Boston Whaler 210 Montauk Review

Boston Whaler enjoys a global reputation as the unsinkable legend – something that goes back to the 1960s when the first advertisements showing Whalers sawn in half and still floating upright raised eyebrows all over the world. That original Boston Whaler Montauk model is still made today and still represents one of the best buys on the water.

With its unsinkable hull the Boston Whaler 210 Montauk offers unrivaled comfort and confidence.

Today’s Montauk isn’t just one model, but four, topped by the nine-passenger Boston Whaler 210 Montauk that stretches just over 21 feet in length. Like the original, it’s still made of polyurethane foam, making it absolutely unsinkable. Today’s boat has an updated hull that gives a smoother, drier ride and a larger raised casting deck in the bow with more than enough room for two adults to fish in comfort without constantly bumping elbows. The deck surface is a sensible diamond-pattern non-skid that provides a secure grip while remaining easy to clean and maintenance-free. A large compartment lid with recessed, stainless steel hinges opens to reveal a massive fish box, complete with an overboard drain. A gas ram holds the lid open when in use, leaving both hands free to deal with fish or cargo.

A large fish box in the front deck handles the catch of the day.

Installing filler cushions converts the big front deck to a comfortable seating area.

With the lid closed and optional seat cushions snapped into place, that big casting deck easily converts to an inviting sun pad. Adding a pair of removable back rests transforms the space further, converting it to twin chaise lounges that are both comfortable and spacious. Multiple integrated drink holders in the bow keep cold beverages within easy reach, while thoughtful touches like the recessed 316-L stainless steel bow rail in our review boat provide added security without ever getting in the way.

Thoughtful touches include a recessed safety rain in the bow which provides added security without getting in the way.

There’s a traditional forward-facing seat mounted along the front face of the console, with a 94-quart removable cooler providing the base. The cockpit floor is covered in the same diamond non-skid as the bow deck, and sharp eyes will spot the two drains located where the floor meets the transom. The Boston Whaler 210 Montauk is fully self-bailing, so any rain that falls in the boat just runs down the deck, out the drains and harmlessly over the side. There’s no need to worry about bilge pumps, electrical connections or the state of your battery.

The helm is all business, with plenty of space for a flush-mount touch-screen display.

The center console itself has an access door on the starboard side that leads to a head compartment, complete with a Dometic pump-out toilet. This is a real surprise in a 21-foot boat, and again reflects Boston Whaler’s impeccable attention to detail. An available T-top offers protection from the mid-day sun, complete with a powder-coated aluminum frame that accommodates an overhead courtesy light and rocket launcher-style fishing rod holders.

Rocket launcher-style rod holders and a massive 30-gallon aerated live well are aft of the helm seat.

The helm, like the rest of the Boston Whaler 210 Montauk, is clean, straight-forward and simplicity itself. There’s room to install a large touch-screen multi-function display, while a pair of simple analog multi-function gauges and a row of illuminated toggle switches to the right handle the basics. Steering is hydraulic, meaning smooth operation and pretty much a lifetime of zero maintenance. The stainless steel steering wheel comes standard, while a welded stainless steel grab rail, integrated foot rests, integrated drink holders, courtesy light and acrylic windshield provide added comfort and convenience. The fully reversible pilot seat has a locking backrest and storage underneath, plus a few more rod holders along its aft face. Or, upgrade to the available deluxe leaning post, which comes complete with flip-up bolsters and an integrated 30-gallon aerated live well on the aft side that includes a useful interior light.

Rear jump seats fold flat to provide a raised aft casting platform.

The transom of the Boston Whaler 210 Montauk includes a second raised casting deck, this one with flip-up jump seats in each of the outboard corners for added seating capacity. There’s a small swim platform off the port side of the transom, complete with a retractable four-step, stainless steel boarding ladder. Still more rod holders are mounted into the transom, along with a small receptacle to accommodate a removable cockpit table. Note the fuel fill is mounted within the splash well, a sensible location that makes it easy to contain any accidental spills.

Top speed with a 150 horsepower four-stroke outboard is over 40 mph.

Although rated to handle outboards of up to 200 horsepower, the Boston Whaler 210 Montauk runs extremely well with a lightweight 150 four-stroke. Time to plane is a quick 5.6 seconds, with top speed at wide-open throttle coming in at 40 mph.

Boston Whaler’s Montauk has been one of the best buys on the water for decades. With its high quality construction, comfortable amenities and legendary unsinkable hull, it’s easy to see why this boat continues to delight new buyers to this day.