Boston Whaler 190 Montauk (2019)

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	19' 4" / 5.89 m
Beam	8' 2.43 m
Dry Weight	2,000 lbs. 907 kg
Tested Weight	3,131 lbs. 1,420 kg
Draft	13'' 0.33 m
Deadrise/Transom	16-deg.
Max Headroom	open
Bridge Clearance	10' 6'' 3.20 m (max)
Weight Capacity	2,500 lbs. 1,134 kg
Person Capacity	8
Fuel Capacity	60 gal. 227 L
Water Capacity	N/A
Total Weight	3,131 lbs. 1,420 kg

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane	3.3 sec.
0 to 30	7.6 sec.
Ratio	N/A
Props	54 deg., 81 humid; wind: 15-20 mph; seas: <1
Load	2 persons, 1/2 fuel, no water, 50 lbs. of gear
Climate	54 deg., 81 humid; wind: 15-20 mph; seas: <1

Engine Options

Tested Engine	1 x 150-hp Mercury 4-stroke
Std. Power	1 x 115-hp Mercury EXLPT EFI 4-stroke Black Command Thrust
Opt. Power	1 x 150-hp Mercury EFI 4-stroke black engine with hydraulic steering

Contents of Report

• Mission Statement
• Major Features
• Features Inspection
• The Bow
• The Console
• The Helm
• The Cockpit
• The Stern
• Construction
• Performance
• Handling
• Options to Consider
• Observations

The Boston Whaler 190 Montauk measures 19’4” (5.89 m) long with an 8’ (2.43 m) beam and she draws 13” (.33 m) with the engine up.

Mission Statement

The 190 Montauk’s mission depends on its owner's intended use. With the right equipment, she can be set up for bay and flats fishing, lake and river angling, tow sports, lake, river and coastal cruising or as a yacht tender. She is low maintenance and extremely durable. She is a good utility boat.

Major Features

• Large forward casting or sunning deck
• Fishbox with overboard drain
• Reversible backrest for the helm seat
• Available cooler seat on the front of console
• 19” (.48 m) cockpit depth
• Standard hydraulic steering and stainless steel prop

By carrying the 190 Montauk’s beam as far forward as possible, Boston Whaler creates a more usable bow area.

Features Inspection

The Bow

Starting at the bow, the 190 Montauk has a large deck that measures 6’1” (1.9 m) wide and 3’10” (1.2m) fore to aft. Because the bow is squared, the raised foredeck has more than 23 sq. ft. (2.1 sq. m) of casting or relaxing space.

The area is covered in nonskid and the relatively high bulwarks enhance safety. An optional cushion covers the bow. Gunwale height is 21” (53.3 cm) and available stainless-steel rails are another 13” (33.0 cm) above that. The rails on our test boat are at a height that is above standards set by the American Boat & Yacht Council but lower ones are available. Two beverage holders are in the aft corner on each side of the bow.

Available options in the bow include a casting seat and a side-mounted pedestal table. Forward on the deck is a single 8” (20 cm) cleat and just ahead, the navigation light has a chock in the base. The split rail design gives a crewmember space to work the dock or anchor lines, as well as enter or exit when bow moored.

All hardware and latches in the bow are recessed to provide a smooth walking surface for anglers.

Drop in the optional bow cushion to create a sun pad that’s more than 6’ (1.83 m) wide.

Beverage holders are in each aft corner in the bow, which puts them in reach but keeps the deck uncluttered.

If an owner plans to spend long days fishing, the optional bow fishing seat could be a good choice.

Conversely, if entertaining and dayboating take up more of the agenda, go with the optional table.

The split rail at the bow leaves space for working lines or hopping down to the beach or sandbar.

We recommend the optional high rails for the safety they provide and choices of hull color.

Here we see the low rails recessed into the gunwales.

The navigation light has an integrated chock with a fair lead for a painter, mooring lines, or anchor rode.

Bow Storage. There are two hatches in the 190 Montauk’s foredeck. The forward one opens to the anchor locker, which drains overboard and has an eye for securing the bitter end of the rode. There is a forward notch so the line can be deployed with the hatch closed.

The aft, larger hatch covers the insulated fishbox. It secures with two turn and lock latches and opens on a gas strut. A rubber gasket helps prevent rattling when the hatch is closed. The compartment has a removable drain plug and drains overboard, so it could also be used as a cooler or plain storage.

An anchor locker on a 19’ (5.79 m) boat is rare enough, but one that has a means for securing the rode’s bitter end and opens on a gas strut so crewmembers can use both hands is a sign that this boat is designed by people who spend time on the water.

Just aft of the anchor locker, the large fishbox has space for some serious fish and …

It drains overboard for easy cleanup. Hose it out after a day of fishing and load it with drinks and ice for a late-day cruise.

The Console

Our test boat had the optional 72-quart (68 L) cooler seat on the front of the console. It’s part of an optional fish package that also includes tackle drawers integrated into the starboard side of the console and rod holders. The seat has a padded backrest and bottom cushion and the cooler secures into a bracket with bungee cords.

A hatch in the port side of the console opens to provide access to the battery and switch and the helm rigging. The hatch is vented and is held open with a magnetic latch. For passage between the console and the gunwales, there’s 17” (43.2 cm) of clearance with the optional T-top and 21” (53.3 cm) without it.

A 33” (83.8 cm) space amidships between the side rails has a foot tread, making a welcome step for easy boarding from the dock.

The cooler seat on the front of the console has space for two people and the padded backrest provides more comfort.

The cooler secures in a plastic bracket with a bungee cord on each side.

Since the battery is inside, it’s smart that Boston Whaler vents the console hatch. The magnetic latch to hold it open is equally intelligent.

When the hatch is open, there’s a storage tray on the inside that’s easy to get to.

Inside the console, the red battery switch is convenient to reach, and there’s space for gear and the helm rigging is accessible.

Tackle storage and an open tray in the starboard side of the console are part of the optional Fishing package.

The Helm

At the 190 Montauk’s helm, we found a curved acrylic windscreen. The available Ritchie compass is mounted in line with the stainless-steel steering wheel and a storage tray has 12-volt and USB connectivity. Just above the wheel in the vertical section of the dash, our test boat had an optional 7” (17.8 cm) Raymarine multifunction display.

To starboard, a carbon-effect panel houses a multifunction gauge that monitors fuel level, volts, water temperature, and oil pressure with a tachometer alongside. Accessory switches are to starboard. The binnacle-style Mercury throttle/shift control is mounted at a 45-degree angle and just ahead is a pocket for the lever when it’s in the full-throttle position.

The Raymarine VHF radio has the microphone positioned high on the panel so it can’t get kicked or bumped into. The Fusion stereo is also well placed.

For correct course navigation, the compass is in line with the fixed position steering wheel.

The helm is intelligently laid out and notice the position of the VHF microphone, up and out of the way.

To improve operator comfort, the engine control is mounted at a 45-degree angle and notice the pocket for the lever when it’s advanced to full throttle. This is a clever design that keeps the stick at an ergonomic angle, unlike what we see on many center consoles of all sizes.

The Helm Seats. Beneath the helm console, Boston Whaler provides space for the operator’s feet if he chooses to stand while driving. The helm seat is 34” (86.4cm) wide by 15” (38.1cm) fore to aft and the backrest can be position for forward and aft-facing travel.

The base boat comes with storage under the seat, while our test model had the optional livewell that has a gas strut for the hatch, rounded corners, a blue finish and an aeration system. Overhead, the optional T-top provides shelter from the elements and has rocket launcher-style rod holders on the trailing edge.

There’s a storage bag and a two-color courtesy light on the underside. It’s built on a rugged powder-coated frame. Overhead clearance is 6’8” (2.03 m).

Boston Whaler always sweats the details including, making sure there’s toe space under the console for a captain who wants to stand while driving.

The helm seat is wide enough to seat two comfortably and can be positioned for forward-facing travel.

With a quick flip of the backrest, the seat can be converted to aft-facing.

Our test model had the optional livewell under the helm seat. The hatch is supported by a fast strut, is finished in blue and has rounded corners and an aeration system.

The optional T-top comes with five rocket launcher rod holders and a storage bag on the underside.

The Cockpit

Abaft the helm seat, the cockpit is 6’7” (2.01 m) wide by 3’2” (.97 m) fore to aft. There are 2” (5.08 cm) scuppers in the aft stern quarters that drain directly overboard. Gunwale height here is 19” (48.3 cm) and the rails that run the length of the cockpit are 30” (76.2 cm) tall. This is a welcome feature for families with small children aboard.

The aft jump seats on our test boat are available options and come with removable backrests. Pull out the backrests and there are two rod holders on each side.

Aft to port, the swim platform has the optional teak decking and is equipped with a three-step boarding ladder that reached 22” (55.9 cm) below the water’s surface, which complies with ABYC standards.

The cockpit has 18.3 sq. ft. (1.79 sq. m) of open space.

The aft seats are an available option and the bottom cushions and backrest can be removed for cleaning or winter storage.

With the backrests removed, there are two rod holders in the stern on each side.

Beneath the seat bottom on each side, there’s storage and access to systems. The straight scupper tube gets rid of water fast.

The optional teak finish on the swim platform adds a touch of class and notice the grab rail for assistance while boarding.

The Stern

In the aft deck, the 190 Montauk has two 8” (20.3 cm) stainless-steel mooring cleats and an optional watersports tow pylon is available. In the splashwell ahead of the motor, we saw the standard Seastar hydraulic steering and to port was the fill for the 60-gallon (227 L) gas tank.

An inspection hatch provides access to the boat’s automatic bilge pump with a float switch.

In the splashwell, there’s access to the bilge pump, plus the flip-top style fuel fill forward to port.

Construction

Boston Whaler continues to proudly promote itself as the Unsinkable Legend and remains the only builder to guarantee that its boats will float level if swamped – in writing! The manufacturer goes to the length of stating how much weight the boat can carry — 4,000 lbs. (1,814 kg) — if swamped.

This construction method of filling the voids between the hull and the deck with expandable foam also makes the boat quieter and feel more solid when going through a chop.

From the company’s early days, it has promoted its boats’ unsinkability.

Performance

The Numbers. The 190 Montauk is 19’4” (5.89 m) long with an 8’ (2.43 m) beam, and the hull draws 13” (33 cm). Empty weight without the motor is listed at 2,000 lbs. (907 kg). With the optional 150-hp motor, two people, 36 gallons (136 L) of fuel and test gear on board, we had an estimated test weight of 3,131 lbs. (1,420 kg).

Standard power is a 115-hp Mercury FourStroke outboard, but our test boat was equipped with the optional 150-hp motor spinning a 14.5” x 17” (36.8 cm x 43.2 cm) three-blade Enertia stainless-steel propeller.

Top Speed. When we wound up the motor to 5900 rpm, we hit a top speed of 46.9 mph.

Best cruise came at 3500 rpm where we recorded 25.9 mph and a fuel burn of 4.9 gph. That translated to 5.3 mpg and a range of 285 statute miles while holding 10 percent of the boat’s 60-gallon (227 L) fuel capacity in reserve.

An owner who plans to spend some time towing will probably want the 150-hp outboard for the extra punch.

In acceleration tests, the 190 Montauk planed in 3.3 seconds and ran through 20 mph in 5.5 seconds and to 30 in 7.6 seconds.

We haven’t run the boat with the base motor, but Boston Whaler says the boat runs 41 mph with the 115-hp motor and that best cruise is 20.1 mph. Fuel consumption at cruise is about the same with the 115-hp 4-stroke.

Under hard acceleration, the 190 Montauk launches without much bow rise, which should make the boat a good choice to let kids drive.

Handling

Boston Whaler designed the 190 Montauk’s new bottom with two strakes per side and a reversed chine that helped her track cleanly through turns and the standard SeaStar hydraulic steering adds to the smoothness of steering. With her sharp bow entry and topsides that flare out well above the waterline, the 190 Montauk cuts through chop and knocks down spray effectively.

With her deep forefoot and flared bow, the new 190 Montauk had a smooth, dry ride in chop.

Her reversed chines and four lifting strakes help the boat maintain its grip in turns, making the 190 Montauk fun to drive.

The Trailer. At the end of the day, just put the 190 Montauk on the trailer and head home. The standard galvanized trailer comes with a swing-away tongue, a jack, disc brakes, LED lights, and transom straps.

The tandem-axle trailer shown here is galvanized, making it good for saltwater use, and has a swing-away tongue and jack.

Options to Consider

• Fishing package with console-mounted rod holders, 72-quart (68 L) cooler/console seat and two tackle drawers
• T-top with rocket launcher rod holders
• Bow cushion
• Livewell in base of helm seat
• Raymarine multifunction displays with screen up to 9” (22.9 cm) display
• Raymarine VHF radio
• Fusion stereo with four waterproof speakers
• High rails package
• Bow table
• Bow fishing seat
• Teak boarding steps
• Powder-coated tow arch

Observations

Boston Whaler didn’t have to put the time and effort into re-modeling its tried and true 19’ (5.79 m) boat – but it did to improve her. She has a sharper bow entry that warps aft to a 16-degree deadrise at the transom. This one important change makes her much better riding than her predecessor.

While she is probably most comfortable with four to six people aboard, she is USCG-rated for eight. We recommend opting for the jump seats no matter how the boat is used. We also recommend the 150-hp engine for those involved in wakeboarding or skiing as the extra torque of the 150 will help boarders get up faster. Also, with six to eight people aboard, the extra horsepower will help the boat get on plane.

Since Boston Whaler has been building a boat in this size range for so long, it knows that they are used for remarkably diverse purposes, so by keeping the standard list to the basics, and making the optional list long, owners can build a boat to suit.