides better than the other.
jimh posted 03-28-2015 04:50 PM ET (US)
What differences in the hull did you determine from your visual inspection of the Boston Whaler 170 Montauk and 170 Dauntless when you visited the Boston Whaler dealer on March 27, 2015?
Jefecinco posted 03-28-2015 06:11 PM ET (US)
Good to read you have been able to see a new 170 Dauntless. At the Mobile Boat Show when I was discussing the 170 Montauk, really while whining that they didn't have one at the show, I was told they had none in stock in P'cola nor Gulf Shores. They offered to bring one over from NC if I was a serious buyer but I told them no thanks.
Good luck with arriving at a difficult decision. I think they had a couple of leftovers with 90 Mercurys. May be an opportunity for a decent buy with those but I'd prefer new with a 115 Mercury.
Butch
fishgutz posted 03-28-2015 07:06 PM ET (US)
I've ridden in Dauntlesses and Montauks and in my opinion the Dauntlesses have a better ride. All the other Dauntless models have more of a V hull although the 17 looks quite similar the the 17 Montauk's hull. The difference might just come down to weight and generally a heavier boat will have a smoother ride but needs more horsepower than a lighter model. That being said and now that the Dauntless 17 can be had with a 115 HP motor, I would get the Dauntless if money isn't a problem (Dauntless is 9 grand more). It comes with more niceties like a built in fuel tank better seating options and a larger console. Plus I think it looks better.
masbama posted 03-28-2015 07:07 PM ET (US)
The hull on the Dauntless has a smoother bow than the Montauk. It also looks like the stern of the hull has a bit less vee than the Montauk. These were seen at the Gulf Shores location. They have a Montauk with no bow rail and a used 2013 170 Dauntless.
masbama posted 03-28-2015 07:14 PM ET (US)
If one ordered the optional seats for the Montauk it would have the same seating options as well as a bigger cooler in front of the console.
Jefecinco posted 03-29-2015 09:42 AM ET (US)
A $9000 premium for the Dauntless makes the choice more difficult, or at least it would to me.
It would be interesting to see what the difference would be between the two boats as equipped. I believe I read the rear jump seat option for the Montauk was $1700. I believe the very large in-hull fuel tank adds a lot of value and, of course, it's standard on the Dauntless and unavailable on the Montauk.
Not having seen the Dauntless console I can only speculate that it has more space inside for a little extra storage. Also, because of the in-hull fuel tank the Dauntless RPS provides a lot of additional storage. The only storage space on the Montauk is in the console.
For me the Dauntless wins for a family, water sports, and cruising boat. It has much more storage space and available seating and probably a little better ride in chop. Refueling is more convenient. Add a couple of rod holders to the side rails and it's ready for fishing with the guys. It is a very versatile boat.
A used late model used Dauntless would be my choice if the price and condition were right.
Butch
masbama posted 03-29-2015 02:36 PM ET (US)
Good points Butch but if I went with a new Montauk I would get the new, lighter 90 hp engine rather than the heavy old one on a used Dauntless. The only options I would order would be the hydraulic steering and the front console back rest and put a 90 qt cooler in front as a seat and storage(Dauntless uses a 54 qt). I would NOT order the live well instead placing a 130 qt. cooler for additional dry storage.(This could be switched out for fishing coolers/bait buckets as needed)
I would create back seats like shown on Cetacea, Reference: 58-17 and I would place a Pate 24 or 27 gal. fuel tank under the RPS. I would buy and install my own compass and electronics.
That said, the 170 dauntless is intriguing with the internal fuel tank and 115 hp. rating. The console is a bit larger but not much and the rear seats (which I would rarely use) have no real storage underneath.
The ride difference may be the big point, especially for my wife. I took phone photos of both hulls and may try to link them if I can figure out how.
Go by and look at both if you are near Gulf Shores and let us know what you think. Your thoughts are valued.
Michael
Jefecinco posted 03-29-2015 06:32 PM ET (US)
Michael,
I believe we're heading down there for the week of the 5th. I'll sneak over to MarineMax and have a look. I agree that a 115 HP new Mercury would be sweet power on the Dauntless.
My wife won't let me near the place if she can help it. My Verado is about ready for an engine and lower unit oil change and a prop shaft inspection. Maybe I should get an estimate to compare with the Bass Pro Shop's charges for the same work. Yes, I think a second price is essential.
Butch
masbama posted 03-29-2015 07:45 PM ET (US)
I know the guy who is the guy to ask for at Bass Pro Shop. Let me know if you go that route.
masbama posted 03-29-2015 09:44 PM ET (US)
I've always said a 17-foot center console boat with preferred power of 115-HP, if Boston Whaler ever made one, would be the boat for me. Now they have, but it is a LOT of money. We will see how this plays out.
masbama posted 04-07-2015 10:11 AM ET (US)
I would love to hear from 170 Dauntless owners about their experiences with their boat....ride, comfort, etc. Anyone?
Jefecinco posted 04-07-2015 07:18 PM ET (US)
Michael,
You have an 18 and I have had a 16 Dauntless. I also have a 190 Montauk. You know how your 18 rides.
Last Friday I stupidly went fishing in the Montauk. The weather turned bad earlier than forecast, much earlier. So I found myself at the mouth of the Chickasaboge (sp?) Creek when the Mobile River started rolling big one upstream. We had to fight the river down past the coal loading facility before turning East to get home. 7 to 8 mph was the best speed I could make down the river and across the bay. When we arrived at Scott's my hands were so cramped from fighting the wheel for the two hours we spent enroute I could barely get the boat on the trailer.
My memory of the Dauntless 16 is that it did better in a severe chop than the 190 Montauk. For the ride I would choose the Dauntless over the Montauk. Maybe not by a heck of a lot but the Dauntless beats the Montauk enough to notice when it's snotty.
Butch
masbama posted 04-08-2015 11:01 AM ET (US)
Thanks Butch.
When the bay gets snotty in that shallow water chop there is not a boat in the world that can make that trip comfortably. If I downsize I want the best ride I can get in a Boston Whaler seventeen foot boat.
jrp posted 04-08-2015 04:13 PM ET (US)
<I want the best ride I can get in a Boston Whaler seventeen foot boat.>
For the best ride in a 17' Whaler, have you considered the Outrage 17?
masbama posted 04-08-2015 08:47 PM ET (US)
Actually, I have. Would have to find a good deal though.
boat3 posted 04-08-2015 10:15 PM ET (US)
I've driven them both, and the ride and handling is quite similar. The Daunltess is about 400-lbs heavier when full of fuel, and you can feel that difference, especially where the fuel is lower in the hull and a lower center of gravity, I assume. The Dauntless ride better in rough water simply because of the weight difference. Both are very dry, too. The performance of the two is nearly the same with the 90-HP, slight edge going to the Montauk. You'll also find you can get a bigger discount on a Dauntless, closing that price gap some. Buy the one you like most, you'll love either one.

Hop to:

Contact Us | RETURN to ContinuousWave Top Page

Powered by: Ultimate Bulletin Board, Freeware Version 2000
Purchase our Licensed Version- which adds many more features!
© Infopop Corporation (formerly Madrona Park, Inc.), 1998 - 2000.

Author	Topic: Better Ride: 170 Montauk or 170 Dauntless
masbama	posted 03-28-2015 03:37 PM ET (US) [I am] thinking of downsizing to a Boston Whaler 170 Montauk or 170 Dauntless from a 1999 DAUNTLESS 18. I had the opportunity to look at the Boston Whaler 170 Montauk or 170 Dauntless at the dealer yesterday. There are differences in the hull and the Dauntless does look a bit bigger, even though they spec-out the same in length and beam. Has anyone had the opportunity to ride in both [the Boston Whaler 170 Montauk and the 170 Dauntless]? I am wondering if one rides better than the other.
jimh	posted 03-28-2015 04:50 PM ET (US) What differences in the hull did you determine from your visual inspection of the Boston Whaler 170 Montauk and 170 Dauntless when you visited the Boston Whaler dealer on March 27, 2015?
Jefecinco	posted 03-28-2015 06:11 PM ET (US) Good to read you have been able to see a new 170 Dauntless. At the Mobile Boat Show when I was discussing the 170 Montauk, really while whining that they didn't have one at the show, I was told they had none in stock in P'cola nor Gulf Shores. They offered to bring one over from NC if I was a serious buyer but I told them no thanks. Good luck with arriving at a difficult decision. I think they had a couple of leftovers with 90 Mercurys. May be an opportunity for a decent buy with those but I'd prefer new with a 115 Mercury. Butch
fishgutz	posted 03-28-2015 07:06 PM ET (US) I've ridden in Dauntlesses and Montauks and in my opinion the Dauntlesses have a better ride. All the other Dauntless models have more of a V hull although the 17 looks quite similar the the 17 Montauk's hull. The difference might just come down to weight and generally a heavier boat will have a smoother ride but needs more horsepower than a lighter model. That being said and now that the Dauntless 17 can be had with a 115 HP motor, I would get the Dauntless if money isn't a problem (Dauntless is 9 grand more). It comes with more niceties like a built in fuel tank better seating options and a larger console. Plus I think it looks better.
masbama	posted 03-28-2015 07:07 PM ET (US) The hull on the Dauntless has a smoother bow than the Montauk. It also looks like the stern of the hull has a bit less vee than the Montauk. These were seen at the Gulf Shores location. They have a Montauk with no bow rail and a used 2013 170 Dauntless.
masbama	posted 03-28-2015 07:14 PM ET (US) If one ordered the optional seats for the Montauk it would have the same seating options as well as a bigger cooler in front of the console.
Jefecinco	posted 03-29-2015 09:42 AM ET (US) A $9000 premium for the Dauntless makes the choice more difficult, or at least it would to me. It would be interesting to see what the difference would be between the two boats as equipped. I believe I read the rear jump seat option for the Montauk was $1700. I believe the very large in-hull fuel tank adds a lot of value and, of course, it's standard on the Dauntless and unavailable on the Montauk. Not having seen the Dauntless console I can only speculate that it has more space inside for a little extra storage. Also, because of the in-hull fuel tank the Dauntless RPS provides a lot of additional storage. The only storage space on the Montauk is in the console. For me the Dauntless wins for a family, water sports, and cruising boat. It has much more storage space and available seating and probably a little better ride in chop. Refueling is more convenient. Add a couple of rod holders to the side rails and it's ready for fishing with the guys. It is a very versatile boat. A used late model used Dauntless would be my choice if the price and condition were right. Butch
masbama	posted 03-29-2015 02:36 PM ET (US) Good points Butch but if I went with a new Montauk I would get the new, lighter 90 hp engine rather than the heavy old one on a used Dauntless. The only options I would order would be the hydraulic steering and the front console back rest and put a 90 qt cooler in front as a seat and storage(Dauntless uses a 54 qt). I would NOT order the live well instead placing a 130 qt. cooler for additional dry storage.(This could be switched out for fishing coolers/bait buckets as needed) I would create back seats like shown on Cetacea, Reference: 58-17 and I would place a Pate 24 or 27 gal. fuel tank under the RPS. I would buy and install my own compass and electronics. That said, the 170 dauntless is intriguing with the internal fuel tank and 115 hp. rating. The console is a bit larger but not much and the rear seats (which I would rarely use) have no real storage underneath. The ride difference may be the big point, especially for my wife. I took phone photos of both hulls and may try to link them if I can figure out how. Go by and look at both if you are near Gulf Shores and let us know what you think. Your thoughts are valued. Michael
Jefecinco	posted 03-29-2015 06:32 PM ET (US) Michael, I believe we're heading down there for the week of the 5th. I'll sneak over to MarineMax and have a look. I agree that a 115 HP new Mercury would be sweet power on the Dauntless. My wife won't let me near the place if she can help it. My Verado is about ready for an engine and lower unit oil change and a prop shaft inspection. Maybe I should get an estimate to compare with the Bass Pro Shop's charges for the same work. Yes, I think a second price is essential. Butch
masbama	posted 03-29-2015 07:45 PM ET (US) I know the guy who is the guy to ask for at Bass Pro Shop. Let me know if you go that route.
masbama	posted 03-29-2015 09:44 PM ET (US) I've always said a 17-foot center console boat with preferred power of 115-HP, if Boston Whaler ever made one, would be the boat for me. Now they have, but it is a LOT of money. We will see how this plays out.
masbama	posted 04-07-2015 10:11 AM ET (US) I would love to hear from 170 Dauntless owners about their experiences with their boat....ride, comfort, etc. Anyone?
Jefecinco	posted 04-07-2015 07:18 PM ET (US) Michael, You have an 18 and I have had a 16 Dauntless. I also have a 190 Montauk. You know how your 18 rides. Last Friday I stupidly went fishing in the Montauk. The weather turned bad earlier than forecast, much earlier. So I found myself at the mouth of the Chickasaboge (sp?) Creek when the Mobile River started rolling big one upstream. We had to fight the river down past the coal loading facility before turning East to get home. 7 to 8 mph was the best speed I could make down the river and across the bay. When we arrived at Scott's my hands were so cramped from fighting the wheel for the two hours we spent enroute I could barely get the boat on the trailer. My memory of the Dauntless 16 is that it did better in a severe chop than the 190 Montauk. For the ride I would choose the Dauntless over the Montauk. Maybe not by a heck of a lot but the Dauntless beats the Montauk enough to notice when it's snotty. Butch
masbama	posted 04-08-2015 11:01 AM ET (US) Thanks Butch. When the bay gets snotty in that shallow water chop there is not a boat in the world that can make that trip comfortably. If I downsize I want the best ride I can get in a Boston Whaler seventeen foot boat.
jrp	posted 04-08-2015 04:13 PM ET (US) <I want the best ride I can get in a Boston Whaler seventeen foot boat.> For the best ride in a 17' Whaler, have you considered the Outrage 17?
masbama	posted 04-08-2015 08:47 PM ET (US) Actually, I have. Would have to find a good deal though.
boat3	posted 04-08-2015 10:15 PM ET (US) I've driven them both, and the ride and handling is quite similar. The Daunltess is about 400-lbs heavier when full of fuel, and you can feel that difference, especially where the fuel is lower in the hull and a lower center of gravity, I assume. The Dauntless ride better in rough water simply because of the weight difference. Both are very dry, too. The performance of the two is nearly the same with the 90-HP, slight edge going to the Montauk. You'll also find you can get a bigger discount on a Dauntless, closing that price gap some. Buy the one you like most, you'll love either one.