posted 07-26-2010 09:17 PM ET (US)            

When I replace mine, I'm going to get the close ratio steering one. I hear the "standard" one has too much travel from the lock to lock position. Also the "standard" one feels like driving a school bus and the close ratio one feels more like a sports car. But the close ratio one takes more effort to steer.

Good luck,

Warren

posted 07-26-2010 09:50 PM ET (US)            

Yes, I'd do it in a nanosecond.

posted 07-27-2010 02:18 PM ET (US)            

Good luck on your purchase,

posted 07-28-2010 12:49 AM ET (US)            

When inquiring about the 170 MONTAUK please identify it as a 170 MONTAUK. The designator "Montauk 17" or "17 Montauk" is interpreted to mean a completely different boat than a 170 MONTAUK.

posted 07-29-2010 10:04 AM ET (US)            

What advantage does radial tires on the trailer provide?

posted 07-29-2010 07:37 PM ET (US)            

I like the no feedback feature. I don't like how much effort is required to turn to port on plane. It turns easily to starboard. I think this is due to the torque.

From some of the postings above it sounds like there is a choice of hydraulic pumps to which the steering wheel attaches, giving, in effect, different steering "ratios". I'd be willing to have more turns lock to lock in return for less effort in turning the wheel to port when up on plane.

Does anyone know if I can have this changed?

posted 08-10-2010 09:11 AM ET (US)            

Beware of dealers with a possible agenda. If a dealer has a Montauk in stock without hydraulic steering and does not have one with hydraulic steering he may have a biased outlook aimed at selling what he has vs. ordering what he does not have or worse, you finding what he does not have at another dealer.

Of course his advice may be based on sound information and in your best interests. This thread does not wholly support the dealer's position.

posted 08-12-2010 02:42 AM ET (US)         

http://www.lowcostboatingstore.com/ TELEFLEX-HK4200A-BAYSTAR-HDY-STEERING-KIT_p_150.html

So Whaler's upgrade price is a little high, since it appears there is no credit for the NFB mechanical system being deleted in exhcange, which is worth at least $170. But since the boat buyer has no choice, it's still worth going for.

posted 08-12-2010 10:52 AM ET (US)            

OK, comparison is in order.

I very recently sold my 160 Dauntless with the standard NFB mechanical steering. I replaced the Dauntless with a 190 Montauk with hydraulic steering. To maintain some perspective the 190 is a larger boat with a larger engine.

I never had any difficulties with the steering on the Dauntless even if it could be a little stiff at times. I liked that I could mark the center point by attaching a bit of cord on the 12 o'clock spoke of the wheel. When retrieving the boat onto the trailer it was easy to center the engine in the dead ahead position by feel.

The hydraulic steering on the Montauk is a bit easier to use despite the larger boat and engine. I believe but am not certain that there are more turns lock to lock with the hydraulic steering. There is no permanent center spoke so a bit more concentration and attention is required when retrieving the boat.

Now that I've used hydraulic steering I've come to prefer it due to the ease and smoothness of use. However, I doubt you would feel a huge difference on a 170 Montauk.