Appraisal Request: 1986 MONTAUK 17

[86MontaukBBL]

I am preparing to list a 1986 MONTAUK 17 for sale. Given that the professional restoration was completed 14 years ago, the boat is in good, well-preserved condition. Because it has always been stored in an enclosed garage, it has been spared from the outdoor elements. Knowing that a buyer will want to budget for a fresh baseline engine service, I would appreciate the community's feedback on a fair asking price that realistically reflects a solid, garage-kept classic of this vintage.

Fig. 1a. 1986 MONTAUK 17

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Fig. 2a. Reversible Pilot Seat, on-deck fuel tank, dashboard with instruments.

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Fig. 3a. Honda 90-HP engine.

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This is a 1986 Montauk 17, with the standard notched transom for 20-inch-shaft engine, that has been garage-stored. Since 2012 the boat's use was only in freshwater at Big Bear Lake in southern California

In 2015 the following restorations were done by Nacho Yacht Service, Marina Del Rey, California:

• gel coat resin was re-sprayed on the hull exterior, interior liner, and center console;
• all original teak was sanded and varnished, including bow locker cover and center console doors;
• a replacement OEM rub rail was installed;
• all original stainless steel was polished;
• the electrical wiring was redone.

The boat was re-powered with a 2007 HONDA BF90D, which now has 200-hours of runtime. Steering is hydraulic. The fuel tank has 24-gallon capacity. The propeller is a a stainless steel 4-blade "offshore" model.

With four adults aboard with gear, the maximum boat speed is 40-MPH

In February 2022, Boston Whaler- specialists at Schock Boats Service in Huntington Beach, California performed a comprehensive $1,885 full service. Since then the boat has been garage-stored.

Maintenance Note: While the engine runs strong, the next owner will likely want to do a [gear case] fluid change, and impeller service since it has been four years since the last service. I installed two new batteries in November 2024, so the engine is ready to start up.

The electronics are a Furuno FCV-600L Color Fish Finder, Garmin GPSMAP 220 Color GPS, and a VHF Marine Band Radio.

The tinted center console windscreen is OEM/

The railing at bow and stern are OEM from factory. There are rod holders.

The trailer is galvanized steel and the trailer lamps are operational.

[Moderator's note: all photographs have been cropped to remove extensive views of the nice garage.]

[jimh]

Considering your location, the boat's condition, and what appears to be excellent care, you should be able to get a top price, assuming you are not in a hurry.

Using the xAI that powers GROK.COM, I asked this question:

What is a reasonable asking price for a Boston Whaler 19[86] MONTAUK 17 re-powered with a 2007 HONDA BF90d engine and including a galvanized steel single-axle boat trailer, all in good condition, with modern SONAR, chart plooter, and VHF Marine Band radio, in southern California, and kept in an indoor garage?

UPDATE: there was a typo in my question: I typed 1968 instead of 1986. This likely affected the estimate of the boat value, so the suggested asking price range is probably lower than it should be. See revised responses below.

[86MontaukBBL]

Hello. Thank you for your prompt assistance. [See Revised Response below for 1986 hull instead of 1968 hull]

[jimh]

Here is the new reply from grok for 1986 model year:

A reasonable asking price in southern California for a 1986 Boston Whaler Montauk 17 would be in the $22,000–$32,000 range, with a realistic target of $24,000–$28,000 for a quick sale in good condition.

Key Value Factors (Updated for 1986 Model)
Hull (1986 Montauk 17): Mid-1980s Whalers are from the "golden age" of classics — they have stronger hull layups than earlier models and generally fewer age-related problems than 1960s boats. A solid, garage-kept example commands a noticeable premium over project boats.

Repower (2007 Honda BF90D): Excellent upgrade. A 2007 Honda 90hp 4-stroke in good condition is worth roughly $4,000–$6,000 standalone. Low hours and service records significantly boost value.

Electronics (modern SONAR, chart plotter, VHF): Adds $1,000–$2,500 if properly installed and working.

Trailer (galvanized single-axle): Worth $2,000–$3,500 in good shape, especially galvanized for coastal use.

Location & Storage: Strong demand in SoCal for trailerable, reliable boats. Indoor garage storage is a major advantage (minimal sun/UV damage, cleaner gelcoat).

Comparable Sales/Listings

A very close comp: 1986 Montauk in Redondo Beach, CA (Southern California), re-powered with a 2006 Honda BF90, trailer included — listed at $14,995. This appears lower-end or possibly motivated.
1987 Montauk in Carson, CA: Listed at $40,000 (highly restored/refreshed with new gelcoat, Yamaha 90, etc.).
Other 1980s Montauks with newer 75–90hp 4-strokes in CA: Commonly list/sell in the $19,000–$30,000+ range, with nicer equipped examples pushing higher.
Restored 1986 models with near-new 90hp outboards and trailers: Asking up to $50k in other markets, though SoCal pricing is competitive.

Pricing Strategy

Asking Price: Start at $27,000–$30,000 to allow negotiation room.
Expected Sale: $24,000–$27,000 if the hull is solid (no major transom/soft spots), engine runs strong, and the boat is clean/turnkey with documentation.
Lower End (~$20k–$23k): If higher engine hours, cosmetic wear, or minor problems.
Higher End ($28k+): Low hours on the Honda, recent survey, excellent cosmetics, and full maintenance records.

Recommendations: A professional marine survey (focusing on hull/transom integrity) is highly recommended for this age. High-quality photos, service history, and proof of indoor storage will support your price. List on Boat Trader, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and classic Whaler owner groups. Spring/summer is typically the strongest selling season in SoCal.

This is a market-based estimate as of current data. Actual value depends heavily on a hands-on inspection and condition details.

The 1986 model is generally more desirable and valuable than a 1968 due to better original construction and less accumulated wear.