Used Boston Whaler Montauk buying guide: 150, 170 and 190

Few small boats hold their value like a Boston Whaler Montauk. In BoatUS's 2026 look at J.D. Power values, a 2016 Montauk 170 with a base price of about $28,667 had an average retail value of about $25,717 ten years later, a drop of only about 11 percent, the best result in its comparison.¹

You'll pay more for a used Montauk than for a lesser boat of the same size. You'll also get more back when you sell. For a first small boat, that's often the cheapest choice in the long run. On a used Montauk, check the outboard first, then the foam, the transom and the trailer.

Montauk at a glance

Is a Montauk right for you?

A good fit if you want a small, safe, simple outboard boat that holds its value, you'll trailer her or keep her on a lift, and you want a boat that's easy to sell later.

Think twice if you need a cabin or much shade, you'll fish far offshore, or you're hoping for a bargain price on a popular boat.

What to check

The outboard

On a small boat like this, the outboard is a big share of the value.

• Hours and service records
• A cold start, and a steady stream from the telltale
• A compression test, with cylinders within about 10 percent of each other²
• The gearcase oil: milky oil usually means water getting past the seals³
• Corrosion on the lower unit and mounting hardware

See our used outboard buying guide for four-stroke and two-stroke specifics.

Water-logged foam on older Whalers

Whalers are famous for their foam-filled construction and their reputation for staying afloat when swamped. On older classic Whalers, a boat that sits low in the water or feels much heavier than it should may have absorbed water into the foam. That's a hard problem to fix, so look at how she floats and ask about it directly.

Transom and engine mounting

Look for cracks or movement where the outboard bolts to the transom. With the engine tilted down, push and pull firmly on the lower unit while watching the transom.

Hull damage

Look for repairs and damage from beaching and trailering, especially along the keel and chines.

The trailer

The trailer often comes with the boat. Check bearings, tires, lights, bunks and the winch, and make sure its title is part of the sale.

Questions to ask the seller

• How many hours on the outboard, and who services it? Can I see the records?
• Has the boat ever been swamped, sunk or left full of rainwater?
• Fresh water or salt? Stored on a trailer, a lift or in the water?
• Any hull or transom repairs?
• Can I run a compression test and pull the gearcase oil?

Paying for the name

Because Montauks hold their value, the price of a used one is rarely a bargain. That's fine: the premium you pay is mostly the premium you'll get back. The best buys are newer boats with low-hour outboards and records. Overpaying happens when buyers pay "Whaler money" for a tired boat with a tired engine. See how much a used boat is worth.

Common questions

Why are Boston Whaler Montauks so expensive used?

Strong demand and a reputation for safety and durability keep resale high. In BoatUS's comparison, a 2016 Montauk 170 had lost only about 11 percent of its base price after ten years.¹

Can a Boston Whaler sink?

Whalers are known for foam-filled hulls and a reputation for staying afloat when swamped. Older boats can absorb water into the foam over time, which makes them heavier and sit lower. Always follow safety rules and wear life jackets.

What should I check first on a used Montauk?

The outboard: hours, records, compression and gearcase oil. Then the foam, the transom and the trailer.