Boston Whaler Montauk 170

When it comes to iconic boat models, there is a good argument that the Boston Whaler Montauk 170 may be the number one of them all.

The omnipresent summertime favorite can be seen at docks from Chicago to Sydney and Cape May to the south of France. The boat has earned its status and reputation through a number of vaunted features, perhaps most famous of which is its unsinkable, foam-cored hull. If you are concerned with safety — as all boaters should be — having a hull that has been proven not to sink is quite an appealing proposition.

But the boat also has handsome 316-L stainless steel fixtures, all through-bolted, a testament to her sturdy build. Her trademark wide-open layout offers itself equally well to cruising and angling. If fishermen are primarily aboard there is an optional fishing package that includes a cooler seat, rod holders and extra tackle drawers. Other options for cruising in style include teak trim, a Bimini top and a tow arch.

“The Montauk 170 was designed for the big water of the open ocean, so it’s a perfect fit on the Great Lakes,” said Rod Bensz at B&E Marine. “It’s a big-water boat, but one that you can still easily tow behind the family SUV.”

With an optional 115-horsepower outboard the boat can hit a top hop of over 40 knots, while cruising closer to 30. Her famously flat hull offers excellent stability at slow speeds and in calm water, but don’t be surprised if you feel a bit of a bounce should you hit chop going that fast.

With a base price right around $48,000 this 17-foot, 8-inch boat offers a lot. And as a nice cherry on top, thanks to her classic appeal, she retains some of the best resale value in the industry.

If you are looking for a rugged, fast, versatile and instantly recognizable vessel to tie up behind your house it would be difficult to find a better fit than the Boston Whaler Montauk 170.