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Author Topic:   170 Console Height - The photo says it all.

seadonkey posted 08-17-2005 11:16 AM ET (US)
With all the talk about the low console height of the 170, I thought this photo from the Boston Whaler website was pretty accurate and a bit comical. This guy's back looks like it will be sore soon if it is not sore already:
http://bostonwhaler.com/Rec/images/boats/170MTmain.jpg
LHG posted 08-17-2005 01:32 PM ET (US)
An even larger blow-up of that same photo made it's way into the 2006 Mercury catalog 4-stroke 90 page, and I thought the same thing.
At the recent Charlevoix factory event, I had a chance to sit down with some design/engineering people, and I mentioned that the Montauk 170 console is too low, and they should offer the Dauntless 18 console, at least as a "super console" option. Evidently, the factory is aware of the problem for taller owners. He did say, however, that they thought it right for families who buy these boats for their children. I told him that was needlessly limiting market potential of the boat, and that is why an optional console could be a big seller.
There was no indication that a change was in the works, however
royaloakwhaler posted 08-17-2005 02:18 PM ET (US)
Raising the console on my 170 is one of the projects I have planned for this winter. I've heard comments like it might have been designed like this so that it will fit into a garage, but I 'd rather park mine in the driveway than have to lean way over to drive the boat while standing. Does anyone who raised their console have a picture of what the mounting points look like without the console in place? I would like to have an idea of what I'm getting into before I pull this thing all apart.
Phil
Buckda posted 08-17-2005 02:39 PM ET (US)
"He did say, however, that they thought it right for families who buy these boats for their children."
Talk about an insight into the mind of the marketing department.
Who can afford that? Answer: the folks who would buy the 27' and larger offerings of BW (Which is REALLY who ANY boat company that makes boats in this size range wants to target.)
I have to agree with Larry - who cares if it's okay for the priviliged children who get one for their birthday? I certainly don't - I mean - it's no big deal that these families are buying Montauks for their kids - that's their choice/perogative, but hey - there are a whole slew of grown men and women who stand over 5' 8" tall that are interested in this boat as well. Come on!
I'm forced to surmise that a: no one message-trained this individual or b: whoever DID message train him should revoke his privileges to speak about that topic or perhaps send him through the training again or finally, c: that Marketing at Whaler should reexamine that thought process in an effort to expand sales and generate greater returns for the company.
I'm surprised that that message was delivered - as these events are extremely important to a company that relies on brand loyalty (like Whaler). Perhaps they should offer me a job to help prepare their staff for these events. I'm available for freelance work - we could even arrange an exchange for equipment......:)
I'm suprised they didn't use a shorter model for that photograph - or perhaps some kids, since apparently that's who the boat is geared for???
mikeyairtime posted 08-19-2005 01:07 PM ET (US)
Where's the bow rails?
royaloakwhaler posted 08-19-2005 03:32 PM ET (US)
"Delete standard bow rails" is an option on the 170MT
WT posted 08-19-2005 04:07 PM ET (US)
Bow rails get in the way if fishing at the bow. I took mine off.
http://photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/Montauk170/?action=view¤t=Montauk4-10-04035.jpg
bigjohn1 posted 08-20-2005 09:43 AM ET (US)
That photo absolutely sucks from a 170 MONTAUK marketing standpoint (not yours Warren). That guy is way too tall and he makes the boat look smaller than it is. His bending over to steer makes it laughable.
erik selis posted 08-20-2005 01:33 PM ET (US)
I think the only reason the console on the 170 Montauk is as low as it is, is because it would fit through a standard sized garage door. At least when it's mounted on the factory trailer. This is not the case for any 170 Montauk here in Europe because we use different trailers. The boat sits higher on our trailers and fitting through a standard garage door is out of the question.
I found out that a well known Whaler dealer in these parts, has devised a way to easily tilt part of the console on the 170 Montauk out of the way. This making it possible for us to park the boat in a garage. Some time in the near future I will try to take some pictures of the way the dealer has designed this modification.
The picture of the guy standing at the helm of the 170 Montauk is kinda funny if you ask me. It looks like he could use a porta potty in the boat as an option. Makes you wonder why Whaler couldn't find a better picture because this guy is not making the impression he is having a good time.
Strange that I haven't seen many children out alone in these 170 Montauks over here... you would expect to see at least one child out on these alone...according to Whaler marketing that is... I find what the Whaler guys said a bit snobby if you ask me. (to say it in a nice way)
Erik

whalerdude posted 08-20-2005 09:06 PM ET (US)
I just bought my 2006 170 yesterday and quickly put 100 miles on already in 2 days.
The console is a little low. I am 6' tall. However, It was fine in the 80 miles of chop on lake michigan today.
It fits in my garage. If it was higher it would not go under the door.
When leaning on the seat back in the forward position, it is more comfortable than standing.
So far I am really happy with my boat.
I love the EFI four stroke engine. Top speed is surprisingly fast!
lizabethie posted 08-20-2005 10:57 PM ET (US)
At 5'3", I can make the console look normal. I'm available for photoshoots for your Montauks! :)
-Beth

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Author	Topic: 170 Console Height - The photo says it all.
seadonkey	posted 08-17-2005 11:16 AM ET (US) With all the talk about the low console height of the 170, I thought this photo from the Boston Whaler website was pretty accurate and a bit comical. This guy's back looks like it will be sore soon if it is not sore already: http://bostonwhaler.com/Rec/images/boats/170MTmain.jpg
LHG	posted 08-17-2005 01:32 PM ET (US) An even larger blow-up of that same photo made it's way into the 2006 Mercury catalog 4-stroke 90 page, and I thought the same thing. At the recent Charlevoix factory event, I had a chance to sit down with some design/engineering people, and I mentioned that the Montauk 170 console is too low, and they should offer the Dauntless 18 console, at least as a "super console" option. Evidently, the factory is aware of the problem for taller owners. He did say, however, that they thought it right for families who buy these boats for their children. I told him that was needlessly limiting market potential of the boat, and that is why an optional console could be a big seller. There was no indication that a change was in the works, however
royaloakwhaler	posted 08-17-2005 02:18 PM ET (US) Raising the console on my 170 is one of the projects I have planned for this winter. I've heard comments like it might have been designed like this so that it will fit into a garage, but I 'd rather park mine in the driveway than have to lean way over to drive the boat while standing. Does anyone who raised their console have a picture of what the mounting points look like without the console in place? I would like to have an idea of what I'm getting into before I pull this thing all apart. Phil
Buckda	posted 08-17-2005 02:39 PM ET (US) "He did say, however, that they thought it right for families who buy these boats for their children." Talk about an insight into the mind of the marketing department. Who can afford that? Answer: the folks who would buy the 27' and larger offerings of BW (Which is REALLY who ANY boat company that makes boats in this size range wants to target.) I have to agree with Larry - who cares if it's okay for the priviliged children who get one for their birthday? I certainly don't - I mean - it's no big deal that these families are buying Montauks for their kids - that's their choice/perogative, but hey - there are a whole slew of grown men and women who stand over 5' 8" tall that are interested in this boat as well. Come on! I'm forced to surmise that a: no one message-trained this individual or b: whoever DID message train him should revoke his privileges to speak about that topic or perhaps send him through the training again or finally, c: that Marketing at Whaler should reexamine that thought process in an effort to expand sales and generate greater returns for the company. I'm surprised that that message was delivered - as these events are extremely important to a company that relies on brand loyalty (like Whaler). Perhaps they should offer me a job to help prepare their staff for these events. I'm available for freelance work - we could even arrange an exchange for equipment......:) I'm suprised they didn't use a shorter model for that photograph - or perhaps some kids, since apparently that's who the boat is geared for???
mikeyairtime	posted 08-19-2005 01:07 PM ET (US) Where's the bow rails?
royaloakwhaler	posted 08-19-2005 03:32 PM ET (US) "Delete standard bow rails" is an option on the 170MT
WT	posted 08-19-2005 04:07 PM ET (US) Bow rails get in the way if fishing at the bow. I took mine off. http://photobucket.com/albums/v665/warrent/Montauk170/?action=view¤t=Montauk4-10-04035.jpg
bigjohn1	posted 08-20-2005 09:43 AM ET (US) That photo absolutely sucks from a 170 MONTAUK marketing standpoint (not yours Warren). That guy is way too tall and he makes the boat look smaller than it is. His bending over to steer makes it laughable.
erik selis	posted 08-20-2005 01:33 PM ET (US) I think the only reason the console on the 170 Montauk is as low as it is, is because it would fit through a standard sized garage door. At least when it's mounted on the factory trailer. This is not the case for any 170 Montauk here in Europe because we use different trailers. The boat sits higher on our trailers and fitting through a standard garage door is out of the question. I found out that a well known Whaler dealer in these parts, has devised a way to easily tilt part of the console on the 170 Montauk out of the way. This making it possible for us to park the boat in a garage. Some time in the near future I will try to take some pictures of the way the dealer has designed this modification. The picture of the guy standing at the helm of the 170 Montauk is kinda funny if you ask me. It looks like he could use a porta potty in the boat as an option. Makes you wonder why Whaler couldn't find a better picture because this guy is not making the impression he is having a good time. Strange that I haven't seen many children out alone in these 170 Montauks over here... you would expect to see at least one child out on these alone...according to Whaler marketing that is... I find what the Whaler guys said a bit snobby if you ask me. (to say it in a nice way) Erik
whalerdude	posted 08-20-2005 09:06 PM ET (US) I just bought my 2006 170 yesterday and quickly put 100 miles on already in 2 days. The console is a little low. I am 6' tall. However, It was fine in the 80 miles of chop on lake michigan today. It fits in my garage. If it was higher it would not go under the door. When leaning on the seat back in the forward position, it is more comfortable than standing. So far I am really happy with my boat. I love the EFI four stroke engine. Top speed is surprisingly fast!
lizabethie	posted 08-20-2005 10:57 PM ET (US) At 5'3", I can make the console look normal. I'm available for photoshoots for your Montauks! :) -Beth