CONTINUOUSWAVE

[I may buy] a new 190 Montauk and it has the split bow-rail option.

Are there reasons one might choose to order a boat without a bow rail?

If you choose a bow rail, why choose the split bow rail over the regular or vice versa?

[A reason to not get any bow railings would be because of] poor installation leading to water intrusion and spider cracks around all the stanchions. One-piece welded bow rails have made the installation a little better as there is less stress around all the deck fittings

But I wouldn't have a boat without bow rails if at all possible.

A reason to choose to order a new boat without bow rails: you plan to get into the boat and out of the boat by stepping over the bow, so a bow railing would make that more difficult.

A reason to choose the option in a 190 MONTAUK boat to have a split bow rail:

--to permit getting into the boat or getting out of the boat by the bow to be easier by stepping through the gap

--to avoid a problem with the long span of the frontmost railing tending to vibrate at some engine speeds, leading to metal fatigue and possible fracture of the metal

When you order the factory installed trolling motor wiring kit, the bow rail is automatically deleted. I have noticed that where the boat dealer is geographically located has a large influence on how the boat bow rails are ordered from the factory.

In the southern states, such as Florida, a very high percentage of the boats have the bow rails deleted. I presume this is because of the higher demand for factory pre-installed bow trolling motors kits plus there is a lot more shallow water back bay use - much easier to use the bow deck for sight casting with out the rails. In the northern states, I have noticed more boats with full bow rails, I think this is because of more off-shore use and having the rails adds a lot of safety. The split bow rail option gives you the ability to board from the bow and still have the security of the bow rails.

On my 210 Montauk I choose the full bow rails, I really like the classic look of the full bow rails and I also believe the full bow rail adds a great safety factor.

Last weekend I was on my 190 in a small cove when this 170 enters with this beautiful shortened full bow rail. It was about 4 to 5 inches off the gunwale and I am sure it was a custom made job. It looked absolutely fantastic and made the boat look so sleek and racy. Unfortunately the gentleman did not come close enough to me so I could ask him where he had this done but it did plant the seed in me to consider having this done on my boat depending on the cost of course!

The split bow rail makes anchoring with chain and anchor line a breeze. No need to go under the railing. Plus as already mentioned, it allows getting in and out while beached far more convenient, particularly for those not in the greatest of physical shape!
If I were to order a new Montauk, I would get the split option.