posted 03-09-2005 04:05 PM ET (US)            

Regards,

posted 03-09-2005 04:19 PM ET (US)            

4-stroke vs. 2-stroke is really a buyer's preference, however if you think you'll sell it in a few years, the 4 stroke might be a good investment for future buyers (this is a guess, but the market seems to be trending to more 4stroke sales).

If you plan to get out on the water and enjoy the boat for years and years to come - then don't worry about year or enging package. The 90 HP is a good HP for that boat, and Mercury dealers are everywhere - i.e. it will be easy to find service/parts wherever you take the boat (not true with all brands, though the situation is getting better).

The best reason to buy the 2-stroke is power to weight ratio (superior). The reasons to buy 4-stroke are still being debated, but the following are some of the reasons:
1) - market trending toward increased 4 stroke sales- indicating possible consumer preference for quiet and clean motors, despite performance gaps (again, which some consumers might find to be minor)
2) personal satisfaction of using cleaner technology/environmental friendliness and quietness
3)Familiarity with 4-stroke format, and oil change schedules, etc (much more similar to an automobile or I/O) vs. continually buying and "burning" two stroke oil.

The above list is far from exhaustive - and it's really a personal preference at this point. I'd try to negotiate a great deal on the two-stroke, 2004 model and get out on the water and enjoy one of the best boats that Brunswick has made under the BW brand.

Have fun, and don't say maybe. There is no try. Only do, or do not. :)

posted 03-09-2005 04:55 PM ET (US)            

I compared prices in the midwest and east coast as far south as South Carolina. Your price seems fair as there aren't too many 2004's left at the dealers.

Check the Continuous Whaler classifieds. There is a 2004 in S.C. & a 2003 in Delaware. Both are well equiped boats that may suit your needs.

I choose the 4 stroke due to the fact that I'll be using my boat in long stretches of no wake zones on small rivers between lakes and wanted to avoid the oil smells associated with the 2 stroke.

The 4 stroke has enough power out of the hole for my needs and I support the environmentally superiority of the 4 stroke technology.

Good luck,

Steve

posted 03-09-2005 05:21 PM ET (US)            

I suggest you go to www.bostonwhaler.com and build a 2005 Montauk and see what the price is.

I think that leftover 2004 is a bit high in my opinion.

I have seen slightly used 2003, 2004 Montauks on Yachtworld,Boattrader for 17 - 20.

Do some research. Knowledge is power.

posted 03-09-2005 06:24 PM ET (US)            

My rationale for recommending negotiating a deal on the 2004 and get boating:

1. Dealer may be more motivated to move the boat since the 2005 models are available (moreso than for the 2005 model)
2. The market trend is to prefer 4-stroke power for new boat purchases - buying a 2-stroke gives you less expensive option and could also be a negotiating tool
3. The ELPTO is a proven motor and will likely give you many years of reliable service (I have a 1986 150 HP ELPTO on my Whaler and it's running strong 20 model years later, and it was used in salt/brackish water up until last spring).
4. There is not a lot of difference between the 2004 and 2005 models (Can anyone name a MAJOR difference that would sway him to buy the 2005 model year?)
5. Your hull warranty and motor warranty will be the same as on a 2005 model.
6. (I don't know, but is there a waiting list for 2005 models?)..if so - this gets you in the game immediately..sounds like others are waiting for delivery of their 2005 boats.
7. You enjoy the benefits of buying from a dealer - they handle paperwork, they service the boat, etc. vs. buying from a private party and having to do all the conversions of warranties, etc. yourself, and then finding a dealer and establishing that relationship.

Just some additional food for thought.

posted 03-09-2005 06:38 PM ET (US)            

Where did you find your 2004 left over for that price. I am going to buy a 2005 with the 90 four stroke, bimini and fishing package and trailer and my price was roughly $24,500. even if you take out the trailer, i am still almost 3K higher than you. I'd buy one and have it shipped for $500 and save myself alot of money. I still haven't signed my deal..was gooing to this Monday so I still have time. I thought i was getting a good deal (boat show pricing) according to my salesman.

Please let me know where you found yours. I am on Long Island.

Thanks,

posted 03-09-2005 06:49 PM ET (US)            

But if there is an indication the dealer will take less than $19,600 then offer him $18,000 and see what happens.

With gas prices shooting to the moon, I doubt boats will be flying out of the showrooms.

posted 03-09-2005 09:05 PM ET (US)            

Your 18 thou figure looks like a steal. Be forewarned that the price you pay the dealer is just the starting point.

posted 03-09-2005 09:15 PM ET (US)            

If this is really a "2005" model year Montauk, be aware that they come out in 2004. I bought my 2005 170 in Aug. of '04, and I believe that was just after they came out. So, at this point the 2005 model year is about 7 months old (not that ALL such models are 7 months old), and we're now about 5 months from the 2006 models. So, in 3-4 months, dealers should be trying to unload their 2005 models with some sales.

posted 03-10-2005 05:43 AM ET (US)            

boston whaler starts its new model production year on june 1st..if it starts production on the day before..its the current year..if its the 1st of june its next year.

back in 2003,
there were a few production changes made between 2003/2004
I.E. rear cleats..and later on changes in the tackle box and console latch mechanisms.

posted 03-10-2005 07:44 AM ET (US)            

Maybe - GO FOR THE BOAT YOU ARE CONSIDERING! Under $20K with those options sounds like a decent deal to me given what others have been paying for 4-stroke-equipped 170's for the past two model years. No, you will not have a 4-stroke but I still feel that is an attractive price for what you are getting.

Others may have contradictory info but I do not think one single thing was changed on the 170 from the '04 to '05 model year....Aquanut can tell us for sure. I do think some of both model years were shipped with Mills Bimini's and some had tops made by that company in Tennessee.

Like Marsh and Aquanut, I whipped out the wallet and payed dearly for the 115efi upgrade and all totalled, I have well over 30K in that boat (inclusive of electronics). Don't use my personal price as any "yardstick" though as I had to pay a few thousand more for shipment over here to the South Pacific.

posted 03-10-2005 08:05 AM ET (US)            

"So Should I wait??"
A friend of mines always says, "your dead a long time."

If your looking for a new boat in the 20k price range, the Montauk is a great first boat and it might turn out to be the only boat you ever need.

The first launch on a nice spring day and the actual cost will be of little concern.

posted 03-18-2005 07:41 AM ET (US)            

EBAY has a used one, 20 hours, bid at 16k with a kicker motor in Rochester NY.