Restoring a Classic: Why Captain Vinnie Rebuilt a Boston Whaler 17 Montauk

Some folks buy new. Captain Vinnie rebuilds.

For Captain Vinnie of Last Mango Boatworks, bringing an old boat back to life wasn’t about saving a few bucks or filling time—it was about craftsmanship, family, and preserving the soul of something that still had more to give. He grew up in Annapolis, Maryland, where Boston Whalers were as common as crab traps and summer storms. Their unsinkable hulls, tough-as-nails design, and simple layout left a lasting impression. These weren’t disposable boats—they were built to last.

When he and his wife Sarah started talking about getting a boat for the family, the conversation didn’t drift toward anything new. They wanted something with character. Sarah loved the timeless lines of older Whalers, and Captain Vinnie knew they could make one their own—with all the comfort and reliability of a modern skiff. The goal wasn’t just to find a boat. It was to find the right foundation.

That search ended in a Walmart parking lot in Swansboro, North Carolina. His dad spotted a 17-foot Montauk that had been used exclusively in freshwater on Lake Norman. It was seasoned, but clean where it counted—and structurally sound. For Captain Vinnie, that was more than enough.

The 17 Montauk holds a special place in small boat history. Introduced by Boston Whaler in the early 1970s, it became the go-to skiff for anyone who wanted something that could do it all. Shallow draft, foam-filled construction, a wide-open layout—it could fish, cruise, haul, and beach with ease. And it could take a beating. That reputation is what drew him in. It’s also what gave him confidence that this boat, even decades old, was worth every bit of effort.

Back home in Florida, the Montauk was stripped down to its shell. The console, motor, wiring, and hardware were all removed. The plan was to rebuild from the ground up, with function and simplicity leading every decision. The hull was repainted seafoam green. The deck was finished in Matterhorn white. Foam EVA decking was installed for a soft, easy-to-clean surface—perfect for sandbar stops and barefoot afternoons.

Every piece of the console was redesigned. Rather than reuse outdated or poorly placed components, Captain Vinnie worked with his longtime friends at Merritt Boat & Engine Works to patch the old holes and start fresh. Clean rigging was a priority. Starboard panels were added inside the console to run wiring in an organized, serviceable way. He added a Garmin GPS, VHF, a Fusion stereo with JL speakers, and a smart dual battery system—AGM for starting the engine, and lithium for running house electronics without draining power from the starter.

He didn’t stop at the obvious upgrades. One of the more thoughtful improvements was rerouting water flow under the console. Historically, water would run into the original chase tubes underfoot, often leading to mess and trapped debris. So he fabricated a collar out of Starboard, sealed it with 5200 adhesive, and redirected the water away from the tunnel. The result: a dry, clean interior and no headaches down the road.

All rigging—transducer wires, plumbing, and even accessories—was routed cleanly through the transom via a PVC sleeve. It kept everything tidy, out of the way, and protected. The old-school teak? It stayed. But it was cleaned up, re-cleared, and reinstalled. Same with the stainless. What could be reused was kept and polished. That balance of restoration and modernization was part of the vision from day one.

Other finishing touches—like a retro custom-painted Yamaha 90, suction-mounted cup holders to avoid drilling the console, and removable rear seats—were chosen for their mix of practicality and respect for the original build. Even the bimini top had small upgrades: quick-disconnect hardware, paracord to keep clips from scratching the paint, and pool noodles to quiet any rattles underway.

Every step of the rebuild had a reason. And while the technical improvements made the Montauk safer, cleaner, and easier to use, the bigger reason was family. Captain Vinnie’s kids watched the project take shape in the side yard. They helped clean parts, carry gear, and follow along. That hands-on experience gave them a connection to the boat that can’t be bought.

When they launch it now—for fishing, beach days, shelling runs, or quick cruises—they know exactly what went into it. They know it’s theirs. And that’s what matters.

Rebuilding an older boat like this has its challenges. It takes time. It takes patience. But for Captain Vinnie, it gave him control over every detail, and pride in knowing the end result wasn’t just another off-the-lot hull. Old boats were built to last. And when done right, a rebuild doesn’t just bring something back to life—it makes it better. Stronger. More personal. You don’t just own it, you know every inch of it.

This 17 Montauk may have started in a Walmart parking lot, but today it’s a fully modernized, family-ready skiff with history, personality, and a future. It’s proof that with the right vision—and a lot of effort—classic boats still have a place on the water.

Captain Vinnie didn’t just rebuild a boat. He kept a legacy alive.