posted 07-10-2013 06:04 AM ET (US)        

For some context, I previously owned a 1991 17 foot Outrage with a 115 Yamaha. (A super boat!)

My comments are:

--[the 190 Montauk] has HUGE deck space. It has a ton of floor space for many passengers. Also, tons of seat space since I picked up a seat package for the seat over the live well. There is also the front cooler seat, bow sitting area, and helm seat.

--the Verado 135 has been awesome. I can pull tubers and skiers with no problem. Even with a full passenger load, and a full tank of gas. The 135 does decent on gas. I was expecting more after coming from a 2 stroke, but it definitely does better.

--[the 190 Montauk] does decent in chop. I still pick my days but it handles most days that other boats with similar size can handle. Compared to the 17 Outrage, the ride [of the 190 Montauk] is very similar. It is more the same, then different. I am aware of the infinite amount of comments debating the rides of Dauntless, Outrage, and Montauk, and I am very pleased with what [the 190 Montauk] can handle. As is often been suggested, if I was that concerned about the ride, I would have to move up to a 25-footer (which is out of my reach).

--[the 190 Montauk] could have some more rod space. With the fishing package, there are only 4 holders and some more would be nice.

--the gunwale rails and bow rail are terrific. The bow rail keeps the kids safe when up front. The gunwale rails act as a great place to lean when fishing. They do not impede any entry to the boat except if the bimini is up.

--it has been written that the decking is hard to keep clean. Yes it is, but I generally rinse it every time I use it and it saves from a major cleaning. I like the aggressive tread since it keeps people safe when in motion.

--the scuppers have worked well despite some negative feedback about them on previous postings. There has been a ton of rain this season, and it has all run out the back scuppers with no problem. They are not the best designed holes since they are slightly above the deck, but this does not present a major problem except when looking to completely drain and dry the whole deck.
8) I love the stability of the [190 Montauk]. The other day, we had three adults and two children out fishing in some confused waters. [The 190 Montauk] held up fine as everyone was jockeying around the deck for space. The trade off on the slightly flatter hull is that it holds up great when it comes to stability.

--storage space is excellent. There is a bow locker, cooler space, helm seat space, space in the live well if you do not use it, and finally there is some damp space under the two stern seats.

Has anyone done any improvements with the back seats? In other words, right now, they just serve as a place to stand when fishing. Has anyone actually installed cushions, or used the space in a different manner?

I have probably forgotten some stuff, but that is my current recall of my experiences. An awesome experience. Hopefully, many more seasons with this rig on Long Island Sound are in our future.

AK

posted 07-10-2013 10:39 AM ET (US)            

We're pleased you are happy with your 190. It's nice you were able to get the Verado engine. Many of these boats were sold with a 115 HP engine.

I believe the current 190 Montauk offers rear seats as an option. If I'm correct you can probably get everything you need through a Boston Whaler dealer. I believe some here have recommended contacting Sue(?) at Twin Cities (?). You can have a look at whalerparts.com to see it the seats are available.

I agree that rod storage could be better. If you're not using the rear seat you can remove the back rest and voila you'll have two more rod holders. I installed four West Marine stainless steel rod holders, two per side, on the side rail stanchions. They are unobtrusive and work well even in rough conditions. They are often on-sale which makes them more affordable. There are better rod holders made but the West holders when on-sale offer decent value.

Keeps us posted.

posted 07-10-2013 04:49 PM ET (US)            

Glad you liked the 190 as much as I do. You are spot on all observations. Regarding you seat questions, alas I have not been able to come up with a better usage for the rear seats except to step in or stand up on. As Butch mentions the newer 190's have the lift up seat, the straight through drainage tube (mine 2008 is to the side)and the backrests which doubles as additional rod holders "sigh."

For fuel measurement I installed a North Star F-210 fuel monitor. It gives me fuel used and average miles per gallon. Going on five years working great.

Suggestions:

I installed a raw water wash down placing the pump inside the rear bilge area. I used one of the scuppers in that area to run a hose into the water to avoid drilling a hole through the hull. Works great; looks factory installed. I also changed out--as Butch knows--my 115 Mercury for a 150 E-TEC at the end of 2009. The difference in performance was magical. I also used the bilge area to hide the VRO tank which worked out perfectly.

I also put silicon caulking inside and outside the under-seat storage area. (on the floor) This little detail makes the area waterproof, thus avoiding mildew inside this area. I also installed a white plastic grille so the area can breathe and avoid condensation. I still don't understand why the factory didn't do this?

As much as I love my 190 I have to admit that I have eyes for someone else. One look at the 210 at the Miami Boat Show and it was love at first sight. The space and comfort were enough to throw me for a loop! But as my beautiful wife told me, it's either me or the 210! I told her "not so fast, let me think one this over."

posted 07-13-2013 11:08 AM ET (US)            

This is the first boat I've ever owned and it's been great. This summer, I ordered a Mills canvas mooring cover in Captain Navy. The cover fits like a glove and looks beautiful It replaced a black sharkskin cover that had developed holes.

posted 07-18-2013 08:19 PM ET (US)            

My objective was to buy the biggest Whaler that could fit in my garage. It clears by about an inch, hence the name "Just Fits". Have added GPS/Fishfinder, VHF, and Stereo.

What I like best about this boat:
1. Very easy to trailer, launch, retrieve, and keep clean.
2. Very fuel efficient.
3. Lots of room.
4. Very stable for fishing, even when there is chop on the Bay.
5. Engine is very quiet.
6. Front of trailer folds to allow easier storage.
7. Solid and reliable.

Things that could be improved.
1. Geometry of floor drain in the stern area.
2. Location of battery power switch.
3. Addition of cleats on either side about four feet back from the bow.

Overall, we are very happy with both boat and motor after almost 275 hours of use on Green Bay.

Sometimes, the Montauk 210 looks tempting, but we will need a bigger garage.

posted 07-23-2013 02:15 PM ET (US)         

1. The floor drains. Having them drain straight back would make hosing out easier.
2. The sun lounge seat cushion. I wish this were fashioned such that the cushion was shaped to fit the anchor locker lid so that the anchor locker could be opened without unsnapping the seat cushion.

Neither of these items are such a nuisance that I won't continue to happily live with them.

The seat back for the stern seat above the live well was constructed with starboard material as the rigid structural component. This proved to be inadequate for grown men in rough Pacific Ocean conditions. Last winter, I disassembled and replaced the starboard with plywood. After several years of saltwater exposure, the zipper on the upholstery was no longer functional. I simply sewed it shut with dental floss.

posted 07-25-2013 06:44 AM ET (US)            

Thanks everyone for the suggestions and comments.

I will try the extra rod holders since we almost always use the stern seat over the live well.

It is nice to see some other comments about this boat that are unique to previous posts.

Any suggestions on a most fuel efficient RPM and trim position? I have been running at a "sweet spot" of about 3800-900 RPMs with a trim adjustment of about 3 degrees. That seems to be the best for comfort and efficiency. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

Ak

posted 07-25-2013 09:12 AM ET (US)         

The 170 with 90 hp is "adequately" powered. It is fine, but no one would ever say it screams. Doing some math taking the weights of the boats into considerations, 115 hp on a 190 is even less power per pound.

When the 190 came out, you could only get a 115, so I see a lot of them around here, and a neighbor has one. I see him regularly hauling a lot of people, and the geography here is such that I can observe him going on plane from my house - it certainly looks adequate to me, but again I have no data on what the actual loaded boat weight is. He claims it is adequate for all purposes.

But I don't doubt that a 135 might be a better engine choice. If nothing else I would think there is quite a load on those 115s.

posted 07-25-2013 10:51 AM ET (US)            

The Verado has good torque and that is the best part of the extra 20 HP.

AK,

I'm not sure but believe the SmartCraft gauges will show your GPM. If so, you should be able to find your best settings while underway. Your "best" will change, sometimes by a lot, depending upon changes in wind direction, load and especially on RPM and trim.

posted 10-28-2014 05:52 AM ET (US)            

I am continuing my thread on the 190 Montauk since I now have one more full season of “data” to report. Two full seasons and one not so full season.
Once again….the 190 Montauk performed super. Wes put another 70 hours on the boat with much enjoyment and limited issues.

A couple things worth noting:

-The front hatch and bait well hatch pressurized door hinges failed. I had to replace them at a small cost.

-The range on the boat continued to impress. We ran a few long trips through some rough seas at times. The longest being from Old Saybrook, CT to Montauk, NY which is about 25 nautical miles, one way. I have found that the “sweet spot” for running on the 135 Verado to be about 3900 RPM.

I do have one question for any 190 Montauk owners out there:

-Does anyone have any recommendations for a good cover? Any thoughts would be helpful. I am not looking to spend a million bucks so I am looking for an economical but also decent cover.

Thanks,