150 MONTAUK v. 16 DAUNTLESS

[ninepin]

I plan to purchase my first boat [and my first] Boston Whaler boat. I want a smaller boat because I don't have a heavy pick-up truck for towing. The primary area of use will be for angling in western Long Island Sound and in bays in New Jersey.

I am considering a 2006 150 MONTAUK with a fishing package, a Minkota, and a 60-HP, or a 2001 16 DAUNTLESS with and older Yamaha 90-HP. I am positive both models would be good for my needs.

Tell me the advantages and disadvantages of these two models.

Which one is better?

[Phil T]

While the Montauk 150 will have a better ride, in my observation it is wholly underpowered.

Here is a comparison:

2001 Dauntless 16 Yamaha 90 = 1,600 lbs = 17-lbs/HP
2011 Montauk 150 Mercury 60 = 1,390 lbs = 23-lbs/HP

[Todd]

I have a 2003 Dauntless [16] with a Mercury 115-HP FOURSTROKE engine. After people and gear are added a 90-HP is not sufficient in that boat. With 115-HP the boat performance is fine, but any less [engine horsepower] and the boat would have trouble planing with a full load.

When the boat and trailer were weighed for shipping the total weight was about 2,500-lbs. I tow it with a 2020 VW Atlas with the towing package rated to tow 5,000 lbs. The boat pushes the 4,500-lbs all-wheel-drive vehicle to its limit in the hills, in wind, and at launching.

The Dauntless is a wonderful boat: rock solid in almost all conditions, smooth ride, great handling, and easy to work on.

With either boat you won't go wrong.

Do not underestimate the need for adequate power and ability to tow the whole package.

[jimh]

Typically a MONTAUK will use an on-deck fuel tank, and a DAUNTLESS will have an integral fuel tank.

The MONTAUK is typically an open skiff with center console. The DAUNTLESS typically has a more interior seating with upholstery.

[ninepin]

Thanks everyone for your feedback. I really appreciate it. The DAUNTLESS 16 sold before I could actually make an offer. The fast pace of boat sales continues.

[jimh]

Nice Boston Whaler boats in very good condition and reasonably price usually sell quickly. If you want to buy one, then be the first person to arrive at the boat with cash.

[Jefecinco]

In case you are faced with making a similar choice in the future I'll share some observations of the Dauntless based on our ten years of ownership.

A Dauntless 16 or 160 Dauntless needs a 115 HP engine for good performance. It is an excellent boat for up to three anglers. The fishing package including some rod holders and a cooler, and a live bait well is very useful. I believe its ride in a chop is superior to the smaller Montauk. It is very easily towed by a half-ton pickup. A pair of seats at either side of the transom beside the bait well are a nice option if more than three people will be aboard. I believe the fuel tank holds 45-gallons which will last a full day of cruising with fuel to spare.

I have long regretted selling our "little battleship" to buy a larger Montauk. It was just an excellent all round small boat.

[andygere]

I own a Dauntless 16 and my sister has a 150 Montauk. I am very familiar with both boats.

The Dauntless has a superior ride, more room, a built-in fuel tank, and much more seating. For fishing, the walk space along side the console is more generous. I believe it is a superior boat.

The Montauk is indeed under powered with a 60-HP engine. In addition, if it a a carburetor Mercury 60, it is prone to jet clogging if fuel filtering is not ideal. It’s a decent motor, but my sister had to deal with carburetor problems more than once. If fuel injected, it probably won’t be a problem. The Montauk is also a much wetter boat in a chop.

The deeper V in the Dauntless, along with its heavier weight, make it a much better riding boat. For a 16 footer, you probably won’t do much better. It’s still easy to tow and launch, in fact I tow it and launch it locally with a 1993 Jeep Wrangler.

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0f9OvRE-6RnCJlBiBhf8ucLrg

[andygere]

I should note that my Dauntless has the original Mercury 90-HP two-stroke-power-cycle three-cylinder classic engine. I would prefer a 115-HP engine, but with a four-bladed stainless propeller the 90-HP performance is good. Time to plane--my only complaint with the boat--was much improved going to the stainless steel four-bladed propeller. A 115-HP engine would improve performance for pulling skiers and wake-boarders.