Posted by Finnegan on 06/21/15 - 1:41 PM
#5
The biggest risk to your well being in a Montauk is the risk of getting flipped over (and into the water) by a large wave. They are not even as stable laterally as the 16' non-smirked hull they replaced.
About 15 years ago I remember a story on the local of news of three men who spent the night (and about 12 hours) on the up turned bottom of a Montauk after it capsized in 6' seas off New Buffalo MI on Lake Michigan. I know they were salmon trolling but don't remember the circumstances. It could have been an engine failure, but not sure. I remember them saying the wave caught them by surprise and they were in the drink before they knew it. They were lucky to be found and the Whaler clearly saved their lives, but it's not anything we would want to have happen to ourselves.
So my advice to Montauk owners out in big seas, is watch your lateral stability and a large breaking at the crest wave hitting you sideways. That could be trouble.