It would take a supercomputer to calculate how many adventures Boston Whaler Montauks have spawned over the years. The number certainly spans family generations. Put another way, if the Federal Reserve were to print a dollar bill for every bluefish, croaker or trout that came over the boats’ collective transoms, the national debt would be retired faster than a New York minute. Still, even classic runabouts need an update sometimes, and that’s why Whaler recently launched its largest Montauk yet, the 210.
I met Whaler’s Traci Davis and Bobby Garza at the company plant in Edgewater, Florida, earlier this year for a test run. I did a double take walking down the dock. The boat tied alongside looked way bigger than its advertised size. A clean, roomy layout will give that optical illusion. Garza, the lead design architect for the new model, explained the goal behind the 210’s development.
“We wanted to keep this boat simple,” he said. “Simple to operate and simple to maintain. We also wanted to uphold a reasonable weight and balance so it would run well with less horsepower. In the end, we came up with a clean, simple fishing boat for bay or nearshore waters that can handle a moderate chop.”
The test boat came rigged with the optional 200 hp Mercury Verado four-stroke, and it offered power to spare. With the boat at wide-open throttle, we registered 48.4 miles per hour on the handheld GPS while the engine burned just over 20 gallons of fuel per hour. Factory tests with the standard 150 hp four-stroke recorded nearly 43 miles per hour, with a modest 14.6 gph fuel rate. The hole shot with the 200 is quick and smooth, with the boat easily transitioning to a level attitude. We stayed bone-dry, even after the Montauk took a big trawler wake head-on, without the slightest shudder. In fact, I couldn’t get the boat to do anything unpredictable, despite my best efforts. Sure and steady performance, together with unsinkable flotation, has always been one of Whaler’s strong points.
The 210 hull maintains the classic Montauk look, with several tweaks to enhance overall performance, Garza told me. Starting with a 35-degree entry with wide chines forward to knock down spray, the hull transitions to a keel pad aft to add more lift, especially at midrange speeds. The transom angle is tucked slightly, while the deadrise is a flattened 16 degrees. Both give better planing performance and speed with less horsepower.
Like its predecessors, the 210 has a foam-filled hull. The injected foam adds stiffness, deadens sounds and provides added flotation. It also insulates the built-in fish box, which on this model is a huge full-beam beauty in the forward casting deck. That deck itself is big enough to host a teenage slumber party, or so it seems, especially if the optional filler sun pad is added. Additional storage compartments are located in the bow and on either side of the engine splashwell.
The ability to rig the 210 to fit specific fishing needs is an-other good marketing move by Whaler. For example, a beefy T-top with an overhead storage bag and rocket launcher, like the one on the test boat, can be added. The fishing package includes console rod racks and a cushioned 94-quart cooler seat that mounts in front of the console, plus a flip-back helm seat with two tackle drawers. Don’t want the welded bow rail? Order the boat without one, and receive a credit. If you have a big crew, you can opt for the aft bench seat or add a portable head with a deck pump-out. Or if you prefer to carry lots of bait, choose the transom livewell option.
The 210 comes standard with a large console equipped with a stainless-steel wheel, hydraulic steering, dual batteries with a switch, a compass, and an acrylic windshield that’s tall enough to block wind without hindering your vision. The helm panel will easily accommodate the optional 7-inch Raymarine electronics and navigation package. The basic boat package also includes a stainless-steel propeller and a 5,000-pound galvanized tandem-axle trailer with a swing-away tongue and dual-axle disc brakes.
In keeping with Whaler tradition, the 210 is solidly and smartly built. Wiring harnesses are neatly organized, hatches close snugly, and the finish is meticulous. All hardware is 316L stainless steel. The standard stern boarding ladder angles out 45 degrees to avoid contact with the propeller. That’s very smart. So are the stainless rod holders built into the welded cockpit side rails. You can never have too much rod storage.
If you’re looking to start your own family memories on the water, check out the Montauk 210. True classics never go out of style. They just get better with age.
Boston Whaler Montauk 210
Length: 21’4″
Beam: 8’6″
Draft: 12 1/2″
Deadrise: 16 degrees (transom)
Fuel: 66 1/2 gals.
Max hp: 200
Weight: 3,330 lbs.
Base price: $51,282 with a 200 hp Mercury Verado and a dual-axle trailer.
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Boston Whaler: 800-942-5379 / www.bostonwhaler.com_