Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Move center console 17' Montauk
Posted by Garage Dog on 05/11/17 - 2:16 PM
#1
I'm thinking about moving my original center console on my 1977 Montauk all the way to the starboard side of the boat. I fish a lot and am not as spry as I used to be so doubling the space to move around the boat would be a real plus.
Has anyone here done this modification and what are the pluses and minuses? The only issue I foresee is the steering cable but I think I can overcome that issue by simply changing the position of the steering box so it matches the new angle due to the console being moved.
What say you guys?
Thanks for your thoughts!
Dan.
Posted by sraab928 on 05/11/17 - 3:16 PM
#2
I recently purchased a 1977 Montauk with this exact modification. All the rigging still went through the tunnel fine - I did not care for it so I moved it back to center - the gentlemen who owned it was an avid crappie fisher and said he saw the idea in Canada and loved it. He used the boat like that for 20 plus years. I have some pics on my phone of the setup - I upload them shortly and post here for you.
Posted by Garage Dog on 05/11/17 - 3:38 PM
#4
Thanks Scott! I must admit it does look goofy way over to the side so I can see why you moved it back.
Thanks for taking the time to post the photos! Much appreciated!
Posted by Garage Dog on 05/11/17 - 3:46 PM
#5
BTW...your boat cleaned up nice. Did the guy throw in enough fishing poles to fill up the rod holders????
Posted by sraab928 on 05/12/17 - 4:22 AM
#6
He said he would fish 20 rods at one time - The setup was crazy. The boat is a project but initial cleaning has turned up some decent results. He had owned the boat for 25 years - it was garage kept but he never washed it - not once. I didn't upload all the really dirty photos just the ones that showed the console for you.
He swore by the console location - he said it made life so much easier for him. He was in his 90's when his family asked him to sell the boat. So I guess he made the change somewhere in his 60's
Posted by crbenny on 05/12/17 - 5:59 AM
#7
Why not put a Cohasset console in there. You could sell your Montauk console and probably come out money ahead.
Chris
Posted by Garage Dog on 05/12/17 - 11:39 AM
#8
Why not put a Cohasset console in there. You could sell your Montauk console and probably come out money ahead
Interesting concept...I don't care for the look of the Cohasset console but maybe I can find a smaller one somewhere that will work. The console on my boat is the best part of the whole boat. I restored it 2 years ago and custom made a complete mahogany face. What are Montauk consoles going for these days?????
Posted by crbenny on 05/13/17 - 6:00 AM
#9
It's not a great looking console but it should achieve your objective and the boat would still be all BW. I've changed parts on my own Whalers but I always keep the original components. If you change to a narrower console but maintain ownership of the correct console, it will be easier to accept the appearance knowing you can change back. Also the value of the boat won't be compromised if you keep the original.
Or simply accept the fact that you need an 18' Outrage. I own both and there's no comparison. I've often said, and I still maintain, the '18 Outrage is the best boat under 20' ever made.. by anyone.
Chris