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Boston Whaler 170 Montauk (2018-)

1 x 115-hp Mercury FourStroke



Brief Summary

With six decades of center console design and development, Boston Whaler has refined the 170 Montauk with a 5” (.13 m)-wider beam and a sharper bow entry for a smooth, comfortable ride. The updated features, along with a practical layout, reflect Boston Whaler’s consideration of what owners expect from a center console in the size range of the 170 Montauk. Every detail of the interior has been added to provide utility or comfort for the operator and passengers. The Boston Whaler 170 Montauk is practical for fishing, watersports, day-boating, or all of the above, while retaining her traditional lines. The result is the evolution of a classic.

Key Features

  • 19” interior freeboard
  • Fiberglass swim platform with grab rail and telescoping stainless steel swim ladder
  • Access door with stainless steel latch
  • Analog instrumentation and electrical switch panel with circuit breaker protection
  • Reversible pilot seat with locking backrest and storage
  • Bilge pump with two float switch (2)
  • Classic style navigation lights
  • Torsion Axle

Test Results

RPM MPH Knots GPH MPG NMPG STAT. MILE NM dBa
600 3.1 2.7 0.5 6.8 5.9 153 132.6 63
1000 3.5 3 0.6 6.4 5.5 143 124.5 70
1500 5.8 5 1.1 5.2 4.5 118 102.3 76
2000 6.8 5.9 1.6 4.3 3.7 96 83.2 78
2500 8.5 7.3 2.6 3.3 2.8 73 63.6 83
3000 16.4 14.2 3 5.5 4.7 123 106.6 90
3500 22.6 19.6 3.4 6.7 5.9 151 131.7 90
4000 28 24.3 4.8 5.8 5.1 131 114.1 90
4500 32.8 28.5 6 5.5 4.8 124 107.9 90
5000 38.7 33.7 7.5 5.2 4.5 116 101 91
5500 42.8 37.2 9.7 4.4 3.9 100 86.8 94
5900 45.3 39.4 10.7 4.2 3.7 95 82.8 99
bostonwhaler_170montauk_chart_2017.jpg

Specifications

Length Overall 17’ 4" / 5.28 m
Beam 7' 3"
2.21 m
Dry Weight 1,700 lbs.
771 kg
Tested Weight 2,521 lbs.
1,144 kg
Draft 12"
.30 m
Deadrise/Transom 16
Max Headroom Open
Bridge Clearance 6' 8"
2.03 m
Weight Capacity 1,900 lbs.
862 kg
Person Capacity 7
Fuel Capacity 25 gal.
94.6 L
Water Capacity N/A
Total Weight 2,521 lbs.
1,144 kg

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane 4.1 sec.
0 to 30 7.1 sec. (0to20)
Ratio 2.38:1
Props 13.6x21 Enertia
Load 2 persons, 3/10 fuel, no water, 50 lbs. of gear
Climate 85 deg., 75 humid.; wind: 0-5 mph; seas: calm

Engine Options

Tested Engine 1 x 115-hp Mercury FourStroke
Std. Power 1 x 90-hp Mercury FourStroke
Opt. Power 1 x 115-hp Mercury FourStroke

Captain's Report


Boston Whaler 170 Montauk running

The Boston Whaler 170 Montauk is an all-around fishing and watersports boat. While she has a familiar look, the design has been updated with the latest technologies and construction techniques.

Boston Whaler 170 Montauk running

Boston Whaler reconfigured the running surface and added 5” (.13 m) to the beam on the 170 Montauk to create a smoother, drier ride.

Mission

The classic Boston Whaler 170 Montauk has always been practical and highly functional. The latest version has been redesigned to add even more utility and versatility to this “hose-and-go” craft. The simplicity of the helm and adjustable seating features add to the well-thought-out interior layout. It comes with many fishing features and with an optional fishing package, the 170 Montauk can be used as a capable inshore and nearshore fishing platform. Everyone from novice boaters to experienced captains can appreciate Boston Whaler’s rugged design, which combines some of the latest technology with clean, classic good looks.

Major Features

Boston Whaler 170 Montauk layout

Shown is the standard layout. Note the expansive bow area and 18 sq. ft. (1.67 sq. m) of aft cockpit space.
  • New Hull Form. Boston Whaler reshaped the hull to provide a softer, drier ride, and improved handling.
  • Adjustable Helm Seating. The four-position helm seat has room to support the operator and a passenger comfortably.

  • Evolutionary Design. Boston Whaler has used decades of owner feedback to refine each model in the Montauk line, including the 170 Montauk.
  • Well-Thought-Out Helm. Reflecting Boston Whaler’s 60 years of experience, the helm on the 170 Montauk has a simple, intuitive layout appreciated by all boaters, from novice to advanced.
  • Classic Look. Engaging lines and classic shape make the 170 Montauk timeless.
  • Quality Construction and Materials. Boston Whaler does not cut corners on construction materials and labor utilizing their unique Unibond™ manufacturing techniques and 316-grade stainless steel throughout.
  • Resale Value. Boston Whalers in general maintain their desirability over time. The 170 Montauk should not be an exception when it’s time to trade in, trade up, or sell.
  • Standard Galvanized Trailer. The standard trailer comes with a swing tongue for easier garage storage and disc brakes.
  • Warranty. Boston Whaler stands behind the 170 Montauk with a Ten-Year Structural Hull Limited Warranty, a Three-Year Limited Warranty on Components Manufactured or Installed by Boston Whaler and a One-Year Limited Warranty on Upholstered Items, Canvas, Teak and Powder Coating.
  • Click on the link below to read the full warranty …

    https://bostonwhaler-8c1e.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/2018-Boston-Whaler-Limited-Warranty.pdf

    Performance

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk running

    Boston Whaler improved the hull design, adding both 5” to the beam and a sharper bow entry, making the 170 Montauk more stable and with an exceptionally dry ride.

    The Boston Whaler 170 Montauk has a length overall of 17’4” (5.28 m) and a beam of 7’3” (2.21 m). With an empty weight of 1,700 lbs. (771 kg), a third of a tank of fuel, test power and two people aboard, we estimate the test weight to be 2,521 lbs. (1,144 kg).

    Top Speed. With the optional 115-hp Mercury Command Thrust FourStroke outboard turning at 5900 rpm, the test boat reached a top speed of 45.3 mph.

    Best Cruise. The best cruise came in at 3500 rpm and 22.6 mph. At that speed, the 3.4 gph fuel burn translated to 6.7 mpg and a range of 151 miles, while keeping 10% fuel in reserve of the 25-gallon (95 L) total fuel capacity.

    Acceleration Times and Test Conditions

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk acceleration

    Handling

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk running

    With a more pronounced keel radius, the 170 Montauk performed well in tight turns and while being tested, no matter how heavy-handed, the ride remained firm and dry.

    The architecture of the Boston Whaler 170 Montauk’s running surface has been redesigned with a sharper bow entry and pronounced keel radius that make her easier to handle. The solid ride will please even the most experienced operator and give confidence even to a novice. When accelerating, the test boat showed nominal bow rise and reached top speed smoothly without hesitation. Driving through the photo boat’s wake to emulate rougher conditions, the 170 Montauk showed great aplomb knifing through the wake without any pounding. The 170 Montauk had just enough inboard roll in hard turns that the operator and passengers do not feel like they are being pushed to the outside. The simple design and competent handling makes the 170 Montauk ideal for anyone who just wants to have fun on a boat.

    Boat Inspection

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk running

    With an advanced hull design and updated construction techniques, Boston Whaler retained the traditional lines that make the 170 Montauk a classic right out of the box.

    Bow

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk running

    Boston Whaler’s clever casting includes both a chock and navigation light and is beautifully functional. Combined with the centerline, 8” (.20 m) cleat, the bow setup makes docking and anchoring easier and more secure.

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk bow rail

    The optional split bowrail makes boarding from the bow easier when beached.

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk casting deck

    The forward casting platform doubles as seating, and is made more comfortable with the optional bow cushion.

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk fish box

    There is a self-draining fishbox under the forward casting platform. The gas-assist strut allows for hands-free access.

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk forward fish box

    Forward of the fishbox is the anchor locker.

    All Boats Should Have Anchors. While the mission of this boat is pleasure boating or fishing, owners should not forget that all boats must have at least one anchor suitable for holding securely in wind and sea state. Each type of bottom – mud, grass, sand or rock – requires a different type of anchor. Some anchoring situations also call for more than one anchor to be used simultaneously.

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk sun lounge

    Shown is the sunlounge option, which creates a larger forward sun pad, but is not compatible with the bow cooler seating.

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk cooler

    The 72-quart (68 L) cooler seating and console-mounted backrest with four rod holders are options included as part of the 170 Montauk fishing package installed on the test boat.

    Cupholders. The abundance of cupholders strategically placed throughout the forward cockpit reflects Boston Whaler’s keen understanding of how their customers use their boats.

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk rod holders

    Shown is a detail of the four rod holders with tool and knife holders built into the backrest mount.

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk

    The standard bowrail is 33” (.84 m) above the deck and the side rails are 30” (.76 m) off the deck. Note the optional console and helm seat covers.

    Boarding Steps. The standard port and starboard amidship boarding steps on the gunwales have molded-in anti-skid texture. Same goes for boarding steps molded into each side of the transom area. For security on the side steps, we suggest that Boston Whaler offer a latching safety chain for the opening between the bowrail and siderail.

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk grab rails

    Shown here are the optional low-profile grabrails and optional teak boarding step.

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk steps

    The 170 Montauk has built-in boarding steps in the transom with molded anti-skid.

    Center Console

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk

    The center console is wider and taller than on previous versions of the 170 Montauk. But thanks to the additional 5” (.13 m) in the beam, the space on either side of the console is now 20” (.51 m).

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk windshield

    The stainless steel grabrail surrounds the windshield and adds security when moving forward and aft.

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk gauge

    Boston Whaler kept the instrumentation simple with a tachometer (yellow arrow), voltmeter (red arrow) and fuel gauge (green arrow), and five marine toggle switches.

    Signaling Horn. Under Rule 33 of the Navigation Rules, boats under 12 m MUST carry the means to make an efficient signal. A horn or whistle is the endorsed means to signal intentions or position. We recommend that horn switches be colored red for easy identification when needed in haste.

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk storage

    The partitioned storage on top of the console has two drink holders, an optional compass in direct line of sight of the helm, the receptacle for the all-round navigation light (purple arrow), a 12-volt outlet (green arrow) and an optional USB plug (red arrow) to connect peripherals to the optional Fusion stereo.

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk steering wheel

    Boston Whaler kept the helm basic with space for a 9” (.23 m) multifunction display in front of the stainless steel steering wheel with SeaStar hydraulic steering. Note that the console-mounted Mercury control binnacle has a cupholder to outboard and the optional Fusion stereo control head is positioned just above.

    Ignition Switch and Safety Lanyard. Often the ignition switch is mounted where it may be accidentally bumped into the off position. Normally the shutdown safety lanyard is integral with the switch. Boston Whaler has solved the issue by mounting the devices separately, with the ignition switch near the base of the steering wheel and the shutdown lanyard positioned separately on the front of the console.

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk door

    Access to the interior of the console is through a portside door equipped with a stainless steel lift-and-lock latch. Inside the console is the battery box and battery switch (yellow arrow). Note the quick-grab storage bin on the inside of the console door.

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk extinguisher

    The U.S.C.G.-required fire extinguisher (yellow arrow) is positioned horizontally in a recess on the starboard side of the console, where it is easy to reach if needed, but out of the way. A tackle drawer is included with the optional fishing package on the 170 Montauk.

    170 Montauk Fishing Package. Boston Whaler offers a fishing package for the 170 Montauk which includes a compass, four console mounted rod holders with tool and knife holders, a 72-quart (68 L) cooler with seat cushion and backrest, and a locker in the starboard side of the console that accepts tackle utility boxes.

    Fire Extinguishers. Fire extinguishers are required on any boat with enclosed fuel or engine spaces, enclosed living spaces, or permanent (not movable by one person) fuel tanks, and the Boston Whaler 170 Montauk has dedicated storage for one in the starboard side of the console.

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk toe cutout

    A toe cutout under the aft edge of the console allows for more comfortable standup operation.

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk bench seat

    The helm bench seat has a backrest that adjusts position. It can create a reverse-facing seat that makes it more relaxing to fish off the transom or watch family and friends as they swim.

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk back rest

    The backrest can be situated in four different positions as a forward-facing seat, a more upright seat, as a leaning post or as an aft-facing seat.

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk hardware

    Boston Whaler uses heavy-duty stainless steel hardware to secure the helm seat position.

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk fuel tanks

    Previous 170 Montauk models had carry-on fuel tanks. The current models have a built-in 25-gallon (95 L) fuel tank beneath the cockpit deck.

    Grate Over the Scuppers. This is another example of Boston Whaler knowing what its customers need. By placing a grate over the centerline scupper, it is less likely that debris, such as bait wrappers or paper towels, will clog the drain.

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk placement

    By placing the fuel tank under the deck, Boston Whaler freed up the space where the carry-on tank used to be located. Now there’s a storage box that opens aft.

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk livewell

    Boston Whaler offers an optional aerated livewell built into the helm seat.

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk aft cockpit

    The aft cockpit measures 6’ (1.83 m) from starboard to port and 3’ (.91 m) fore and aft, making 18 sq. ft. (1.67 m) of usable space. Note the four standard rod holders mounted in the transom.

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk bench seat

    Boston Whaler offers an optional bench seat across the transom.

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk transom

    The optional transom bench seat has a folding backrest that allows it to convert into a large sun pad.

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk aft bench

    The optional aft bench seat contains a storage box.

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk boarding steps

    Boston Whaler also can turn the boarding steps into optional jump seats with backrests fitted to the rod holders, improving crew comfort.

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk steering

    Shown is the SeaStar hydraulic steering actuator and neatly arranged hoses and control cables encased in anti-chafe material.

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk tow arch

    The optional tow-sport arch makes the 170 Montauk more versatile and family-friendly.

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk ladder

    The swim platform has a convenient grab handle and a folding, three-step boarding ladder.

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk swim platform

    The swim platform is also available with an optional teak surface.

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk bimini

    The optional Bimini provides shade for those who prefer to stay out of the sun.

    Boston Whaler 170 Montauk trailer

    The Boston Whaler 170 Montauk comes with a standard galvanized trailer with swing tongue, LED lights, tie-downs, a torsion axle, trailer jack, and a winch with a nylon strap.

    Trailers and Salt Water. To ensure the longest life possible as well as the safety for those launching and retrieving a boat in the harsh marine environment, it is important to wash down the trailer with fresh water and soap after every use. There are products such as Salt-Away that offer a mixing fitting to attach to a standard hose. Inspect hubs, wheels, axles, lights, and springs often for function and corrosion.

    Warranty

    Following is a boiled-down version of the warranty description on the Boston Whaler 170 Montauk. We recommend that consumers read the fine print of all boat and engine warranties.

    10-year Structural Hull Limited Warranty. Covers structural defects in the material or workmanship reported within 10 years of ownership.

    3-Year Limited Warranty on Components Manufactured or Installed by Boston Whaler. Covers components manufactured or installed by Boston Whaler that are defective in factory materials or workmanship reported within 3 years of ownership.

    1-Year Limited Warranty on Upholstered Items, Canvas, Teak and Powdercoating. Covers upholstered items, canvas, teak, and powdercoating manufactured or installed by Boston Whaler reported in the first year of ownership.

    Click on the link below to read the full warranty…

    https://bostonwhaler-8c1e.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/2018-Boston-Whaler-Limited-Warranty.pdf

    Options to Consider

    Fishing Package

    • • Cooler (72-quart) with cushion seat and console mounted backrest with four rod-holders
    • • Compass
    • • Tackle drawers

    Other Options

    • • Helm seat livewell
    • • Bow cushion
    • • Teak boarding steps
    • • Teak swim platform
    • • Bimini top
    • • Sunlounge (bow, port, and starboard cushions) (not compatible with cooler seat or fishing package)
    • • Tow-sport arch
    • • Fusion AM/FM stereo with two waterproof speakers and MP3/USB inputs

    Observations

    Boston Whaler has been improving the iconic Montauk line for decades. The latest release of the Boston Whaler 170 Montauk reflects Boston Whaler’s commitment to customer centric improvements. The new 170 Montauk launched for Boston Whaler’s 60th anniversary has refinements in the hull’s running surface architecture, a larger, redesigned helm console and added fishing features that take the 170 Montauk to the next level.

    This is a boat that handles effortlessly with a solid, comfortable, and dry ride. The Boston Whaler 170 Montauk can successfully fulfill many missions, from a well-laid-out boat for a day of fun on the water to a solid fishing platform or an ideal yacht tender. Furthermore, the ageless look makes it an instant classic that should hold value through many generations.