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Author Topic:   Montauk Bow Rails

Stick Em posted 11-16-2010 04:56 PM ET (US)
I'm considering removing the bow rails from my 1984 Montauk. I'm torn, I like the rails, but they do get in the way of loading/unloading and fishing from the bow. Have any of you removed them and then regretted doing so? I'd get the holes filled by a qualified fiberglass company that does excellent work on Whalers.

Taylor posted 11-16-2010 05:38 PM ET (US)
I've thought about it too. If you are going into a lot of beachs landing craft style they are really a pain. I loved them when the kids were smaller, but now, not so much. Tom Clark has said he took them off of every Montauk he owned. Hang them up in the garage and pass them on to the next owner. You might take them out and just leave the screws in the holes to try it. I suspect you would never go back. Another project. This is a fine mess I've gotten myself in.
I'd leave the side rails on.
Chuck Tribolet posted 11-16-2010 05:56 PM ET (US)
Mine has been off since I got the boat. Screws in sealant
are still in place. I'm a diver. I WANT to fall off the boat.

Chuck
elaelap posted 11-16-2010 06:04 PM ET (US)
If you ever stumble forward in lumpy seas, whether to anchor, retrieve crab pots, chase a fish, or just hang out forward of your console, you'll be glad that those rails are there. Yeah, they're unsightly and they get in the way big time if you're embarking, disembarking, and/or loading fuel & supplies over the bow, but like everything regarding boat design, it's all a trade-off. I've thought (briefly) about removing mine, but for my uses...no way.
Tony
P.S. I had the same debate with myself re the bow rails on my classic Outrage 18. I kept 'em.
Blane posted 11-16-2010 06:28 PM ET (US)
Ah the eternal dilema....there must be a way to come up with a set up that allows for easy on/off of the rails. Threaded stainless inserts that are epoxied in place of screws into the gelcoat? If someone could fab a solution up there certainly is a solid market. Id be first in line. Im just not savy enough to start drilling 1/2 holes into my hull to epoxy in inserts.....if I had the skill set to make it through the trial and error Id give it a go.
fluke posted 11-16-2010 07:12 PM ET (US)
Well I agree with Tony, they have kept me on board a few times, but I have thought about lowering them six to eight inches.
cohasett73 posted 11-17-2010 09:07 AM ET (US)
My friend steve and I both own 1973 CohassetII's.
Mine has the bow rail, his does not. On the occasions that I have fished from the bow in Steve's boat I did not enjoy the same sense of security that I do in my boat. And that is before we started drinking beer. Also my Cohasset has the original bulkhead mount with a swivel seat so standing on the casting platform is not necessary.
Tom from Rubicon,WI
PFSQUAN posted 11-17-2010 11:22 AM ET (US)
My bow rail on my 1985 Montauk is removed each spring, and I simply put the screws back in place with finishing washers after dabbing a bit of caulk into each hole. In the fall, I need the bow rail to support the winter cover, so the screws come out, the bow rail goes back on and zip, zip it is done.
Tom W Clark posted 11-17-2010 11:27 AM ET (US)
Whether the bow rail of a Montauk is useful or not is entirely dependent on how and where you use the boat.
If you beach the boat a lot, loose the bow rail; it will only be in the way.
If you stand in the bow while on open water, you will want the bow rail to help keep you from falling overboard. Do NOT cut down the bow rail as that will only create a tripping hazard that will not keep you from falling overboard.
If you have little kids, you may want the bow rail to help corral them.
If you think you might like the boat better without the bow rail, just remove it and see how it feels. Reinstall it later if you like.
If you are wondering about dealing with the screw holes left buy the bow rail, they can be dealt with a number of ways:
- Reinstall (shorter) screws in the holes.
- Countersink and install flat head screws in the holes for a cleaner more flush look.
- Patch the holes with color matched gel coat patch paste.
The first Montauk I owned I bought new. I was so set on having a flawless new boat without screw holes that my dealer ordered in a bare hull and built it up as a Montauk but with the bow rail omitted (the price of which I was credited).
The second Montauk I owned, I bought used and immediately removed the bow rail. I used Desert Tan gel coat patch paste and filled all the screw holes. I was easy and looked great. When I sold the boat, the new owners reinstalled the bow rail and had no trouble redrilling the screw holes.
The third Montauk I owned I never really used before selling it to a friend. Because the boat had an expensive Mills Mooring cover that was slotted for the bow rail, I choose not remove the bow rail. The bow rail is still in place on that boat though the new owners have talked of removing it as they keep it on Lopez Island and do a lot of island hopping in the San Juans.
Tohsgib posted 11-17-2010 11:38 AM ET (US)
I hate bow rails, they help but they hinder. Montauk rails are RIGHT in my line of sight if sitting while driving.
skinnywater posted 11-17-2010 09:39 PM ET (US)
The bow rail is one of the features that attracted me to the Montauk - I like the look AND the security. But, like Tohsgib, the rail is right in my line of sight when I sit and drive (I mostly stand and use the RPS as a leaning post, but sometimes I just like to putt along with my first mate at my side - especially at sunset when the dolphins are with us). And, as with what the others say, they are quite a bit of pain when disembarking on a beach head, so I just jump off the stern into the water, problem solved... except when the water is coooold! :)
I have not done this myself - just offer as a suggestion and casting as bait for response - what about getting a welder to make a gate out of the front rail? Something removable or at least with one end detachable and the other end able to swivel out of the way...? Just a thought.
Queequeg posted 08-22-2011 01:24 PM ET (US)
We just purchased an '85 Montauk with the stock bow rails and I was wondering in anyone out there has replaced the stock rails with the lower sport styled rails?
Do the holes line up in the same as the stock Montauk rail?
contender posted 08-22-2011 02:33 PM ET (US)
1st of all to each his own...This was one of the 1st things I removed when I purchased my whaler, I hate them the side rails went too....trashed them both....With the kind of boating I do these things are in the way period. Every time you come to a dock you have to watch out that they do not hit the dock and bend, or pull out of the glass. Not to mention its another thing thats get in the way of getting in and out of the boat. Its also a pain for setting the anchor and bringing it back in the boat. Its also another thing to take care of, make sure the screws are tight, the connections are ok and if you are anal about your boat you should have a coat of wax on them also. Not for me and my kind of boating, never want them, never will have them... Take them off and put them on ebay or here on this site and sell them...then patch your holes with epoxy or fiberglass and paint over the holes and enjoy...Good luck to you
Teak Oil posted 08-22-2011 08:54 PM ET (US)
I have a 7 and 10 year old and love the security of the rails. A Montauk is a small boat and when fishing the boat rocks a fair amount on the Great Lakes. Also when a big dude goes to the same side of the boat that you are on and you are not expecting it the rails are nice to have, I have caught myself by grabbing them many times.
I would suggest using the boat for a year or so and then decide if you want them or not
rowmer1 posted 08-26-2011 12:28 AM ET (US)
Quote; "Ah the eternal dilema....there must be a way to come up with a set up that allows for easy on/off of the rails. Threaded stainless inserts that are epoxied in place of screws into the gelcoat? If someone could fab a solution up there certainly is a solid market. Id be first in line. Im just not savy enough to start drilling 1/2 holes into my hull to epoxy in inserts.....if I had the skill set to make it through the trial and error Id give it a go".
I replaced mine with stainless grab bars similar to what you would find in a handicap bathroom. Might sound silly but they work well for me. I did use threaded inserts and epoxy I also used 3M 5200 sealant to bed the rails to the hull, so mine aren't removable. Finished up with white interlux inter protect epoxy to help them look like they belong there.Their very strong and have held up well over the past two years.
I wasn't thinking about resale value when I did this, functionality is what I was after and for me these fit the bill.
http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd480/17Montauk45/
Mumbo Jumbo posted 08-26-2011 01:06 AM ET (US)
Depends on where you live and boat. If you live on the southeastern coast of the U.S. and spend much time in the surf or marshes, by all means take them off -they are a real hazard in areas where there are oyster rakes. Disembarking on oyster rakes or anchoring on offshore bars can be dangerous with bow rails installed.

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Author	Topic: Montauk Bow Rails
Stick Em	posted 11-16-2010 04:56 PM ET (US) I'm considering removing the bow rails from my 1984 Montauk. I'm torn, I like the rails, but they do get in the way of loading/unloading and fishing from the bow. Have any of you removed them and then regretted doing so? I'd get the holes filled by a qualified fiberglass company that does excellent work on Whalers.
Taylor	posted 11-16-2010 05:38 PM ET (US) I've thought about it too. If you are going into a lot of beachs landing craft style they are really a pain. I loved them when the kids were smaller, but now, not so much. Tom Clark has said he took them off of every Montauk he owned. Hang them up in the garage and pass them on to the next owner. You might take them out and just leave the screws in the holes to try it. I suspect you would never go back. Another project. This is a fine mess I've gotten myself in. I'd leave the side rails on.
Chuck Tribolet	posted 11-16-2010 05:56 PM ET (US) Mine has been off since I got the boat. Screws in sealant are still in place. I'm a diver. I WANT to fall off the boat. Chuck
elaelap	posted 11-16-2010 06:04 PM ET (US) If you ever stumble forward in lumpy seas, whether to anchor, retrieve crab pots, chase a fish, or just hang out forward of your console, you'll be glad that those rails are there. Yeah, they're unsightly and they get in the way big time if you're embarking, disembarking, and/or loading fuel & supplies over the bow, but like everything regarding boat design, it's all a trade-off. I've thought (briefly) about removing mine, but for my uses...no way. Tony P.S. I had the same debate with myself re the bow rails on my classic Outrage 18. I kept 'em.
Blane	posted 11-16-2010 06:28 PM ET (US) Ah the eternal dilema....there must be a way to come up with a set up that allows for easy on/off of the rails. Threaded stainless inserts that are epoxied in place of screws into the gelcoat? If someone could fab a solution up there certainly is a solid market. Id be first in line. Im just not savy enough to start drilling 1/2 holes into my hull to epoxy in inserts.....if I had the skill set to make it through the trial and error Id give it a go.
fluke	posted 11-16-2010 07:12 PM ET (US) Well I agree with Tony, they have kept me on board a few times, but I have thought about lowering them six to eight inches.
cohasett73	posted 11-17-2010 09:07 AM ET (US) My friend steve and I both own 1973 CohassetII's. Mine has the bow rail, his does not. On the occasions that I have fished from the bow in Steve's boat I did not enjoy the same sense of security that I do in my boat. And that is before we started drinking beer. Also my Cohasset has the original bulkhead mount with a swivel seat so standing on the casting platform is not necessary. Tom from Rubicon,WI
PFSQUAN	posted 11-17-2010 11:22 AM ET (US) My bow rail on my 1985 Montauk is removed each spring, and I simply put the screws back in place with finishing washers after dabbing a bit of caulk into each hole. In the fall, I need the bow rail to support the winter cover, so the screws come out, the bow rail goes back on and zip, zip it is done.
Tom W Clark	posted 11-17-2010 11:27 AM ET (US) Whether the bow rail of a Montauk is useful or not is entirely dependent on how and where you use the boat. If you beach the boat a lot, loose the bow rail; it will only be in the way. If you stand in the bow while on open water, you will want the bow rail to help keep you from falling overboard. Do NOT cut down the bow rail as that will only create a tripping hazard that will not keep you from falling overboard. If you have little kids, you may want the bow rail to help corral them. If you think you might like the boat better without the bow rail, just remove it and see how it feels. Reinstall it later if you like. If you are wondering about dealing with the screw holes left buy the bow rail, they can be dealt with a number of ways: - Reinstall (shorter) screws in the holes. - Countersink and install flat head screws in the holes for a cleaner more flush look. - Patch the holes with color matched gel coat patch paste. The first Montauk I owned I bought new. I was so set on having a flawless new boat without screw holes that my dealer ordered in a bare hull and built it up as a Montauk but with the bow rail omitted (the price of which I was credited). The second Montauk I owned, I bought used and immediately removed the bow rail. I used Desert Tan gel coat patch paste and filled all the screw holes. I was easy and looked great. When I sold the boat, the new owners reinstalled the bow rail and had no trouble redrilling the screw holes. The third Montauk I owned I never really used before selling it to a friend. Because the boat had an expensive Mills Mooring cover that was slotted for the bow rail, I choose not remove the bow rail. The bow rail is still in place on that boat though the new owners have talked of removing it as they keep it on Lopez Island and do a lot of island hopping in the San Juans.
Tohsgib	posted 11-17-2010 11:38 AM ET (US) I hate bow rails, they help but they hinder. Montauk rails are RIGHT in my line of sight if sitting while driving.
skinnywater	posted 11-17-2010 09:39 PM ET (US) The bow rail is one of the features that attracted me to the Montauk - I like the look AND the security. But, like Tohsgib, the rail is right in my line of sight when I sit and drive (I mostly stand and use the RPS as a leaning post, but sometimes I just like to putt along with my first mate at my side - especially at sunset when the dolphins are with us). And, as with what the others say, they are quite a bit of pain when disembarking on a beach head, so I just jump off the stern into the water, problem solved... except when the water is coooold! :) I have not done this myself - just offer as a suggestion and casting as bait for response - what about getting a welder to make a gate out of the front rail? Something removable or at least with one end detachable and the other end able to swivel out of the way...? Just a thought.
Queequeg	posted 08-22-2011 01:24 PM ET (US) We just purchased an '85 Montauk with the stock bow rails and I was wondering in anyone out there has replaced the stock rails with the lower sport styled rails? Do the holes line up in the same as the stock Montauk rail?
contender	posted 08-22-2011 02:33 PM ET (US) 1st of all to each his own...This was one of the 1st things I removed when I purchased my whaler, I hate them the side rails went too....trashed them both....With the kind of boating I do these things are in the way period. Every time you come to a dock you have to watch out that they do not hit the dock and bend, or pull out of the glass. Not to mention its another thing thats get in the way of getting in and out of the boat. Its also a pain for setting the anchor and bringing it back in the boat. Its also another thing to take care of, make sure the screws are tight, the connections are ok and if you are anal about your boat you should have a coat of wax on them also. Not for me and my kind of boating, never want them, never will have them... Take them off and put them on ebay or here on this site and sell them...then patch your holes with epoxy or fiberglass and paint over the holes and enjoy...Good luck to you
Teak Oil	posted 08-22-2011 08:54 PM ET (US) I have a 7 and 10 year old and love the security of the rails. A Montauk is a small boat and when fishing the boat rocks a fair amount on the Great Lakes. Also when a big dude goes to the same side of the boat that you are on and you are not expecting it the rails are nice to have, I have caught myself by grabbing them many times. I would suggest using the boat for a year or so and then decide if you want them or not
rowmer1	posted 08-26-2011 12:28 AM ET (US) Quote; "Ah the eternal dilema....there must be a way to come up with a set up that allows for easy on/off of the rails. Threaded stainless inserts that are epoxied in place of screws into the gelcoat? If someone could fab a solution up there certainly is a solid market. Id be first in line. Im just not savy enough to start drilling 1/2 holes into my hull to epoxy in inserts.....if I had the skill set to make it through the trial and error Id give it a go". I replaced mine with stainless grab bars similar to what you would find in a handicap bathroom. Might sound silly but they work well for me. I did use threaded inserts and epoxy I also used 3M 5200 sealant to bed the rails to the hull, so mine aren't removable. Finished up with white interlux inter protect epoxy to help them look like they belong there.Their very strong and have held up well over the past two years. I wasn't thinking about resale value when I did this, functionality is what I was after and for me these fit the bill. http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd480/17Montauk45/
Mumbo Jumbo	posted 08-26-2011 01:06 AM ET (US) Depends on where you live and boat. If you live on the southeastern coast of the U.S. and spend much time in the surf or marshes, by all means take them off -they are a real hazard in areas where there are oyster rakes. Disembarking on oyster rakes or anchoring on offshore bars can be dangerous with bow rails installed.