---

Would really appreciate your help. We had started looking for a new boat for our family of 5 when we stumbled across several Montauk 17's in the 1996 to 2000 year range. All with either an Evinrude or Mercury 90 2s, original to the boats.

I was familiar with Whalers but not extensively and started finding and reading what I could. The ones we are looking at have a back bench seat. We're wondering if it is two small considering the size of our family? Our oldest is a pre-teen and I want the next boat to last quite a while so it will need to fit 2 adults and 3 teenagers. It appears to have enough room, but I'm not sure.

We like to explore several bodies of water around us that are anywhere from an hour to 3 hours away varying from rivers and lakes to the coastal bay. The light tow of this boat is very appealing. We're use to more confined spaces and just want to have seating for everyone. This model and size appear to be the 'SUV' of boats which is what we're looking for.

Not looking for speed. Most of the time we are cruising and site seeing at around 7-13mph. Might have one of the kids want to try wakeboarding in the future. Rest would just be tubing whenever.

Grew up on a 16ft Mark Twain bowrider that sat 8 people comfortably so I'm hoping this isn't too small?

Thanks!

---

When we began looking for a small runabout a couple years ago, the Montauk 17 and 170 models were high on our list. These are nice boats and their shallow draft with flattish bottom makes them especially well-suited for cruising in protected waters and beaching at sandbars. I say "in protected waters" because the shallow draft and flattish bottom has a downside, which is that the ride will be on the rough end of the spectrum in open water with any kind of seaway running. Also, the freeboard is fairly low too.

Then there was the size consideration. The Montauk 17 is really a 16.5' boat, with a relatively narrow beam. This definitely makes it easily trailerable and much less difficult to launch/retrieve. It also doesn't require a big tow vehicle either. On the flip side, there is not a lot of interior space, and very limited built-in storage. Plus some of that space is taken up by the on-deck fuel tank(s).

With a family size like yours, and with some prompting from knowledgeable folks here on WhalerCentral, I ended taking a closer look at the Outrage 18 models. At first it might seem the Outrage 18 is only a slight step up from the Montauk 17. But the 18 is actually 18.5' compared to the 17 at 16.5'. Plus the Outrage 18 has more than a foot of additional beam. So taken together, that makes it a much more substantial boat, size-wise. And the below-decks fuel tank doesn't use up any of that extra space, either. Additionally, design elements (such as a deeper V hull and higher freeboard) make it more suitable for rougher waters. In the end, we went this route for the extra space and capability (we purchased the final version of the classic Outrage 18, which had been re-named the Outrage 19 during the '90s.)

A downside to the Outrage 18 (and especially our 19 Outrage II version) is that it does require more tow vehicle than a Montauk 17. But most mid-size SUVs should be able to handle it. There would also be a little more muscling at the ramp to launch/retrieve it -- but still not all that tricky.

So, there are pros and cons to these two models. It's difficult to make a strong recommendation against the Montauk 17. You have a much better idea of the sort of waters you'll be operating in. I suppose my biggest argument for considerign an Outrage 18 would be space for your family, and growing room.

Also, while I don't know your budget, the Outrage 18 wouldn't be the only option for stepping up in size. The Dauntless 18/180, and the Montauk 190 would be other models to consider.

---

Thank you JRP, we appreciate it.

We will be pulling the boat with a mini-van for decent distances. In addition, our budget runs in the $10-15k range. We don't head out onto the gulf side of the island and we don't venture out onto the main lake bodies if it's rough. With that, and from what you've said, I think the lean is definitely towards the Montauk 17 as long as we're comfortable in some regards.

---

I would consider a little bit larger boat for that many people to ride around in comfortably. Even though called 17' these other boats have more room including built-in stern quarter seats for occupants.

1990-1995 Outrage 17' I
http://www.whalercentral.com/userphot...album_id=3

1996-1999 Outrage 17' II
http://www.whalercentral.com/userphot...album_id=4

1995-1997 Dauntless 17' DC (Dual Console)
http://www.whalercentral.com/userphot...lbum_id=82

And a little jump up would be a 1998-2001 Ventura 18'
http://www.whalercentral.com/infusion...er_id=9660

Maybe even a Ventura 16' which also has built-in seating for 6
http://www.whalercentral.com/infusion...r_id=17577

And maybe others would fit your needs also?

---

Thank you however, with the exception to the DC, I'm not seeing the difference in seating area. the Montauks we're looking at, although shorter than the other models listed, have a back bench seat which can seat two, two at the helm and a wider double seat in front of the console for a total of 6? We'd only need it for 5. We're use to sitting close in our current 15'.

The DC would be better but there aren't any for sale even remotely close to us.

---

9R
I have two Montauks.
A 1995 17 with an Evinrude 90 2 and a 2003 170 with a Merc 90 2.
Both are fantastic boats. The 170 is in South Carolina and I use it inshore and offshore and the 17 is in Texas and I use it inshore and sometimes freshwater.
The 170 is larger than the 17 and has a higher freeboard.
They both are OK for 3 for serious fishing and 5 for birdwatching, trips to the beach and just riding around.
With a family of 5 and a Montauk 17 or 170 you would have to be friendly!

---

It's tricky just cause there is seating doesn't mean it can actually be used.
It all depends on the engine weight, people weight, junk you bring/cooler, fuel tank location, water roughness and speed...more I'm sure...
We've got an older 16'7" custom with a back bench that nobody sits on under way. We only use it when anchored and diving or lounging. Our hull rides better with the weight more centered and there are noticeable changes with moving kids.
My wife never goes out (ok twice) so usually it's me and 3 kids and sometimes their friends. It's tight but we have fun!
If you get a chance have the family pile onto the boat you like even on the trailer. It'll be obvious if you think it's doable.
TP

---

We had a 1977 Montauk that we loved. Easy to tow/handle, cheap to operate, fun to run. When we had our second child we found out that it was cramped when we set out on our excursions with four humans and a bunch of stuff. We backed into a 1999 Dauntless 18 that solved our space problem but is a different animal on all other fronts. The classic Outrage 18 may be your best bet. Where are you located?

---

I own a Supersport 15 and have spent a good deal of time in an Outrage 18 and a 170 Montauk, and also towed and launched them all many times. I would not tow an Outrage 18 for any distance behind a minivan, but the 170 Montauk would work fine. With 2 adults and 3 kids I think the classic Montauk 17 will feel too small in a very few years, but the 170 will have more room.

The challenge with a 170 will be finding one in your budget range. It will be easy to find a Montauk 17, but it's not a bargain if it won't work for you, and in my opinion it will not. An Outrage 18 can easily be found for those prices, so is upgrading the tow vehicle and getting an 18 an option?

---

Not to hijack the thread but on a side note what would be the consensus of the classic montauk 17 for a family of 4 with 2 adults and 2 kids (2 and 5 year olds)?

---

I guess you missed the part where I said the other Whalers have "Built-In" seating for passengers where the Montauk 17' does not.

The Montauk 17' has an option of installing a stern seat in the middle of the floor in the stern taking up valuable room in such a small boat.
You can place folding marine seats on any boat for more seating but at what cost of deck space?

2 small kids and 2 adults. OK
3 medium to large kids and 2 adults would be overcrowded in my opinion thus my recommendation for other 17' models with more room and built-in seats.

As others have mentioned and added to the list of 17's
Not sure of used prices:
Montauk 170
http://www.bostonwhaler.com/Page.aspx...ntauk.aspx

Dauntless 170
http://www.bostonwhaler.com/Page.aspx...tless.aspx

---

Perfect!
TP

---

That's basically my setup, 2 adults and a 5 and 7 year old that have been on the boat since they were 3 and 5. It can be cramped at times depending on what you bring. We usually hit the local beaches and sandbars and pack 4 chairs (2 regular beach chairs and 2 foldable kids chairs), sand toys, sometimes boogie boards, etc... It's all about how you pack. I put a large soft cooler bag and dry bag for clothes inside the 94qt cooler in front of the console. The cooler bags comes off when we hit the beach. I'm also able to fit the 4 of us and 2 small kids Kayaks on. For us, it's the perfect boat. Would I like some more elbow room and some storage, yes absolutely. But, we love the versatility of being able to fish, crab, clam, and especially being able to get in skinny spots where not many other boats can go which are perfectly shallow to let the kids swim. I would like to upgrade to an 18 Outrage one day, but I think I would always hold onto the Montauk to keep it in the family. It'll be my sons boat one day...

---

Thanks for everyone's responses, it's truly appreciated. We went and viewed one yesterday and loved it. It was in mint condition and looked brand new. We were able to climb on board and reviewed seating arrangements. We considered the kids growing and still figured we would have room. It was slightly snug going past the console but not as bad as I had imagined. We're an active family so it may be easier for us so I could see why larger adults would complain.

I've been on friends' 19-23' CC boats for fishing excursions and with their fishing rod mounts on the side of the console plus the support bars for their T-tops taking up room, theirs felt no different in passing. If they had railings on the side of their boat, keeping you from swinging out, I think it would have felt similar. I've also been on friend's 20-21' bowriders. The seating was great and the storage way too much, but still you had to kind of get out of someones way in order for them to pass by or get to the storage compartments. It was frustrating since they were such large boats but more storage than people space. I was disappointed with the large engine that guzzled away a significant amount of fuel for such heavy displacement that wouldn't start planing until 20mph. Also experienced the large V-8 of their tow vehicle trying to pull such a weight and listened to stories of trailer brake maintenance, wood floor and carpet replacement. Just didn't fit what we want for us.

We come from a 15' Zodiac Inflatable so we're use to fitting into tight quarters. That boat is about 13' from transom forward with a 6' beam. We store everything we need back behind the last bench. It's like my '85 Jeep CJ7 with no top or doors or someone with a motorcycle. You feel more connected to the environment and scenery. We also grew up on a 16' bow rider style that seated 8. We typically had about 6-7 of us along for all day trips of skiing and site seeing. We're use to not being able to bring a lot on board so the Montauk probably had more storage space than what we need or what we're use to. I think the comparison is like someone who is accustomed to living in a tiny house vs someone who lives in a 3-bedroom house and then moves into a 1-bedroom apartment. Can be a positive for one and a negative for the other, who is the majority.

Again, we appreciate everyone's input. I think your recommendations are spot on. I think we're a rare case in which this will work. If, after a couple of years, it turns out we've out grown it, I know we won't have a problem selling it. We'll have had a great time in between though exploring rivers, lakes and the coast. We're still good with the space of the Zodiac but it's starting to be a little under-powered for us, so time to upgrade. Out of all the boats we've reviewed, besides our current boat, it was the first I've heard my wife talk positive about. We'll greatly miss heading up through the rapids of the river but we're excited for what more this boat could bring.

* forgot to mention. Researched the suggested models and found them to be very difficult to locate near us. Seemed they were all along the East Coast/South Florida or over 1k miles from us. Montauk 17s seem to be the most common and in better shape when compared to their counterparts. Wouldn't mind the 170 but have a feeling it would be years before we'd see one in this area. Maybe then might be the time for an upgrade for an extra 3-5" all around... ;)

---

I have fished quite often on Montauks. A great versatile boat. I would question 5 people on one of those hulls comfortably. 3 men fishing makes for a tight ride let alone 5 on board. My opinion, but I would go next step up for 5. Towing weight not an issue.
Garris

---

9R,
I think you'll be fine with 3 kids and 2 adults for the kinds of activities and speeds you describe. I owned a Montauk for a few years and loved it. We had 2 adults, 2 kids (daughter plus friend), and a cowering dog regularly on short outings and it worked fine.

If you don't pay a premium for the boat, you can always sell and upgrade later as your needs become clearer or change, and not lose much money.

Dennis

---

Thank you Dennis.


If you guys had a choice between a '90s Evinrude 90hp 2-stroke V-4 or a '00s Merc 90hp saltwater 2-stroke with the same number of hours, and your weren't biased on brand, would you have a preference?

---

9R,
I won't be much help on this one, as we repowered to a 70HP Yamaha 4-stroke. Repowering is probably not the route you should choose until you know the boat is right for you, and you are dissatisfied with the current power.

Dennis

---

Not looking to re-power. These two are the engines we can choose from.

---

I have a classic Montauk and, to be honest, I think it is way too small for a family of 5 regardless of the kid's ages. A Montauk is a great 2 man fishing boat and is OK for two couples to ride in. The lack of storage space means towels, floats, tubes, life jackets, etc all have to be stored either under the console or in the bow anchor locker or left out on deck. Montauks are open skiffs, they are not family runabouts or ski boats. The pilot seat will hold 2 people in relative comfort and the cooler in front of the console will seat 2 more in tight quarters.

For a family of 5, I would look more to a Dauntless in the 20' range.

---

Neither of those engines has a great deal of book value. If they both operate well and otherwise check-out, I would choose the one that is attached to the nicest hull.

---

I don't agree. I have a 1978 Montauk and a family of four (boys 13 and 8). I have found a lot of the time that I flip the RPS to me and use it as a leaning post, freeing up the other side for two people to sit. I also have a bow cushion so if cruising at any speed that is not too fast, a few folks can sit there as well. The whole stern can hold chairs strapped to the rails with bungees, toys, etc. I find that we fit just fine. And really love the ease of use along with the openness. Just a great versatile boat.

Oh, and Iv'e been looking at Revenges for a few years now as my wife wants a potty, but I just have not been able to pull the trigger! Love my Montauk!

---

Jay,
Looks like a nice one came up for sale on the website. $70,000. You may be able to negotiate the price down a hair. Just kidding but........those early Revenges 22' are nice rides with a lot of comfort. I am more surprised that most of the 25' Revenge's of the same era have similar deck spaces with and extended cabin. Get one and you won't look back.

Getting back to the Montauk. I have several friends that have them primarily for fishing. I am asked to bring minimum tackle with three on board because of storage. Land a fish and weight shifting balancing act. An ideal 2 man fishing boat. You would be able to get 5 people on but no free space or movement and pretty cramped. One fine all around hull.
Garris

---

- Didn't say we fish.

- Thank you Jay, that helps.

We're explorers of various surrounding bodies of water. We cruise slowly in relatively calm conditions typically in shallow waters and enjoy the environment. May have considered a very small pontoon if they weren't clumsy to tow. We don't bring along chairs, umbrellas, kayaks, paddle boards, canopies, kitchen sinks, spare car tires, anvils, explosives, hair dryers, makeup kits or full size refrigerators. Kids like wearing their comfortable neoprene life jackets and an adequately sized cooler is already available as the front seat. My emergency kit and tools are tightly and nicely kept in a sealed ammo box that can be stored away conveniently under the stern bench seat along with our two life jackets for easy grab if need be. Maybe some day we'll have to bring a wakeboard and rope, but that shouldn't be a problem behind the stern bench seat. As I agreed with most after viewing one, it's tight by today's Expedition XL SUV culture but should be fine for us.

---

Our family purchased a 1988 Montauk 17 perhaps a year ago and its been the perfect family boat. Aside from the ability to tow it with a Subaru its light enough to make launching and recovering a very easy process.

Not mentioned before is the fact that due to its light weight it handles like a sports car. We previously had a larger pontoon boat and I wanted to call the Tugs in whenever I docked the monster. I never really got good at it and folks on the dock would run when they saw me coming in.

I think you would be very pleased with the classic 17. I would rather take that approach and perhaps trade up later than take a chance on getting something that is not fun due to its larger size. Enjoy.

Tom

---

That is really good to hear, thanks Tom. We're pumped

---

Yes Garris I saw that Revenge as soon as it popped up on Boston CL also...a bit pricey me thinks! I am very curious as to what the final sale price will be though as that could really affect the used BW market...if it does ever actually sell.

---

Your whole posting was Well said not everybody fishes with a lot of people on board. You'll be happy with the Classic 17 for your needs for a long time to come. Happier with a 170 but get the 17 and all 5 of you will have lots of fun.

---

Well, we were set to pull the trigger when one of the classic Montauks got away. The seller of the other seems flaky and is very slow to respond. Have reviewed a Dauntless 160 in great shape and price with a 115hp 4 stroke but I worry about the weight when towing since its about 600 lbs more plus additional fuel. Read that it likes to ride with the bow higher which I dislike. Seller put a hydrofoil on it which looks like many do.

Yes, it's about 7" shorter but is a foot wider. Also has two built in aft seats in lieu of a removable bench. If you had a choice between the two, which would you go for?

---

Tht's too bad about the Montauks. Like a lot of others on this board, I lean toward the older classic-looking designs by Dougherty, so the Montauk gets my first vote.

But those small Dauntless models have a reputation for being capable boats, considering their size. I can't remember if the Dauntless 16 has a built-in tank or portable tanks? If built-in, then along with the extra beam it would probably give you every bit as much space as a Montauk 17.

Also, I will again suggest you remain open to the possibility of an Outrage 18/19. These will give you a lot more capability/space, and should still be within the towing limits of your vehicle.

---

They have something like a 56 ga built in tank. Way more than I would need but still probably nice to have. If this last classic montauk doesn't come about, I'll consider the Dauntless or maybe a Montauk 170 if it comes about. The Dauntless has two aft seats which could be beneficial for two of our kids who like to ride in the back but I don't think the 170 has them. Not sure if something could be added though.

I agree that the Outrage 18 would be nicer and more comfortable but they are even more rare. Your correct but even though the weight would be in our towing limit, it puts it near the max which I'm not fond of for our 2-3 hour trips.

Thanks for your input!

---

Just FYI, from looking at the Whaler website, the Montauk 170 has options to add either two stern seats, or a single aft bench seat.

---

That's some good info. Did not know that. I've tried studying the pics, layout and description and may just have to call them but, would you know or assume that the connection points or plates are already set in the hull or would I have to do it? Not afraid to do it but it would be nice if they were already there.

Knowing that makes me lean towards the Montauk 170 that much more.

---

Good question - I don't know whether they have the mount points molded in, so you can add the seats afterwards, or if those only come at ordering time. I would hope the former. The bench seat seems like it would take up too much room, but the side seats are nice - a friend has them on her boat and really likes them.

Tim

---

The 1st generation Montauk 170 has moulded seat area and an option for a cushion. A setback option was a later option too. You can equip a pre-owned model with aftermarket (close to OEM) seat cushions for ~250.

The 2nd and current generation has a separate seat bottom and back attached as an $1,526 option.

The full stern seat is only available via factory since it deletes the bait well. It is $2,526.

---

Is a 2006 a 2nd generation? Found a listing for one that notes transom seats. Interested in it but the seller never responds. Assuming his email only contact from Craigslist is going to spam.

---

I think the significant change that made it 2nd generation is the taller console and moulded bait well option that came out in the 2008 model year.

2002 till approximately 2007 is 1st generation
2008 to present is the 2nd generation.

---

Man, what is with Boston Whaler sellers???? Never had so much trouble buying anything before. I've reached out to about 7 so far and boy are they flaky. I'll pay full price but I can't even get them to respond! One promises to show it but keeps getting extended out of country. One took a week to respond to a text saying he'd send pics but I haven't heard from him again and another responded to my initial email 7 days later saying he was trying to attach photos and I'm afraid he'll just disappear. I just don't get it. Wanna sell or not!?

---

9R - In my experience the Boston Whaler sales process is OLD SCHOOL.

No calls/texts/emails.
No invoice/dealer cost information available.
Limited models available at dealers.
Sea trials with deposits

You got to go in and talk to them.

---

Talking about used ones off of craigslist and boat trader.

---

That's cause whaler owners don't really want to sell.
I've listed our classic 16/17 when thinking about 2-footitis,
but have backed out when we use it on a sunny weekend and it's perfect.
TP

---

Many sellers are flaky - it's not just boats, and not just Whalers. You'll need to be patient to find the right boat. This time of year, a lot of boat sellers are just bottom fishing - throwing an ad out there, with an unrealistically high price, to see if they get any bites so they won't have to pay for storage.

---

It's different around here. I've looked at boats in the midwest before and this held true but down here, they're dump'm for cheap right after labor day. Two excellent condition Montauks have gotten away from me for a very low price and I don't want it happening again so I'm anxious. Same thing happened to my brother last year. He went racing 5 hours away to snatch his up before the other buyer got to it.

---

If you were over here in Chesapeake country you could take your pick of any number of Montauk 17s and 170s. They are abundant.

Be patient and something will pop up. It's only a matter of time.




I meant to include the Outrage 17 in my suggestion above. The original Outrage 17 in particular (http://www.whalercentral.com/userphot...album_id=3) is relatively light weight and should be almost as easily trailerable as the Montauk 17.

-

---

Thanks, I appreciate the encouragement. It is frustrating seeing all of the ads for Whalers in excellent condition and at a good price but so far away. I just need patience is all. Hard to do when there were two, in great shape, relatively close, priced very well and just slipped through our fingertips. Oh well.

I did notice the Outrage in those years as you have mentioned and will keep my eyes open. I'm afraid it's even more rare in this area but ya never know...

After winter, if I don't find anything, I may look farther out and consider shipping. Can be a couple grand from East to West but if I get a decent price, it may be worth it.

---

What would be a good price for a 2002 model? Through the numerous images, appears to be very well kept and in excellent condition. Kept in dry stack enclosed storage. Fresh water only. 90hp Merc. New fuel tanks (2x 6ga), fuel line and bow cushion. No aft seat cushions. No fishfinder, GPS or VHF Radio. Comes with trailer.

---

Hard to say - it's all about condition. Assuming that's the one in Columbia SC for $16.9, I'd say the seller is a little ambitious but if it's in perfect shape and you could get him down a bit, it might be OK. Find out how many hours on the motor and whether it's carbed or FI. I am guessing it's carbed, but I don't know when they switched over.

One red flag might be the solar charger - not sure why you need that if it is dry stacked.

---

Well, this is fun. Just uncovered an international scam and am in the middle of reporting it to the FTC...

---

If it sounds too good to be true, it often is. :)

---

That's the thing, it wasn't like that at all. I'm extremely cautious in these matters. Was even in contact with my competition for the purchase after he found me on a forum asking about it and we shared notes. It's how we uncovered it. It was very cleverly done even as noted by the officials.

---

Wow, sorry to hear about that. Since it was a scam presumably involving a Boston Whaler, why not share the details so the rest of us can benefit and avoid getting ensnared in the future?

Very much the complete opposite of my buying experience, btw. A fellow member here put me in touch with another member who was looking to sell his boat, and I had the pleasure of dealing with an upstanding gentleman. I get the impression quite a few members here have had similar experiences.

---

In a way, I'm sort of afraid for the site's sake to mention the name. It appears that other forums have been hacked or experienced down time because they've asked about this seller/company.

I won't mention the name, just in case. If you're interested, it's a long story but I think that is how they suck you in. Found a craigslist ad for an 2006 BW Montauk. It was in the $15k mark. Not screaming low but a good price, at least around here and it looked like it was in good condition. Typical description, 2nd owner, work done, etc. I reached out to the seller and it took some time for them to respond. When they did, it appeared as if they were having issues with craigslist going to spam and asked for a direct email. I gave them a secondary account I use for such things. Again, slow to respond and they acted like messages weren't getting through. Their responses were a little off kilter as if they were a wife who is going through a divorce or a widow selling off her husbands things, so it sort of made sense. I guess this is a ploy to make you anxious or delay the process to gather others into the group.

After some time they noted that the boat was stored in a warehouse where it could be viewed. Again, slow to respond so I did a google search of the place and couldn't find it. I posted on an area forum asking whether or not anyone knew of this storage location and had another member contact me saying he was looking for the same thing. We compared notes and found that we were both sent the same emails at about the same time so our suspicion was up and started working together. They finally came back with the name of the place which was an auto consignment type. Seemed odd but they had a long story that accompanied it and it seemed reasonable. My very skeptic wife read it and the other emails and even thought I should check it out. Checked out the website and it was very well done. Locations, services, how to sell using them, forms to fill out, terms & conditions, their rates, history of the company, Live Chat, the whole works. Used the live chat to ask some general questions.

Did internet searches of the site and found quite a few forums, very similar to this one, where someone like me asked about the company and service and they had a lot of positive responses. Found news articles about the company start up 4 years prior and about the founders of the company. Found several guys who had just posted a question about the site on thehulltruth forum. One was concerning a BW 210 sale. It started feeling like a very real thing so I broke off communication with 'my competition'.

I started the website's process for negotiation and purchase. It was kind of a slicker version of ebay. The next day, received an email from the seller saying that another person put in an offer as well but that I responded first so they were going with me. Felt honorable. I've done this before when selling through craigslist for a hot item. I thought I had beat out my 'competition'. Received notification from the site and through email, etc. I was planning on going to the warehouse to view it but was struggling to locate it exactly. Google maps was pointing towards office buildings and not something that looked like a storage place. I contacted the company and they said that the address would come with the invoice and that what I had was their office location. Along with it was to come the boat hull ID # so I waited. Received an invoice and it all appeared legit. Had instructions for payment, which they held, until I physically reviewed the boat. The address they provided was located in a neighboring state which is not what I was initially told and it didn't look like a warehouse or storage facility so my suspicions greatly returned.

I said something about viewing the boat before I'd do anything and they then began contradicting themselves. All alarms were in full blaze. Their HQ is supposedly based in Miami so I asked how the hurricane was affecting their business and they didn't know anything about it. Using the Hull ID, I called around several agencies. They said it was a proper number but they didn't have record of the boat. I sent the payment instructions to a friend at my bank and he reviewed. Said it all looked very legit, tracked down the company, etc. I went back to all of the forums where I found positive reviews. Again, they were common sites like this one with great feedback from veteran posters but something seemed fishy. The name of the company is long and they would type it all out every time they used it. No abbreviations, no shortening of the name, nothing. Unusual. They were all like this. I forwarded these links onto my friend at the bank including the 'news articles' about the company and it's founders. He called and said his bank wouldn't let him view them because they were all coming from out of the country. Went back to links, shortened the URL and sure enough, other faux websites from other countries started popping up. It was then obvious. They had copied over or hacked the forum websites to take a thread started by a member asking about the company and changed all of the responses to positive feedback. I relayed this to my 'competition'. I tried to go back to thehulltruth forum members to warn them but the website is down still. Relayed it to my bank and they investigated deeply. Their review department traced it to an address that pointed to a shoddy apartment in New York. Knowing I was onto something, I went back to the Live Chat. I tried to act like I was still interested but having troubles with the transfer and needed to confirm some information. I noted the apartment address in New York and the associated name and was immediately disconnected and cut off from the site. I then went to the FTC to try and find information and have wound up reporting information to them.

---

Wish it was like that. When we very first started looking, we came across an excellent condition 2000 Montauk. Had the aft bench, all cushions and all of the rails as well. Very nice older gentleman who offered to take us out on the water. We held off on the venture until we could see what we could do financially. While trying to work with our bank the boat was sold but then came across a second one in good condition. Problem is that the guy has been flaky for a while so after this recent experience we're extremely cautious. Haven't seen a decent BW in miles so looks like we'll be waiting a while.

---

To succeed in the used Whaler game, you need to have a full understanding of value, have money pretty much in hand and be ready to move fast. I bought my 15 after over a year of looking around - it was posted on a Whaler site and I called the owner within 15 minutes of the ad being posted. Within 15 minutes of that, he had sent new pictures of specific areas of the boat I wanted to look at, and 15 minutes after that, the check was in the mail.

In your scam experience, there were a number of red flags - the slow and squirrelly responses, the warehouse (what private seller does that?), the BS about needing direct mail as CL was going to spam. The scammers are often much better than that - glad you didn't get taken!

---

Yes, there were some red flags that were identified but also possible explanations for them. But even some of these come up in good transactions like for my Jeep and parts purchases I've made. Some of the best experiences I've had that seemed squirrelly at first. Yes, some have had them stored at storage locations and warehouses because they don't want a stranger coming to their house. They'd also meet me at Home Depot or public spaces. It's simple, really and can be easily understood since you don't know who's on these sale sites.

It's one of those things that's easy to stand outside of, point and say 'see' there's one. I've done the same to others. It's not until your involved in it that it's harder to detect. Again, my cautious self, my very untrusting wife, bank, FTC officer and other's that shared the experience said it was very well done and difficult to decypher while it was going on.

I'm now in the middle of finding others in the same mix and trying to help them out.

---

9R, one other boat you may want to consider, which is popular along the Gulf in Texas, is the older 1970s Outrage models - in particular I'm thinking the 19 but the 21 is not much bigger.

I grew up in a Striper 15. When I was a teenager, 7 of us would spend the day in it waterskiing - we sat all on top of each other but we did not care. My father would go out in it a lot with my brother and me and a friend. Later, after I got married, we used that same boat to go from Morehead City to Cape Lookout multiple times, sometimes with as many as 6 people in it (my 1980 version was rated for 7, not the 5 that some later models were rated for). So, I've dealt with small size and know how it is.

Before I went big with an Outrage 25, I looked hard at the 1970s Outrage 19, which is for practical purposes a 3' longer version of the Montauk you are looking at - same shallow V style, could easily pull with a minivan, but a lot more interior space - I think it is about 1' wider also. I looked hard at it for the same convenience reasons you are looking at the Montauk 17. It does not need an appreciably bigger engine than the Montauk. If the in-floor fuel tank is good it can be very convenient, and if not you can use a portable just like on the Montauk if you don't want to replace it.

The Montauk 17 is a great boat (as are the side-console variants Striper 17 and Newport 17). But I suspect you may be happier with a 1970s Outrage 19.

---

Saw an ad for a 1993 Montauk that appeared in good condition. Received lots of photos and with cash in hand, ran 5 hours away to go pick the thing up. Started reviewing when the transom started showing concern. The seller had placed a 4-stroke 100hp on the back about 10 years ago. Along the back upper edge of the transom, it appeared that the back of the transom was pulling away from the boat. It was hard for me to tell. There was a green edge showing through that was between 1/4 an 1/2 an inch wide. There were also two cracks, each about 5-6 inches long, where the fuel and hydraulics exit the rear of the hull which extended towards the RPS. Seller even hinted that the motor may be too much for the boat which shocked me. Engine had a Whale-Fin hydrofoil on the back which was another bad sign. Disappointed, I turned down the sale and headed the long drive home.


(changed abbreviated year to full 4 digit yer per guideline #1 at the top of this page)

---

The green line was likely fine.This was a construction artifact for whalers of that vintage, and unless there was actual delamination it is normal. Here is an article referencing it:
http://www.whalercentral.com/articles...icle_id=75

100hp is not too much power, but the weight of a 100 hp 4stroke may have introduced problems. I think you are describing cracks originating from the sump and heading towards the RPS. This might be troubling.

Good luck with your search.
Dennis

---

Turned it down. The seller had noted precautions with the Yamaha 100 since it was an 2003 and had the same carbed FOURSTROKE problems as the Mercs which used Yamaha powerheads at that time. Was glad he was honest and had just researched this . In addition, the cracks towards the back really concerned me.


(Please follow guideline #1 at the top of this page and use the full 4 digit year)

---

Ah, the search is over. Had a 2011 Montauk 170, in mint condition, follow us home. The family is super excited and can't wait to get her in the water!

---

Could not have found a better boat for us! Had the maiden voyage over the weekend and we all had a blast. Compared to what we're use to, it felt like a fricken yacht! Plenty of room while underway and more than enough when anchored for swimming.

The wind was up with a lot of sailboats about and some chop on the local lake but it handled nicely. Splashed only rarely which was a nice change.

Thankfully it is easy to tow with our minivan so a nice bonus all around.

Thank you everyone for your input!

---

9R Glad to hear you found/picked a boat (that wasn't a scam) that all in the family can like.
As mentioned before I think the 170's are nice boats for a family. Happy boating.
Ice on my windshield this morning had to put the boat in storage, no more boating for the next 5-6 months here in Michigan, your lucky you were boating a couple of days ago.

---

9R
I have a 2014 Montauk 170 , bought new, and it has been a great boat. We use it to access an island property in Georgian Bay , Canada for 4 months every summer. Motor is a 90 HP 4 stroke Mercury. We did change prop to alu in case we hit something! We have the fishing package (but not livewell) and bow cushion area gives us lots of room, with cooler seat too for 5 people, sometimes more.
It tows very well on the Whaler trailer behind our Subaru Tribeca.
The tiny red tanks weren't enough fuel so upgraded to the 25 gallon Moeller topside tank that fits perfectly under the pedestal seat. Need this as we are 25 minutes from nearest fuel.
It's been a great boat, though we have to pick travel days for the open water. It can handle 3-4 foot waves ok, but you have to slow down or the flat hull pounds a bit.
Had a local boatyard install a Garmin echoMAP 53dv with Transducer . Great idea, with a Garmin Bluechart g2 map data card for Canada. It's kept me off the numerous shoals, for now.
here's the Moeller tank you want.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...&psc=1

here is a link showing the Moeller tank in our Whaler. click on images to zoom in
https://www.flickr.com/photos/5818056...1805596751
boat here
https://www.flickr.com/photos/5818056...1100547246

---

Thanks skier however the PO already installed a larger tank.

---

Skier, you are apparently referring to the idea that an aluminum prop will save you from lower unit damage if you strike a rock. That is an old wives tale and was specifically debunked on this forum some years ago, when two people hit the same object, one with aluminum and one with stainless - both lower units were damaged.

Get a stainless prop with a breakaway hub (which most of them seem to have these days) and you can enjoy top performance. Plus a stainless prop will shrug off a log strike - with aluminum you'll be paddling home.

I'm just sayin'....

---

tedious,
Well may be true. If you hit a rock hard enough it won't matter...like this. Neighbor on a nearby island hit this shoal just in front of my dock, and tore off his lower unit. I towed them home, then had to give the party of 7 a ride to the Marina and their cars.
Later I dove down where I thought they had run aground, and found the lower unit torn off.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/5818056...0513516031

This was a 200 HP Mercury at full throttle , getting up on the plane, when I heard this sound like a car crash!

---

Hmmm - I'm guessing that no type of prop material would have saved that! Lucky it sheared off or someone might have gotten hurt.

Beautiful lake by the way - where is that?

Tim

---

Tim ,
Georgian Bay in Canada, a large bay off Lake Huron. We are at the open water end of 12 Mile Bay, with a 25 minute boat ride out to our island.
Beautiful area..and all fresh water
Here is a picture of some great swimming cliffs, near the cottage, hanging out with friends.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/5818056...ed-public/

---

skier you are boating in a wonderful area and as all that water is perfectly clear and shark free all you have to do is watch where you are going. Those Lunds in you pictures do have an advantage though (beaching) but they are nothing like your 170.

---

Congrats on a great boat --- idea/suggestion a couple of small marine beanbag seats will solve your seating concerns !

---

EJO, as you say, "all you have to do is watch where you are going"..The smartest thing I got for the Montauk 170 , after the 25 gallon tank is the Garmin echoMAP plotter. This shows me the depth under the keel at all times.
I also follow locals every summer, through tricky waters, I don't know, then save the GPS route . After storing these tracks, when the open water is rough, I can take the Whaler safely through back routes to get to our Island.
I also paddle a sea kayak around our area a lot, checking the depth of various shoals, and building up a mental map of where the rocks are.
The shallow draft of the Montauk 170 also helps, I can run through water (I know) with 4-5 feet under the keel.

Here is a picture of a "working" Montauk 170, same as mine. Fisheries and Oceans Canada research boat. It has the same Moeller tank as my Whaler, but the older red one.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/5818056...ed-public/

We agreed it's a great boat.