Spotlight: New Boston Whaler 190 and 210 Montauk centre consoles

In a flurry of new boat releases at the 2018 Miami International Boat Show, where bigger, flashier, multiple engines and all the must-have amenities from gyros and joysticks stood out, two classic heritage centre consoles with a makeover commanded great respect.

Boston Whaler has released new 2018 editions of its timeless 190 Montauk and 210 Montauk centre consoles, following the launch of the exceptional 2018 170 Montauk model that we tested in full on the Good Coast last year.

The harbingers of the new Montauk range, the new Montauk 150 and 170, actually broke cover in a news article that we reported on in mid-2017.

At the same time as we tested the new 170 some months later on the Gold Coast, we also ran the timeless 210 Montauk.

We edited this 170 and 210 Montauk test into a terrific double feature video with drone footage captured at high tide on the Gold Coast Seaway. Check it out!

THE NEW 2018 MONTAUK LINEUP
Boston Whaler just-launched a new 2018-model 210 Montauk with some "notable feature enhancements in form and function that make them perfectly suited to today's boaters — and future generations, as well," the U.S. boatbuilder says.

The redesigned new 190 and 210 Montauks join the 150 and 170 Montauks, introduced in August 2017, to round out an entirely new Montauk lineup.

Generally, the new features include integrated forward fishbox/storage consoles, cushioned aft quarter seats, and several cutting-edge Raymarine electronics packages. Nothing too radical, thank heavens, as these are classic Whaler centre console that have stood the test of time.

Each new Montauk is now available with a Teak Package that lends "vintage" style befitting Whaler's 60th Anniversary year.

But the excellent wide-bodied, full-beam hull remains on the 190 and 210 and, thus, the great performance we experienced will remain a highlight.

NEW FEATURES IN A NUTSHELL
Specifically, the 190 Montauk standout features are:
>> Convenient forward fish box/storage compartment with overboard drain.
>> Standard galvanized trailer with swing tongue, LED lights and disc brakes for easy towing.
>> Optional port and starboard aft seating features comfortable cushions and removable backrests.
>> 2tlt integrated fuel tank adds range.
>> Optional Fishing Package includes 68lt cooler seat, tackle drawers and console rod holders.
>> Fiberglass swim platform with stainless steel, telescoping swim ladder aids re-entry from the water.
>> Helm console available with latest Raymarine navigation and fishfinding electronics including RealVision 3D.
>> Standard 115-hp EXLPT Mercury Command Thrust FourStroke engine or optional 150 XL with hydraulic steering.
>> Teak package adds stylish touches to the boarding steps and swim ladder.

>> Integrated aft quarter seats give more passengers a comfortable place to ride.
>> Optional bow backrest enhances comfort and versatility.
>> Optional Fishing Package includes 89lt cooler seat, rod holders and tackle drawers.
>> Deluxe Leaning Post option adds 113lt livewell and raw-water washdown.
>> Standard galvanized trailer with LED lights, disc brakes and swing tongue for easy travel to and from the boat launch.
>> 150-hp Mercury XL EFI FourStroke engine, with power options up to 200hp.
>> Teak package adds stylish touches to the boarding steps, swim ladder and helm footrests.

HOT FISHING PLATFORM
Personally, I was wrapped with the great ride on the Montauk 210 with 150hp Mercury (200hp maximum outboard rating). It's a very well-balanced rig that lands softly on its aft sections, and is nice and dry for a centre console thanks to broad cathedral-like hull entry. Stability is just exceptional.

The resulting performance leads to a broad range of fishing applications for the 210 Montauk — from serious sportfishing and fly casting from the raised platforms to trolling the islands and reef edges, jigging the pinnacles and drop-offs, skipping baits or lures for marlin, Spaniards and game fish. Them crabbing in the creeks and chasing barra around rock bars.

The foam-filled unsinkable boat has a good amount of fish, live-bait and dry storage throughout, the option of a portapotti in the step-down head, and the hull is self-draining. With a big load capacity, it's an ideal fleet tender for long-range mothership expeditions and autonomous exploration in its own right.

PLENTY OF FAMILY OPTIONS
With a bimini top, esky and plenty of seating, the 210 Montauk would also make a brilliant family boat for towing the kids on tubes, hitting up a beach for a picnic, exploring offshore islands, as a dive platform, or just a safe and stable estuary runner for hitting the restaurants or dropping into to see mates at their waterfront digs.

In fact, coming away from a blue-sky/bluewater test of the 210 Montauk, your boatsales crew reached the conclusion you really need no other boat in these waterways. Maintenance and the end-of-day IS A hose out and engine flush.

You can see our joint Boston Whaler 170 and 210 video here. While it's the previous 210 model, the hull and engine set-up remain exactly the same. So this is the performance you can expect. See how well the boat lands.

Full performance sheets on the 2018-model 190 and 210 Montauks are available at the Boston Whaler site.

More details from the local importer and dealer Queensland Marine Centre.

At-a-Glance: Boston Whaler 190/210 Montauk
LOA: 5.89m/6.50m
Beam: 2.43m/2.59m
Draft: 0.33m/0.38m
Weight: 907kg (dry)/1202kg
Weight (w/engines, fuel): 1256kg/1652kg
Maximum Capacity: 1134kg/1270kg
Swamped Capacity: 1814kg/1814kg
People Capacity: 8/9
Maximum HP: 150/200
Minimum HP: 115/150
Transom Height: 25in/25in
Deadrise: 16/16
Fuel: 227lt/252lt
Bridge Clearance: 1.49m or 2.10m with bimini/1.65m or 2.20m bimini or 2.36m hardtop
Engine on Test: Mercury 115 EXLPT EFI Black Command Thrust FourStroke 2.38:1 gearbox ratio/ Mercury 150 FourStroke
Propeller: 14 1/8 x 17in Enertia/ 15" x 15" Enertia
Top Speed: 41 knots/34.7 knots

Imported By:
Queensland Marine Centre
71 Shipper Dr, Coomera QLD 4209
Phone: (07) 5591 7032
See Queensland Marine Centre.