posted 04-09-2005 04:01 AM ET (US)            

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Woodee, I do not have this problem on my '05 170 but had about half a dozen other minor "issues" which indicated sub-standard craftsmanship from the factory. I made the decision to fix most of the minor ones on my own since I didn't want the $5.50 per hour Mechanic's Helper at my dealer trying to "fix" these issues - besides, its my boat and I am confident my craftmanship is better than his. I still would do as Shelia suggests and contact the dealer.

As you can imagine, your particular problem could be a slightly bent rail assembly, mounting holes on the left side being drilled a hair lower than the right, or a combination of both. If it were me, I'd measure the height of the holes on both sides and compare the values. Do this prior to your discussion with the dealer so you have an idea as to what might be causing it in case you get the runaround...also lay a level across the top of the rail so you can see exactly how much the lean is.....and show this to your dealer. Sorry to hear of your problems.

posted 04-09-2005 07:26 AM ET (US)            

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I am in the same boat with sheila and john on this one.
I work @ a Boston Whaler dearlership..I feel that this is an issue that could be resolved @ the dealership level.

bigjohn,
I put my 115hp EFI 4 stroke on my last montauk back in july of 2003...turned out to be an awesome boat..High Sierra is the proud owner of her now.
My next project..is tenative...but I am leaning towards a 2006 Montak170 with an 115hp verado. the verado 115hp I heard are susposed to hit the street mid summer 2006.
if I can't get one in spring..I will wait til july 1st..thats when boston whaler switches production year to 2007. I am thinking of doing the hull in black racing vinyl
with black/gray interior accents...carpet,electronics, etc.
[verado graphics are black and gray]
what ya think?

http://groups.msn.com/montauk170/shoebox.msnw?Page=1

regards,
Terry

posted 04-09-2005 10:03 AM ET (US)            

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Terry, a capitol idea indeed in the proposed new project boat. It'll likely be the baddest lookin 170 around given the ideas you are toying with. I have always loved the looks of Merc's black cowels and prefer that look over my Mariner graphics. The black just goes so much better I think on the 170. I'll likely be driving my current 170
into the ground so-to-speak or at least as long as it'll hold up in this harsh tropical evironment. Keeping ahead of the rust is a weekly chore even with a full mooring cover and storing it in carport.

Woodee, one other thought I had to float your way in the event you have to discuss correction/repair options with the dealer. The following assumes the rail is not bent and the problem is the holes on both sides were not drilled at the same height. If they enlarge the rail mounting holes on the "low" side and fabricate special ss sleeves to slightly raise the other side, this may well correct the problem. We used to do this type of thing when fabricating custom bikes and car restorations. I am not necesarily suggesting for you to simply go out and pay for this to be done but it will remind your dealer there is more than one way to "skin this cat."

posted 04-09-2005 12:27 PM ET (US)            

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I'd be surprised if a Boston Whaler boat left the factory with the console railing badly out of alignment.

Is the railing bent? Or, is the railing just installed improperly?

posted 04-10-2005 08:54 AM ET (US)            

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Jim, It wouldn't come as a surprise to me at all given my own recent experience with a new 170. Although I did not personally have a bent or improperly installed rail, there were 5-6 other problems that I needed to work out. Some the dealer fixed and others I did (because I wanted assurance they would be done the way I wanted). Add to this the ongoing saga of Montaukman's recent delivery experience and one can justifiably question either Whaler or the delivering dealer's craftsmanship. There are several possible explanations for this...perhaps the boat left Florida in perfect condition and it was bent in shipment....who knows.

Woodee, please clue us in on how all this shakes out. Also those measurements if you take them.