CONTINUOUSWAVE

From a for-sale notice in the MARKETPLACE forum, I bought a 1986 Montauk from another forum participant. I drove to South Carolina from Ohio and brought the boat back to Ohio. I’m very excited, and I can’t wait to get this 1986 MONTAUK 17 out on the water.



WORK TO BE DONE IN THE FUTURE
The hull needs to be buffed out a little. Some screw fasteners on the bow railing and side railings need to be reset. The boat just needs some cleaning and polishing.

I also plan to clean up and straighten out the wiring so it looks orderly. I may add another battery. I may get a radio and antenna.

I am not sure about the fuel tank being forward of the center console. I may move the fuel tank back under the console seat.


LINK TO A SHORT MOVIE SHOWING THE BOAT ON THE TRAILER AT A RETAIL GASOLINE STATION
https://imgur.com/a/AG69Rk2 (opens in new window)

[Moderator’s note: deleted question asking for advice on how to use the forum software. Please do not post questions about the forum software in boating forums. There is a separate forum for asking questions about the forum software. There is also an extensive FAQ about the forum that is available on every page of the forum in the upper header bar.]

Also, moved a question about a small white box to SMALL BOAT ELECTRICAL.]

Congratulations on the acquisition of the excellent example of a classic MONTAUK 17 boat. You have all the essential elements and best options. The reversible pilot seat is extremely desirable. The E-TEC engine is a great match for that hull. And 1986 is a great year--still lots of excellent wooden parts made from very fine teak.

farnsrocket wrote:I may get a radio and antenna.

For advice on installing a VHF Marine Band ship station on a small boat, see my article at:

VHF Marine Band Radio Installation on a Small Boat
https://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/vhfRadioInstallation.html

Also see

Radio Antenna Location on Small Center Console
https://continuouswave.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=530&p=25364#p3618
This thread discusses many elements of mounting a VHF Marine Band antenna on a smaller center console boat like a MONTAUK 17.

If you any questions about VHF Marine Band radios, please post in the forum dedicated to that topic.

Cf.: https://continuouswave.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=13

farnsrocket wrote:I am not sure about the fuel tank being forward of the center console. I may move the fuel tank back under the console seat.

The fuel tank looks like it is a popular model that was designed to fit under the Boston Whaler reversible pilot seat. See this pinned article in THE GAM for more information on the fuel tank:

The MOELLER 24-gallon White On-deck Fuel Tank for Boston Whaler Boats
https://continuouswave.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=5807

More information about on-deck fuel tanks available at

On-Deck Fuel Tanks
https://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/onDeckFuelTank.html

I think moving the fuel tank under the reversible pilot seat is a good idea, as it would give you more options for passenger seating. If you want to distribute weight towards the bow, consider moving the batteries to the console.

M

That's a nice looking Montauk. I have one almost the same age and love it. On nice days we take it out to a reef off of NJ almost 20 miles offshore. The Montauks are great boats for drift fishing. Nice and stable. I added a VHF and an 8 ft antenna on my boat as well. Enjoy the new ride.

Congrats on the new boat. I am also a midwest Boston Whaler boat owner, Your Montauk looks very nice, I love the teak and it looks to be in excellent shape for an 1986. I would chose an under-seat fuel tank and move the cooler forward of the console.