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Skram,

I"m out by you on Shinnecock Bay and have a 1998 Montauk 17, which I like very much. Obviously I'm not alone because they are all over the place on Long Island! The boat is great for a newbie in terms of handling, and the draft is a big plus given the shallow waters of the clam beds off of Dune Road. You probably have a similiar situation in Peconic west of Robins Island. Both boats are safe and are well suited for use on the East End. But...when the wind picks up and comes off the ocean even a minor chop makes for a hard ride in the Montauk, as does going over and size wake. In eastern Peconic you have more open water, but might get more wave action.