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Author Topic:   First real day out with the 170

montaukman posted 04-11-2005 08:59 AM ET (US)
Hi Everyone,
Well had the girl out yesterday for the first full day of fun. Went fishiung and took the wife to lunch on the water.
Very very nice day. Here are my findings on the 170 and its relatively virgin run.
Steering: Stiff and higher speeds. When going 5 mph (no wake) it eases up a bit. Stiff never the less. I have read previous postings and i'll see hot it progresses. Not an issue at all. Also, still have the very very slight play (1 or 2 degrees looseness till i feel the resistance of the cable). Not a biggie. Will have the dealer look at it at next service.
Idle: A little rough at first when first starting her. She was smooth as silk on the demo but I think that the dealer probably had her warmed up prior to taking me out.
Shifter: Hard to find neutral (I know this is common). She shifts decently though and yes there is a grinding and the dreaded 4 stroke clunk in and out of gear. I am so glad i have read all the previous postings so I know this is normal.
Vibration: Got some vibration at low and idle speeds. I assume this is normal. Just wanted to throw it out there.
Cleanliness: Yikes...but was beautiful prior to fishing. I have dirt in the non skid and some corn stains (chum) on the cushions. I should be able to clean them. Thats what happens when you invite your buddy and he brings his 5 year old. Its all good. I just wanted to be the first one to stain the boat. Oh well.
All in all , a great day. No issues at all. And she trailers, launches and retrieves very easily. I am a novice and I was still able to be in the water in 5 minutes and out of the water just as quickly....and yes...I power loaded.
I will be checking the posts for a good non skid cleaner. The dirt is really ground in. I bought some 3M stuff and will try that with a stiff brush.
One thing i did notice.....my wife and daughter do not like going fast and in order to be on plane and make them happy, i need to be able to plane at a slower speed. I will experiment with the trim but i am toying with the idea of getting some doelfins or a stingray stabilizer. I have read the postings. Is it realistic to be able to get on plane at about 10 mph with these products. They freak out at fast speeds. I'll save going fast for my buddies.
Thats all.....a totally positive posting for me. This is a first.
Electronics tomorrow....pics soon thereafter.
All the best,
Alan
HuronBob posted 04-11-2005 09:09 AM ET (US)
Alan... sounds like you had fun, and no real problems..
Two things... read jimh's post in the meta section on the use of the word "issues", he may just hunt you down like a wild dog after this post! :)
Also, give your wife and daughter a little time to get used to the boat before you assume you need to install a doelfin or stingray. You may find that they get used to the sensation of going fast, especially once they realize that the crazy guy at the helm really has it under control, even if the silly grin on his face says he's as crazy as heck!
montaukman posted 04-11-2005 09:23 AM ET (US)
Hi Huronbob,
Thanks for the heads up...lol. I deal with "issues" all the time at work so it is natural for me to use it in my writing.
i recind the word "issues" and want to change it observations. Throw in a "findings" for good measure.
Can't wait to get out there again.
All the best,
Alan
skred posted 04-11-2005 01:57 PM ET (US)
Montaukman, I added a hydrofoil to my former Dauntless 16, and planing speed moved from 22-23 mph down to 12-13 mph. Significant overall improvement.
bspencer posted 04-11-2005 04:35 PM ET (US)
Skred, any particular brand on that hydrofoil? I'd like to add one to my 160.
Also, for everyone else. The rough idle, clunks with shifting, and vibrations in my Merc 90 4s really bothered me. So I went out and bought a Clymer manual, shop Tach, and a carb tuner and properly set the idle. It is now dramatically better, no clunk, and no noisy vibration in forward idle. Best of all it was easy to do!
Brent
skred posted 04-11-2005 05:16 PM ET (US)
I would've used a doel-fin, but they were sold out. I got a Tigershark VG instead. Only difference is along the top of the fins are spaced small "vortex generators", like fighter aircraft have. The company claims it increases efficiency by more than 40 percent. Don't know about that claim, but it sure worked well.
skred posted 04-11-2005 05:17 PM ET (US)
Sorry forgot the link: http://www.yeilding.com/ts.html
bspencer posted 04-11-2005 05:57 PM ET (US)
Great, thanks for the link.
Brent
johnr posted 04-11-2005 06:00 PM ET (US)
I had the same problem shifting and they replaced the cables and controls. It is not supposed to shift hard. Be firm and they will do it. They will put the premium cables in.
WT posted 04-11-2005 06:20 PM ET (US)
I plane faster with my Turbolift.
http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum4/HTML/002952.html
http://photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/Montauk%20Kicker/?action=view¤t=DSCN1293.jpg
Have fun with your Montauk.
Warren
bspencer posted 04-11-2005 06:48 PM ET (US)
Warren, thats a pretty wild looking hydrofoil. Thanks for the photo links. Is your kicker a long or short shaft and what brand of bracket is that?
Brent
WT posted 04-11-2005 07:02 PM ET (US)
Short shaft kicker.
Panther bracket installed at my Boston Whaler dealer.
http://www.marinetech.info/pmarine/pmarine_detail.php?sku=550020
Sheila posted 04-12-2005 12:35 AM ET (US)
Hi Alan,
What a great report!
Buy a bottle of Star-Brite Non Skid Cleaner with Teflon. LHG recommended this product to me, and it's amazing.
Be sure to use a nylon brush, or some such material, rather than a metal one. But with the Star-Brite cleaner, you don't need to do a lot of scrubbing.
Rich M posted 04-12-2005 06:13 PM ET (US)
Trim it all the way down before throttling up and it should jump right up on plane quickly. Then throttle back and trim up, maybe 3 good bumps of the trim button, and you should be able to stay on plane at a relatively slow speed - depending on the conditions of course. Practice in different conditions with different trims and rpm's to get the hang of it. Your family will soon discover that running on plane at a reasonable speed (with correct trim) can be much more pleasant than bobbing around at idle or plowing along off plane.
A stiff bristled (white) long handled boat brush will make short work of cleaning the non skid. Simple Green is biodegradable and does well on all manner of stains. Hope this helps, good luck.
dcritch posted 04-12-2005 06:56 PM ET (US)
Spent the afternoon with the whaler dealer surveying the damage to my 170 from the attempted motor theft. They had a stingray hydrofoil on display. The service manager suggested holding off until my factory waranty expires. Probably a good idea to check with your dealer or go with a "no drilling required model" like WT's.
montaukman posted 04-12-2005 08:21 PM ET (US)
Hi Everyone,
Thanks for the help
Had an electronics installation nightmare today....more on it in a different posting.
I will try the star bright and i have simple green as well.
All the best,
Alan
bigjohn1 posted 04-13-2005 08:56 AM ET (US)
Alan, if you are not trolling in rough water, you should not have any problems with that engine getting your boat on plane at a speed that is comfy for the wife and kids.
Don't go drilling holes in yor engine for a fin until you have experiemented more like Rich and Bob recommend. I have a doelfin but only installed it as I troll in rough water at 8-9 knots all day. I also noticed you mention you power load your boat. If I may ask - why? I'm not familiar with the configuration of your dock/marina facility but that boat is so darn light, I find it easier to simply load it by hand once your trailer is dunked - especially when I am out only with my two younger boys (who can't help me in any way). Of course I have to wade out in 2' of water to hook her up...
montaukman posted 04-13-2005 11:49 AM ET (US)
Hi BigJohn
I will wait on the doelfins. Will try different settings. My wife and daughter are new to boating and very skiddish about going past 10 mph. One of the tradeoffs I had to make to then in order to get this boat was tro go slowly. Hopefully they will become a little more adventurous.
I power on for two reasons. One...because i can....lol. I actually hadn't planned on it until I read all the forum replies. It just seems to be a very efficient way to move the boat in place.
Second, it is a faster method to get rigged. Less time balancing footwork on the trailer.

Thanks for your suggestions.
Alan
mikeyairtime posted 04-13-2005 12:05 PM ET (US)
A cheap and effective nonskid cleaner used by charterboat captains everywhere is good old bleach. I put my boat away with the toughest black marks not quite gone and the next day they've disappeared. Some will worry about hurting the gelcoat but I know a 31 Bertram that has been cleaned with bleach for 30+ years with no ill effect.

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Author	Topic: First real day out with the 170
montaukman	posted 04-11-2005 08:59 AM ET (US) Hi Everyone, Well had the girl out yesterday for the first full day of fun. Went fishiung and took the wife to lunch on the water. Very very nice day. Here are my findings on the 170 and its relatively virgin run. Steering: Stiff and higher speeds. When going 5 mph (no wake) it eases up a bit. Stiff never the less. I have read previous postings and i'll see hot it progresses. Not an issue at all. Also, still have the very very slight play (1 or 2 degrees looseness till i feel the resistance of the cable). Not a biggie. Will have the dealer look at it at next service. Idle: A little rough at first when first starting her. She was smooth as silk on the demo but I think that the dealer probably had her warmed up prior to taking me out. Shifter: Hard to find neutral (I know this is common). She shifts decently though and yes there is a grinding and the dreaded 4 stroke clunk in and out of gear. I am so glad i have read all the previous postings so I know this is normal. Vibration: Got some vibration at low and idle speeds. I assume this is normal. Just wanted to throw it out there. Cleanliness: Yikes...but was beautiful prior to fishing. I have dirt in the non skid and some corn stains (chum) on the cushions. I should be able to clean them. Thats what happens when you invite your buddy and he brings his 5 year old. Its all good. I just wanted to be the first one to stain the boat. Oh well. All in all , a great day. No issues at all. And she trailers, launches and retrieves very easily. I am a novice and I was still able to be in the water in 5 minutes and out of the water just as quickly....and yes...I power loaded. I will be checking the posts for a good non skid cleaner. The dirt is really ground in. I bought some 3M stuff and will try that with a stiff brush. One thing i did notice.....my wife and daughter do not like going fast and in order to be on plane and make them happy, i need to be able to plane at a slower speed. I will experiment with the trim but i am toying with the idea of getting some doelfins or a stingray stabilizer. I have read the postings. Is it realistic to be able to get on plane at about 10 mph with these products. They freak out at fast speeds. I'll save going fast for my buddies. Thats all.....a totally positive posting for me. This is a first. Electronics tomorrow....pics soon thereafter. All the best, Alan
HuronBob	posted 04-11-2005 09:09 AM ET (US) Alan... sounds like you had fun, and no real problems.. Two things... read jimh's post in the meta section on the use of the word "issues", he may just hunt you down like a wild dog after this post! :) Also, give your wife and daughter a little time to get used to the boat before you assume you need to install a doelfin or stingray. You may find that they get used to the sensation of going fast, especially once they realize that the crazy guy at the helm really has it under control, even if the silly grin on his face says he's as crazy as heck!
montaukman	posted 04-11-2005 09:23 AM ET (US) Hi Huronbob, Thanks for the heads up...lol. I deal with "issues" all the time at work so it is natural for me to use it in my writing. i recind the word "issues" and want to change it observations. Throw in a "findings" for good measure. Can't wait to get out there again. All the best, Alan
skred	posted 04-11-2005 01:57 PM ET (US) Montaukman, I added a hydrofoil to my former Dauntless 16, and planing speed moved from 22-23 mph down to 12-13 mph. Significant overall improvement.
bspencer	posted 04-11-2005 04:35 PM ET (US) Skred, any particular brand on that hydrofoil? I'd like to add one to my 160. Also, for everyone else. The rough idle, clunks with shifting, and vibrations in my Merc 90 4s really bothered me. So I went out and bought a Clymer manual, shop Tach, and a carb tuner and properly set the idle. It is now dramatically better, no clunk, and no noisy vibration in forward idle. Best of all it was easy to do! Brent
skred	posted 04-11-2005 05:16 PM ET (US) I would've used a doel-fin, but they were sold out. I got a Tigershark VG instead. Only difference is along the top of the fins are spaced small "vortex generators", like fighter aircraft have. The company claims it increases efficiency by more than 40 percent. Don't know about that claim, but it sure worked well.
skred	posted 04-11-2005 05:17 PM ET (US) Sorry forgot the link: http://www.yeilding.com/ts.html
bspencer	posted 04-11-2005 05:57 PM ET (US) Great, thanks for the link. Brent
johnr	posted 04-11-2005 06:00 PM ET (US) I had the same problem shifting and they replaced the cables and controls. It is not supposed to shift hard. Be firm and they will do it. They will put the premium cables in.
WT	posted 04-11-2005 06:20 PM ET (US) I plane faster with my Turbolift. http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum4/HTML/002952.html http://photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/Montauk%20Kicker/?action=view¤t=DSCN1293.jpg Have fun with your Montauk. Warren
bspencer	posted 04-11-2005 06:48 PM ET (US) Warren, thats a pretty wild looking hydrofoil. Thanks for the photo links. Is your kicker a long or short shaft and what brand of bracket is that? Brent
WT	posted 04-11-2005 07:02 PM ET (US) Short shaft kicker. Panther bracket installed at my Boston Whaler dealer. http://www.marinetech.info/pmarine/pmarine_detail.php?sku=550020
Sheila	posted 04-12-2005 12:35 AM ET (US) Hi Alan, What a great report! Buy a bottle of Star-Brite Non Skid Cleaner with Teflon. LHG recommended this product to me, and it's amazing. Be sure to use a nylon brush, or some such material, rather than a metal one. But with the Star-Brite cleaner, you don't need to do a lot of scrubbing.
Rich M	posted 04-12-2005 06:13 PM ET (US) Trim it all the way down before throttling up and it should jump right up on plane quickly. Then throttle back and trim up, maybe 3 good bumps of the trim button, and you should be able to stay on plane at a relatively slow speed - depending on the conditions of course. Practice in different conditions with different trims and rpm's to get the hang of it. Your family will soon discover that running on plane at a reasonable speed (with correct trim) can be much more pleasant than bobbing around at idle or plowing along off plane. A stiff bristled (white) long handled boat brush will make short work of cleaning the non skid. Simple Green is biodegradable and does well on all manner of stains. Hope this helps, good luck.
dcritch	posted 04-12-2005 06:56 PM ET (US) Spent the afternoon with the whaler dealer surveying the damage to my 170 from the attempted motor theft. They had a stingray hydrofoil on display. The service manager suggested holding off until my factory waranty expires. Probably a good idea to check with your dealer or go with a "no drilling required model" like WT's.
montaukman	posted 04-12-2005 08:21 PM ET (US) Hi Everyone, Thanks for the help Had an electronics installation nightmare today....more on it in a different posting. I will try the star bright and i have simple green as well. All the best, Alan
bigjohn1	posted 04-13-2005 08:56 AM ET (US) Alan, if you are not trolling in rough water, you should not have any problems with that engine getting your boat on plane at a speed that is comfy for the wife and kids. Don't go drilling holes in yor engine for a fin until you have experiemented more like Rich and Bob recommend. I have a doelfin but only installed it as I troll in rough water at 8-9 knots all day. I also noticed you mention you power load your boat. If I may ask - why? I'm not familiar with the configuration of your dock/marina facility but that boat is so darn light, I find it easier to simply load it by hand once your trailer is dunked - especially when I am out only with my two younger boys (who can't help me in any way). Of course I have to wade out in 2' of water to hook her up...
montaukman	posted 04-13-2005 11:49 AM ET (US) Hi BigJohn I will wait on the doelfins. Will try different settings. My wife and daughter are new to boating and very skiddish about going past 10 mph. One of the tradeoffs I had to make to then in order to get this boat was tro go slowly. Hopefully they will become a little more adventurous. I power on for two reasons. One...because i can....lol. I actually hadn't planned on it until I read all the forum replies. It just seems to be a very efficient way to move the boat in place. Second, it is a faster method to get rigged. Less time balancing footwork on the trailer. Thanks for your suggestions. Alan
mikeyairtime	posted 04-13-2005 12:05 PM ET (US) A cheap and effective nonskid cleaner used by charterboat captains everywhere is good old bleach. I put my boat away with the toughest black marks not quite gone and the next day they've disappeared. Some will worry about hurting the gelcoat but I know a 31 Bertram that has been cleaned with bleach for 30+ years with no ill effect.