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I am fixing up my 17 Montauk. I removed the center console to find the teak wood used to secure the console to the deck was rotted out. After pricing teak, I though about using Trex decking. It is water proof (plastic composite makeup) and it will not be seen. I just finished the project and it seems to be working fine.

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How hard is it to work with?

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No different than working with wood.

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It's not structural...stick with Teal/Mahogany....
She deserves it......

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I believe the wood used was Mahogany not teak. Your other option is to use angle iron and use that to secure the console to the deck. You can order the parts from Sue at Twin Cities Marine. You will have to fix the holes in the deck and patch the console and drill new holes but it will never rot.

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There were two ways to mount the console to the floor.

I don't remember what year Montauk Harley has and he doesn't state the year or model in his Personal Page... So....

1. Early versions had a piece of mahogany on the inside screwed to the floor and a piece of teak on the outside which had screws through the console sides and then into the mahogany.

2. Later versions had a piece of aluminum angle on the outside screwed to the floor and the sides of the console. The piece of teak on the outside of the console was strictly decoration ..

The later version is far superior in my opinion.... The floor would have to rot before the console came loose. With the older style, if the wood piece deteriorated or the broke, the console could come loose and become dangerous.

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My Montauk is a 1984. It had the wood strip on the inside of the console that was rotted out. I put the Trex where the mahogany was and it seems to be very solid. If the console comes off and takes out the family, I'll be sure to let the rest of you know! :D

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Harley,

Now you have me curious....

The 1983, 1984, and 1985 consoles should have the angle aluminum....

Can you tell me which console you have from this article?
http://www.whalercentral.com/readarti...icle_id=58

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Joe,

Our 1984 Montauk had the mahogany blocks under the console. So does our friends 1984.

As for using trex under the console. I have no doubt it would work and would be weather proof however, I would replace the Mahogany with Starboard before I would go with trex. Sure it is under the console but, it is like a restored muscle car, nothing more disappointing than a great paint job on the outside but under the car is a mess.

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This is the console, just checked. And judging from the state of the mahogany, it looked to be original.

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Interesting....

My 1985 Outrage 18' has the identical console but with the aluminum angle.

Apparently then, the wood strip was used in 1984 and changed to the aluminum angle in 1985....

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Here is a photo of the aluminum angle hold down like the one on my 1985 Outrage 18'. I had the same aluminum angle on other later model Outrages....

Note:
1. The aluminum angle is held to the console with 5 bolts and nuts. Angle is on the outside of the console.
2. The aluminum angle is held to the floor with 9 self tapping screws into the wood floor...
3. Then and only then is the teak decoration piece added. This is held on with 4 bolts and nuts if I remember correctly that go through the side of the aluminum angle and the sides of the console.... Both side are identical....

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On our 88 Montauk we have the same aluminum angle as Joe, but I have 4 screws that go thru the angle into the console itself, as opposed to nuts & bolts. You can see a picture of it installed on my personal page showing a speaker in the console.

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I have an 84, and it has the angle and teak on the outside.

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When my mechanic re-powered and re-rigged my boat, they replaced the original mahogany with pressure-treated lumber. I agree with Jeff that it is not the most cherry choice, but functional for now. When they asked me if it was OK to use the lumber I was too anxious to wait for mahogany to be ordered. I wanted my boat back!!

Is there any reason why this decision was a bad one? Other than looks?

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Mike, I have since sold the montauk. I used the trex to replace the mahogany and you could not see it. I used it because it would not rot out like the mahogany did and if I didn't tell anyone it was there, you would never know. I'm sure the purist would hang me for using it. Back in 1984 trex was unheard of. Who knows if BW would have used it in an unseen location to preform the task the mahogany was intended to. Today you don't see wood on any new whaler.

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Kevin, she's a fine boat; whatever's under the console; )

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My Montauk is an 83 and she had the wood blocks and the trim on the outside. I replaced both like for like with starboard. Looks great, won't rot and is as solid as a rock. The appearance is far better than the aluminum IMHO.

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I have a 1980 sport 15. I just purchased. The wood is all original. and needs to be replaced.I am thinking about going back with a center console,20''deep 25''wide and 32''tall aprox. Any thoughts on using Black Walnut? Would this be too heavy.
thanks for any comments or suggestions
cheers
Ralph