Classic Boston Whaler Montauk Review

[@highland-scott902]

I am on my 4th Boston Whaler, a 1981 17' Montauk. I sold my 22" B.W. Revenge for another Montauk! Excellent Boat! Many years ago I saw a 25' Outrage that was broadsided by a container ship in the middle of the night, about 20 miles off Port Everglades. They were sword fishing and didn't see the ship until it was on-top of them! Having just enough time to dive overboard before the collision, which did critical damage to the boat also shearing both motors off the transom. The ship kept going, not even knowing it struck the Whaler, which was almost cut in two! but UNSINKABLE! still floating. Once back on board, they managed to find one of the battery's and hook it up to the VHF and call the Coast Guard who towed the boat to Lauderdale Marina where I talked to one of the survivors of this incredible story. He said Thank God it was a Boston Whaler and Not a Bayliner! LOL, I had to agree!

[@LazyLocations]

Wow! That's unreal. Lucky to be alive for sure. Congrats on your Montauk!

[@alleypanther671]

In 1984 my step-father and step-brother and I went fishing off Boynton Beach/ DelRay Beach. We went out thru the Boynton Cut, one of the roughest in the state to this day. On the way back the tide had changed and their were huge waves at the mouth of the cut and my step-father made the cardinal sin of backing off the throttle. The 17 Montauk swamped immediately, my step-brother and I both dove on the throttle, only the console and top part of the engine was out of the water. It surfed back and forth and slowly came up enough to get in to the intracoastal and we dried it out running back and forth and bailing. We lost 2 coolers, our tackle boxes and all the fishing rods but we pulled up to our dock 30 ms. later and it delivered us back to my Mom! ...yet another Boston Whaler story to be added to the thousands.

[@LazyLocations]

Great story and great testament of how unsinkable the Whalers are!

[@Hortonfarms1]

Best darn boat on the water. Beautiful.

[@lindseyc3811]

Thank you so much for this video. I just purchased a 1970 Nauset Boston Whaler. Awesome video and walkthrough.

[@PhilipHosmer]

I have had my 1989 Montauk for 22 years. Love it! York Harbor, Maine. I also grew up vacationing on Longboat Key. (The Colony Beach and Tennis Club). Originally The Colony. Back in the 60’s, early 70’s no developments on Longboat, just palm trees and ocean...

[@LazyLocations]

That’s so cool. I actually used to wait tables at The Colony. Old Florida was the best Florida. Just like your Whaler. 👍

[@snatchbloock]

I'm the lucky owner of a 1980 Newtauk ( Newport 17 with a Montauk center console). I've had it over 30 years and have fully restored it. I agree with all you say about the craftsmanship in the classic Whalers. Like you, I keep my boat mostly original. When ever I'm out on the water, it usually attracts a few people. I boat on the Great Lakes and it can get rough but the Whaler always has gotten me home. Best small boats...ever

[@jcdawg8363]

I have a 1977 Montauk. It is not in quite as pristine condition as yours but it's pretty good for a 43 year old boat. The bow rail is the bane of my existence with my boat. Between the screws in the rail fittings working loose and the mounting bracket screws shaking out of the hull, I am constantly tinkering with the bow rail. However, that is really the only thing on the boat that is problematic. Everything else works perfectly. I occasionally get the urge to buy a bigger boat, an 18 Outrage classic is what I usually think I want, but then I use my boat a time or two and the ease of loading, unloading, handling and miserly fuel use make me realize the Montauk is pretty close to the perfect boat. If I ever do get a bigger boat I will keep the Montauk because there is no other boat its size with its capability. I have the 22 gallon fuel tank and a 75 Etec, a full tank will last a very long time. I can use the boat 4 or 5 times before I really need to put any gas in the tank. I use the cooler in front of the console as a storage locker and put an Rtic 65 behind the pilot seat to use as a cooler if I need a lot of cooler space and an Rtic 45 if I need less cooler space, both make excellent seats. The Rtic/Yeti/Engel/etc. coolers are also so much better at keeping ice than an Igloo cooler adding one of them to the boat is a double win. The previous owner had a bilge pump with a float switch mounted in the hull tunnel in front of the stern well that pumped into the stern well. I removed it the first day I had the boat. If I could change anything about the boat I would like for it to be truly self bailing with the deck higher than the waterline and rear scuppers that allowed water to drain out and not have the boat hold any water at all.

[@LazyLocations]

Love it! Sounds like you have a beauty. I couldn’t agree with you more about everything you said. Thx for the great comment. 👍

[@highland-scott902]

I saw a Classic Montauk that someone had drilled two scupper holes in the transom just above the waterline appoxied in gray PVC conduit and added those ping pong ball scupper covers.. I bet they would work great if you took a wave over the bow..

[@slockyear]

Have a 1989 Montauk. Fun boat. On your fuel tanks I had a custom 50 gallon aluminum tank built for under the seat. Made teak blocks to raise the seat which is more comfortable anyway. Great video.

[@LazyLocations]

Great idea! Question...does your Montauk have the welded railings and the fiberglass bow locker cover?

[@slockyear]

Teak cover and rattling rails

[@LazyLocations]

@@slockyear I feel your pain.

[@gustavolara8376]

the important thing about quality and maintenance, it is a good boat👍

[@tone-np2mf]

1st time boat owner and just retired and after waiting 6 months..my new boat Finally arrived and all my family and friends that told me not to buy a boat guess what they are the first ones calling me.. they all want to go on a boat ride..i love this boat and i already took it out 12 times the first month..and all the compliments I'm getting from all the boat owners here in California..this boat reminds of my Harley Davidson but I'm on the water..lol..forgot it's 2021 Boston Whaler 150 Montauk..

[@LazyLocations]

Congrats! Nice boat and super simple. Makes for more numerous and easier trips on it. Love it!

[@m.c.jenkinssr6998]

enjoy while still young have fun boating with family and friends i love my 16foot Boston whaler even how busy at work every sunday bring my family out

[@CaptainRon1913]

Bronze parts, not brass. The bow light is chrome plated bronze. That Evenrude E-tec is a great engine. I wouldn't repower that. I have an old 90hp Johnson 2 stroke on my 89 Montauk that still runs strong, but repowering this year with a 2024 Suzuki DF90 4 stroke. It will be nice to not have to shout to talk for a change, and not have a cloud of smoke at start-up. New Montauk's are $42,000 now. A little more deep V and probably a smoother ride, but I wouldn't give mine up for anything.

[@markdimaio8396]

Periodically all screws that go into the hull need to be resealed bc they will eventually leak into the foam and give you wet foam inside the hull. The drain tubes and the O rings go bad and could give you a wet transom. Tube kits are avail from Twin City Marine. I have owned two Whaler since '91 including a Montauk

[@mrgustavoperez]

I had a ‘64 montauk 17 with the mahogany console some 20 years ago a loved it.

[@hardrockminer-50]

Thanks. We just bought a 93 Dauntless 15. Just starting to learn about it.

[@LazyLocations]

Awesome! You're going to love it!

[@craigmonteforte1478]

Hey Buddy on the teak bow lockers I reccomend the fiberglass the teak is a very thin veneer over plywood and most people burn through the veneer whenever sanding/ prepping for refinishing and that looks like crap trying to stain and varnish Just something I learned from a 1980s Whaler dinghy I bought used , btw I’ am a retired professional Woodworker so I did make some solid Teak hatch covers to fix the existing problem I’m a little extra picky on my wood accents although I’ve been a big fan of Boston Whalers since I grew up in South Florida and became a certified Scuba Diver in 1978 we used to use Whalers as our dive boats and many times at anchor we pulled the plugs and let the boats fill up with water that made it way easier to get us and our gear back in the boats as you know they self bail themselves very quickly under way my all time favorite set up was a 21 footer that had twin 70 horsepower Envinrude outboards my Goodness that boat would get up and boogie plus it could take the rough water like a champ

[@LazyLocations]

Great info! Thanks for sharing Craig.

[@Whalermansteve84]

I’m restoring my 1966 13 whaler as we speak. Hoping to have her done by next summer , haven’t had her out much this year due to long hours at work , but I’m looking forward to being back out on the water and maybe go back out to she sunshine skyway bridge for more fishing

[@LazyLocations]

That sounds great! The '66 is a true classic. She'd be perfect for tarpon fishing off the Tampa Bay beaches in the spring also.

[@Whalermansteve84]

@@LazyLocations also working on getting a new motor. Mine is kinda small , 2006 15 hp Merc tiller. It’s a pain in the butt, I want a 40 Merc soon

[@sweetdrahthaar7951]

I’ve got a 1983 17 foot Montauk with 90 horse Yamaha that has been in our family since 1986. It’s been stored inside for most of its life so it’s in pristine condition. No salt ever only high mountain lakes in Idaho. Looks like my days of boating may be over so the boat is going to go on the block one of these days. Somebody’s going to be real lucky to get it👍🏻

[@LazyLocations]

That’s awesome!

[@LazyLocations]

Sorry that your boating days might be over but it's awesome that you've taken such great care of it. I love Idaho. My cousin lives in Sun Valley (Hailey). I visited "Redfish Lake" and it was one of the most beautiful lakes I've ever seen.

[@LazyLocations]

Let me know when you decide to sell it and I'll make sure to post it so you get better awareness (even though you should have no problem selling it at all).

[@DucPhamtacolayo]

im in idaho and in the market for one of these

[@sweetdrahthaar7951]

@@DucPhamtacolayo well it’s going to get sold eventually although I’m having a hard time parting with my boats. I’ve also got a 1983 Century Resorter with just 525 hours on it. I am a recent pancreatic cancer survivor and my new normal is not great. Better than the alternative obviously. Anyway I’m just not sure if I will be using them again. I am in Eagle. The boats were always used on Payette Lake.

[@stephendean5148]

Great video. I grew up on an early 80’s Montauk 17 in San Diego. The specs say it seats 7. I guess with maybe a cushion on the bow and a cooler on the stern behind the main seat. I guess this would work for family days, a bit crowded for fishing. Thoughts on seating?

[@kevinmccarey5015]

Hello to you again, Sarasota guy 👍 I love you Whaler, I remember now watching your steering cable clip. I remember saying where is your help. Can you tell me more on angle cooler ? Never heard that but would like to see one , I have open space in rear of my 17 ft Be well

[@ponchopunch2348]

great boat. i've been in one full of water and people. it sucked, but we made it to the slip.

[@MrPatrickgannon]

Very good review could have not said it better myself. I have a 1970 17' Boston Whaler Nauset with a 2006 Mercury 60 HP 4-stroke "BIG FOOT". I have had nothing but problems with that motor don't get me started. Anyway I live in south FL and I love my Whaler and it was an absolute accident finding that boat, I guess even I was due for a change of luck who knew! I love your boat and I am looking forward to some more videos of your Boston Whaler and adventures. I will be submitting some videos of my Whaler soon also can't wait to share them with you and all Boston Whaler Enthusiasts out there!

[@LazyLocations]

Sounds great! Can’t wait to see them.

[@MrPatrickgannon]

@@LazyLocations Cool I just need to get the injectors cleaned it's running rough, long story LOL. But yeah as soon as I post them you will be the first to know.

[@m.c.jenkinssr6998]

i have one and ready to fix soon

[@vinesofoldmission]

I’m looking at a 17 with a 50hp motor, do you think it under powered.

[@LazyLocations]

Yes. Definitely underpowered. I'd either go 70hp or 90hp. 100hp is max but nobody makes a 100hp engine.

[@smokster0604]

I’m blessed to have a 1974 17 foot Montauk so much fun 03 90 hp Yamaha…Fish on

[@simpsont6]

Great video and thank you for sharing! Tampa guy here. Have an '88 Montauk - all original. I need to have all the teak refinished and re-oiled. Does anyone have a contact who would be willing to do this for me?

[@MrRandyk2]

Thanks for posting-very good review! I have an older 77 Montauk, and the simplicity really adds to the enjoyment! I purchased two 12 gallon tanks-haven’t installed yet-that slide under the RPS. I heard that with two tanks, it is more sure when you are half used... Waiting for summer in Michigan

[@LazyLocations]

Thx!

[@LazyLocations]

I’m going to install one big 24 gallon tank I think. The two twelves could be better though!

[@vicktor440]

Got the same boat with a 2016 90 hp suzuki.The boat flys great video never new about leaving the drain plug out.

[@LazyLocations]

Awesome combo with the Zuke. Glad you were able to learn something new!

[@trevormacdougall9385]

Great review. Thank you. I’m lucky to have one of these boats also. My first ever boat. Looking to keep it as original as I can.

[@Bosundalab]

Have you ever considered taking off the rails? I kind of want to on mine because they get in the way when I’m fishing.

[@LazyLocations]

Yes but I decided not to because I want to keep it as original as possible. Removing the bow rail would definitely solve the loose railing problem though. I'll always keep the side rails.

[@danielkoehn3209]

@@LazyLocations Could you or someone TIG weld the joints to make it one solid piece, then it wouldn’t rattle, Also make it stronger.

[@LazyLocations]

@@danielkoehn3209 I've thought about that. That would certainly work.

[@danielkoehn3209]

@@LazyLocations I’m shopping for a Montauk 17. Any problems I should be on the lookout for? Thanks

[@LazyLocations]

@@danielkoehn3209 Possible delamination of the transom (you'll visibly see the fiberglass separating at the top edges) and sometimes soft spots on the deck. They are great boats and rarely have these problems though. Mostly, it's just cosmetic stuff or neglect/dirty.

[@melodymakermark]

You’re a lucky man. She’s a classic. The néw ones do have some nice features and upgrades, but you are not kidding (in the description), they are.expensive. North of $30K maybe? I haven’t researched lately, but I’d love to have one.

[@LazyLocations]

The new Montauk 170 is approx $45k. That makes these classics great alternatives, especially, if you're just starting out boating.

[@melodymakermark]

@@LazyLocations wow! That’s some dough for such a simple boat, but I get that simplicity is a huge part of the appeal. The build quality and attention to detail is unreal. I posted elsewhere I once saw one of these fishing a red snapper reef 35 miles offshore of Mobile, AL, in the mix with all the big charter boats. It’s been on my radar ever since. Maybe one day.

[@robgamber2607]

Very nice video. We just bought a beach house and looking for are first boat to make memories on. I know it’s more of an opinion per person but what would you say were the best years to look at in this. Model?

[@LazyLocations]

Thanks Rob! I would say any Montauk 17 from 1986-1998. The prime years are 1986-1991. Check out this article I wrote...lazylocations.com/the-top-5-classic-boston-whalers-to-buy-used/

[@m.c.jenkinssr6998]

im selling boat at marinemax gulf shores grady white and boston whaler

[@benc1927]

Are you still running that Evinrude? I was looking at a whaler with a Evinrude engine, but am concerned with them being out of business

[@LazyLocations]

Yes, and so far, so good. It runs perfectly. I still am able to get it serviced from my dealer in Port Charlotte. That being said, when it goes I'm going to replace it with a 90 Yamaha I think.

[@LazyLocations]

The only issue I've had with my E-Tec is around the time this video was filmed it would have trouble starting. It was definitely electrical so I replaced the ignition switch and moved the battery from the console back to where it originally was in the stern and that fixed it. Starts perfectly now.

[@benc1927]

@@LazyLocations Thats interesting, thanks for the tip and insight. I'd prefer to find a 80's like what you have, but was debating a 1992 Montauk, I heard they were less desirable tho for some reason. the 90HP Yam VMAX SHO seems to be the talk of the town these days!

[@benc1927]

@@LazyLocations I ended up buying that 1992 Montauk with a 90hp e-tec. The status of the engine was unknown but it turned out it was a 2017 with only 19 hours on it, once I washed it it looks brand new. All it needed was a new fuel pump from sitting for a year with bad fuel. Whats interesting is the inside has been painted blue, (its flaking off in lots of places) I'd like to clean off the old flaking paint but not sure best method to try and restore it.

[@LazyLocations]

@@benc1927 I’m not sure how best to get rid of that paint other than having the entire inside painted or maybe using SeaDeck.

[@billwilliams9350]

I have an '88 all original (including the 2-stroke 90HP Yamaha). I assume your battery is in the console? That is my next project. Love pulling up to Cape Cod beaches and chillin.

[@moparmadman1134]

Great boat I also liked the 15 super sport I had prior to the Montaulk

[@aportilla007]

Amazing boat. I ran mine without the stinking bow rail.

[@slydawwg]

Hi, I'm wondering why your thinking of adding another cooler when you have that massive quart cooler (seat) up front ? Just wondering Cheers

[@LazyLocations]

Because it's a low grade Igloo and the latches keep braking and do a great job keeping drinks cool. That being said, I will use it now more for storage so I might just get a higher end Igloo with the metal latches and call it a day. I'll spend a lot less than a Yeti or Engel.

[@rogerrojas4612]

Great review, awesome boat thanks!

[@zmano247]

You have me questioning what type of boat to purchase, I was planning on a 22 CC, but I'm looking at a Bay or Flats boat now. We will be moving down in June from CO. Looks like we will be about a mile or so from you on Little Sarasota bay. Would love to get some input from you before I make a purchase.

[@LazyLocations]

A 22' center console with a single outboard is the best overall boat for Florida. Easy to trailer with a truck or big SUV. Also very versatile and can handle rougher water. Finally, a 22' has better seating and capacity so you can entertain more people. Flats boats and skiffs are specialty boats that are very easy to trailer and are ideal if you like to fish and visit sandbars (and explore other places often via trailering). Check out my "Best Boats for Florida" on my website.

[@whalerlife53]

I have a 2016 210 Dauntless. It is an absolutely awesome boat. I live in Savannah GA. It’s 21’ long, has a T Top, which we love. Has good seating. Mine has a 200hp mercury on it. I can’t recommend the Dauntless enough. I would love to have a 240 Dauntless. It has a little better configuration in the front. If you have any questions just let me know. I’d be glad to talk to you about the Dauntless line. The Montauk line is equally awesome as well. You can’t go wrong with a Whaler. They are built like a tank. I wouldn’t trade mine for any other brand, period.

[@LazyLocations]

@@whalerlife53 That's an awesome boat and the 240 is even more popular. Stay tuned on my channel for more Whaler stuff.

[@highland-scott902]

I would have to say either Boston Whaler or an Everglades.. the Everglades being built by Bob Doherty who was the designer for Whaler in the old days and left to build Edgewater and then Everglades boats.. all with Boston Whaler unsinkability in mind..

[@samthornton6159]

Sweet boat I have a 13 whalers are great

[@LazyLocations]

Whalers are awesome. That 13 is definitely great.

[@wilzboyz]

What coolers can you purchase for the rear? I have a 2000 Montauk 17.

[@LazyLocations]

The 35’s and 45’s seem to be the best for the Classic Montauk. I tried a 65 but it really took up too much deck space.

[@PatriotMango]

when fishing, do the rails get in the way?

[@LazyLocations]

The bow rail can but it’s never been an issue for me. Also, when it’s choppy the bow rail is an asset when standing up there.

[@LazyLocations]

I’ve seen lots of people remove the bow rail for fishing.

[@roberteramian4245]

Simplicity and being able to leave plug out makes classic whalers more desirable than newer models imo

[@LazyLocations]

I agree!

[@Whalermansteve84]

I think the classic whalers are a million times better then the new ones. I wish they would remake the older hulls like my 66 13 whaler

[@DavidLorenzoFlorida]

You need to put a cushion on that front seat so I can sit there. That way I can lift the lid where I will be putting my stash of ice and beer. 😁 Waiting for the GPS coordinates so I can find you. Nice review. Watched till the end.

[@kenmorefleming6692]

Nicely done

[@matthewmartin1970]

Ideal first boat for anyone.

[@seaneyo]

Same thing for me with my childhood ‘17

[@JohnBraman413]

how much do those boats go for?

[@LazyLocations]

$10k-$20k depending on engine.

[@mussersbowsboatsandscience6610]

great review

[@Little_Joule]

Bow light is chrome plated bronze, not brass. Had mine rechromed. It will last forever.

[@chrisjuall9982]

Good catch. That's what I meant and you're right, it'll last forever.

[@timothylooney1766]

This video scared me. I have the same exact whaler (year, model, engine) that my father also bought when I was 16. It stays on a mooring at our vacation home in New England and the bilge pump croaked this summer. This is crazy.

[@LazyLocations]

That's so awesome! Then you totally understand!

[@kyleabbott7527]

Where at in NE

[@janebag0522]

Love the boat

[@LazyLocations]

Thanks Jane!

[@PFArecycling92]

It still Wasn’t one piece bow rail, & was still wood up front on the 88’s

[@LazyLocations]

Thx. I guess 89 and after.

[@PFArecycling92]

💯 awesome boats. I have 88’ had it since 98’ & just did complete custom restoration on. Going for rigging next week. I love the original look boats but for me the old wood & electronics had to go. I painted it navy, put t top on it, it came out nice.

[@cgmax9830]

I have a 28 ft boat and I wouldn't want more than four people on my boat...four is more than enough on your skiff.

[@edogden2214]

a fuel tank built intto he hull is better, if you rep;ace those 6 gallon tanks with a 24 gallon your not going to lift it out of the truck and put it in the boat

[@frankjohnson8750]

The Montauk is a very nice boat until the chop gets 3' or more, then it beats your teeth out. I like my '75 Aquasport 170 more. Also unsinkable. :-D

[@LazyLocations]

More like 2’ chop that starts happening. I didn’t know the old Aquas were unsinkable.

[@LazyLocations]

I just did some research on the old Aquas being unsinkable and found out that despite being advertised as “unsinkable” they only used some foam for positive flotation. Every boat made even today has some flotation per the law. Definitely not in the same flotation league as a Whaler though. However, the old Aquas definitely rode great.