posted 08-11-2013 02:08 PM ET (US)        

I am considering adding seat cushions on the two rear seats. And also maybe two bow cleats if needed?

Any other ideas? Or any suggestions on any needed accessories? First boat, so starting from scratch.

posted 08-12-2013 07:02 AM ET (US)            

My only complaint is that I hate the baitwell it takes up to much rear space but I had no choice when I bought it. I am pretty sure you can buy it now without it.

One other suggestion don't buy it with the 115 get the max which I think is the 150, it will haunt you as it did me until I was able to sell it and install a 150 one year later.

Other then that its one hell of a boat!

Enjoy it,

posted 08-12-2013 10:01 AM ET (US)            

10 years later I bought the 190, first time I took it out with my wife and two adults I almost cried, it was lacking the pep I had with the 17. After spending 40 grand I had to settle for this type of performance? No way!

Every time I took her out I would just boil inside (by the way I'm 62 and not a speed freak nor do I ski)so I bit the bullet till I was able to sell the Merc and put a 150 E-Tec on the back. Instant happiness. Performance up to par and also got rid of the vibration that the Merc was causing to my baitwell hatch.

Now I'm a happy camper, but if I could only get rid of the baitwell. Ah well a perfect boat is hard to come by!

Fred

posted 08-12-2013 11:22 AM ET (US)            

60% of time, just myself and 3 year old son on boat
30% of time, myself,wife, 3 year old, 2-1 year olds
10% 4 - 6 adults cruising

Do not plan on doing any water skiing, may start pulling son on a tube once he is older, but,

In 5 years plan on selling and upgrading to the 21 foot or larger.

I know the 150 will sell better, but I am hoping on a first time buyer who is ok with the 115.

But, comes down to $. Just dont have the extra 4 grand.

posted 08-12-2013 11:50 AM ET (US)            

Try to trial run some boats with different power types to get a feel of the situation. I know 4 grand is a lot of money but think of the investment your making. I had the same problem, once I tried the boat after I bought it I would have gladly robbed a bank to come up with the extra 4!

Anyway you go, best of luck, keep us posted on your adventure!

posted 08-12-2013 06:38 PM ET (US)         

A portable toilet comes in handy, esp. during the potty training years.

A bimini top is nice on sunny days, but does interfere with fishing and interferes with the rod holders in front of the console.

I added plastic rod racks on the port side gunnel.

The two rear seats are never used for seating as they're in an awkward location next to the engine. It's a good spot to put an obedient dog. The seat above the live well directly in front of the engine and the RPS are the seats most often used while under way.

I have the 115 and it is indeed inadequate for skiing/tubing, but I really don't care as we mainly use the boat for fishing. The boat does not pop onto plane quickly with four people all behind the console. It is adequate for ocean use and you will love the fuel economy. I don't know whether a different (4 blade?) prop would help the boat plane more quickly and even make it adequate for water skiing.

This was our family's first boat besides a 12' aluminum, purchased at my wife's suggestion that it's 'safe for the kids' before we had any kids. This is a simply, reliable, safe, and easy to use piece of entertainment -congratulations on your purchase.

posted 08-12-2013 10:33 PM ET (US)            

Did not know you could get seat cushions as an option for the two rear steps. I was told when I bought mine they did not meet Coast Guard requirements for seats due to no back.

Fuel consumption is good but the 150 would not be much worse at the same speed due to reduced rpm. Dealer should be able to take you for a ride in one with a 115.

I would not take it into big ocean water with the 115 with more than three adults where you do need to punch it at times to take off with a wave. I have played with mine in Jones Inlet Long Island in some big 6-8' cresting and breaking waves. I am alone as no one else likes the thrill of it.

posted 08-13-2013 07:13 PM ET (US)            

Excellent suggestion. However it seems there are not too many 190 Montauks on the market. Those offered seem to be widely disbursed. Of course a little travel can save a lot of money.

posted 08-17-2013 10:04 AM ET (US)            

When single handing I put the boat hook between the console rail and the console extended to a length that allows the hook to be over the windshield rail and the handle to rest on the deck. I suppose a Velcro strap would be a nice way to keep it more secure when underway.

Bungee cords and Velcro straps can have a lot of utility on a boat. I carry a couple of each in the RPS.

posted 08-21-2013 05:41 AM ET (US)            

I wanted to weigh in on my experiences with the Montauk 190. I do not want to counter any of the previous comments, just offer mine.

I would have to vote for the larger power. I currently have a 135 on our rig and it is just perfect. Your family will get bigger quickly and having the power to pull all of them is ideal. I pull multiple tubers and wake boarders with the 135, usually with multiple passengers as “spotters” on the boat. I also have taken comfortably as many as 5 adults and 3 kids on rides where the 135 handles everything. This is not to say the 115 would not be appropriate, but the 135 (or 150) fits the bill.

In terms of comfort, this boat is more than adequate. I know there are many opinions out there (backed up with a lot of experience too), but I can tell you after about 100 hours of running around on Long Island Sound this season, this boat does just fine. I would NOT bring it out on rough days, but I would not do that either with a bigger boat. My favorite story related to comfort was the 10 mile ride I gave my 77 year old mom while riding on the live well seat (a very highly suggested modification). She did just fine and the seas were not exactly perfect that day.

Hope these thoughts help.

posted 08-22-2013 07:57 PM ET (US)            

The only things I wish I could have gotten were a raw water wash down system and dual batteries/switch, both can be added but unfortunately the factory didn't offer those as options and I've already spent enough money.

posted 08-23-2013 09:21 AM ET (US)            

I've been considering the wash down for a couple of years. I've seldom had a use for one but on occasion it would have been useful for getting mud off the anchor and washing down the odd bit of blood, loose scales, etc.

I assume you tap into the live bait well through hull plumbing and can use the well pump to supply the wash down hose if you can get away with a slow flow rate. For a more powerful wash down system you would undoubtedly need to mount a dedicated pump in the space behind the aft bulkhead. Power for the pump would require wiring from the console unless it would be possible to splice into the bait well pump wiring. Dedicated wiring would be a better installation, I'm sure. Since the hose and nozzle would be stored behind the aft bulkhead that may be a good place to put the power switch for the pump.

Anyway, maybe this Winter along with the numerous other demands on my time.

posted 08-23-2013 01:14 PM ET (US)            

Needless to say the wash down pump is under the rear hatch out of sight.

Next time I go to the boat I'll take some pictures if you want them.

posted 08-23-2013 03:46 PM ET (US)            

Thanks. No need for pictures, I can visualize it perfectly.

Sounds like a good and simple installation.

posted 08-25-2013 06:59 AM ET (US)            

If anyone has any insider tips for me with this boat please let me know.

posted 08-25-2013 08:40 AM ET (US)            

Enjoy,

Fred

posted 01-02-2014 11:07 AM ET (US)            

On the non powered side, connect it to your NEW raw water washdown pump. Then run the power wires to your dash. Install a switch or use a switch that is non used.