I have an older SeaPro DC that has the high bow rail which is a pain for setting/pulling anchor when fishing and getting over/under when beaching with the family. I wish it was only a few inches off the fiberglass but seems like that would be an expensive modification. Looks like the cheapest/simple solution would be to cut out the section at the point so you can easily pass thru (anchor and person).
Anyone made a similar type of change? Would be interested in any suggestions. Anyone have a recommendation on someone that could do that metal work to make it look right? I don’t have that much money in the boat and don’t want to spend much on this, I’ll probably be upgrading in a couple of years time. Thanks!
From a structural point of view, if your rail is attached like most, cutting the center out of the bow will remove 90+% of the strength. Might as well remove it. Each side of the railing is what keeps (constrains) the other side from just flopping over side ways. Without the opposing side connected around the point of the bow, you are relying on the screws that hold the feet in the fiberglass to carry the any lateral load. One good grab with a little weight and it’ll pull right out. Unsafe.
I agree with PS take it off and calk up screw holes till you can afford what you want if you cut out the center some one will surly tear it off and screw up all screw holes an gelcoat!I took mine off over 20 yrs ago and have not missed it!
Thanks all for your input and ideas - didn’t think about the loss of lateral strength with cutting out that section. Removal would definitely be the easiest. From a convenience standpoint (tying/connecting things - bumpers, rod holders), I was hoping to keep some form of rail up there, just one that wasn’t in the way. My deck up there which is mostly the large storage/cooler area and is recessed 12" - 18" so don’t think there’s a significant loss of safety (for family rides) with removal of the rail altogher. You gave me more to think about - remove or have a shorter rail fabricated. Cost will probably push me towards removal. Thanks again for the help!
I have a wellcraft V20 and mounted a trolling motor on the bow. I could not deploy the motor under the rail. So I just cut a section out. I don’t really use the rail for anything other that to hold my rod holders. I wouldn’t pull myself into the boat by with it, but it seems sturdy enough.
As said above, cutting the fwd section out of your bow rail will more than likely set you up for headaches down the road.
Mounting the rails vary from manufacturers. Some thru bolt before the deck and hull are mated together, which is the best way. Others just drill and screw down with a little 5200 and tapping screws. The shorter a rail is, the stronger it is. Cutting a a section out of a 4"-6" high bow rail should not be a problem. Any higher than that, don’t do it.
Cutting and modifying to make it shorter would cost more than a new bow rail.
Your best bet would be either to remove the rail completely or have a custom two peice rail fabricated.
Bob Van Gundy
Marine Designs,Inc.
Custom Aluminum Fabrication
803-727-4069