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Author Topic:   180 Dauntless Bow Rail Modification

Dauntless_14_TX posted 12-07-2011 08:32 AM ET (US)
A few weeks ago I got back my 2003 180 Dauntless after I had a custom shop design a new bow rail for my boat. It had the full bow rail, and I wanted to put a trolling motor on the bow as the wiring and plug were already at the bow anyway. I thought about removing the rail, but my wife likes the rail as a safety thing when we're just out boating/fishing. So I contacted a local marine stainless fabricator and voila, new rail. The new rail utilizes all the old screw attachment points so, no new holes needed to be drilled. Plus the now open bow is great for the troling motor on a quick release bracket for easy removal, and having it open makes getting off at the beach a breeze. I will say that it looks even better than factory and overall a much sharper boat. I've already gotten plenty of comments on it at the boat ramp, and some ask if it was a factory option they didn't know about. Anyway, just a few pics for ideas if anyone is so interested.
http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/j447/Dauntless_14_TX/2003_Boston_Whaler_Dauntless_180/Bow_rail_mod.png
andrey320 posted 12-07-2011 11:18 AM ET (US)
Thats great!
I always thought that the bow rail on my Dauntless was a little much. It really does make getting on/off the bow and securing the boat on the trailer a hassle.
lurkynot posted 12-09-2011 07:32 PM ET (US)
Looks good. I contemplated modifying the rails in that fashion as well. In the end this is what I came up with.
http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b7/lurkynot/18%20Dauntless%20Troll%20Motor
One other thought comes to mind. Initially I allowed the black cord at the rear of the troll motor head to traverse side to side when steering. As the cord dragged back and forth over the mount it developed a short and I had have it repaired. I now hang the surplus cord over the rail and it no longer is a problem.
Jessielove posted 12-09-2011 10:36 PM ET (US)
Dauntless, I really like the look of the rail especially from inside the boat. For me, there would have been only one thing I would have done different. From the outside shot, I notice the rail seems parallel to the gunnel and in keeping with traditional whaler styling I would like to see just a little upsweep to the rail towards the bow.
Overall though, I really like what you came up with and I'de give it a 9.5/10. Nice work indeed.
Here's a link to your pic:
http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/j447/Dauntless_14_TX/ 2003_Boston_Whaler_Dauntless_180/Bow_rail_mod.png
Dauntless_14_TX posted 12-12-2011 04:04 PM ET (US)
Thanks for the remarks, and the comment about the cord is good. I'll have to keep that in mind to prevent any future mishaps with the motor. I wanted to keep the rail high enough to be functional as a grab aid for anyone in the bow, but also low enough to not interfere with fishing. I too contemplated with a slight upward slant towards the bow, but after lots of work on ideas with photoshop and the rail guy I went with what you see. I should post some pics without the motor so you can see how much bow area it opens up.

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Author	Topic: 180 Dauntless Bow Rail Modification
Dauntless_14_TX	posted 12-07-2011 08:32 AM ET (US) A few weeks ago I got back my 2003 180 Dauntless after I had a custom shop design a new bow rail for my boat. It had the full bow rail, and I wanted to put a trolling motor on the bow as the wiring and plug were already at the bow anyway. I thought about removing the rail, but my wife likes the rail as a safety thing when we're just out boating/fishing. So I contacted a local marine stainless fabricator and voila, new rail. The new rail utilizes all the old screw attachment points so, no new holes needed to be drilled. Plus the now open bow is great for the troling motor on a quick release bracket for easy removal, and having it open makes getting off at the beach a breeze. I will say that it looks even better than factory and overall a much sharper boat. I've already gotten plenty of comments on it at the boat ramp, and some ask if it was a factory option they didn't know about. Anyway, just a few pics for ideas if anyone is so interested. http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/j447/Dauntless_14_TX/2003_Boston_Whaler_Dauntless_180/Bow_rail_mod.png
andrey320	posted 12-07-2011 11:18 AM ET (US) Thats great! I always thought that the bow rail on my Dauntless was a little much. It really does make getting on/off the bow and securing the boat on the trailer a hassle.
lurkynot	posted 12-09-2011 07:32 PM ET (US) Looks good. I contemplated modifying the rails in that fashion as well. In the end this is what I came up with. http://s16.photobucket.com/albums/b7/lurkynot/18%20Dauntless%20Troll%20Motor One other thought comes to mind. Initially I allowed the black cord at the rear of the troll motor head to traverse side to side when steering. As the cord dragged back and forth over the mount it developed a short and I had have it repaired. I now hang the surplus cord over the rail and it no longer is a problem.
Jessielove	posted 12-09-2011 10:36 PM ET (US) Dauntless, I really like the look of the rail especially from inside the boat. For me, there would have been only one thing I would have done different. From the outside shot, I notice the rail seems parallel to the gunnel and in keeping with traditional whaler styling I would like to see just a little upsweep to the rail towards the bow. Overall though, I really like what you came up with and I'de give it a 9.5/10. Nice work indeed. Here's a link to your pic: http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/j447/Dauntless_14_TX/ 2003_Boston_Whaler_Dauntless_180/Bow_rail_mod.png
Dauntless_14_TX	posted 12-12-2011 04:04 PM ET (US) Thanks for the remarks, and the comment about the cord is good. I'll have to keep that in mind to prevent any future mishaps with the motor. I wanted to keep the rail high enough to be functional as a grab aid for anyone in the bow, but also low enough to not interfere with fishing. I too contemplated with a slight upward slant towards the bow, but after lots of work on ideas with photoshop and the rail guy I went with what you see. I should post some pics without the motor so you can see how much bow area it opens up.