bow rail

rhahn427

Junior Member
Ok ....... I admit it ......... I'm a newbie ......

I want to replace my bowrail with an open front bow rail.

I know I can buy the tubing and the components that will allow me to use the same mounts but I want to know what kind of shop do I need to go to to get the rail bent to match the bend in my existing rail? Or how do I bend it myself.

Thanks

Rick
 
I took my center section out w/a pipe-cutter just forward of the upright, then put INSIDE caps from the hardware store ... but if you want a reely factory-lookin' job, and yer near the coast, find a T-top maker ;) ...
 
Sean said:
Couldn't you just take a sauzal to the existing rail and wala!~ you have a open front rail ;D

I could but I wanted to keep the old one intact incase I didn't like the open front for some reason
 
rhahn427 said:
I could but I wanted to keep the old one intact incase I didn't like the open front for some reason
Just cut it off and if you dont like the looks then have a new one bent then you may have no cost at all.
 
I removed the middle also and capped it off. looks factory nice. I also cut the two mounting pipes down to 51/2" (front) and3"(middle) then took a couple inches off the rear so the rail would again fit in the rear rail fitting. I just lowererd the whole thing several inches. It was easy to do. you dont have to remove or relocate the mounts! gives it a nice low profile look, but still plenty useable. I can send you pics if you like.
 
Welcome to the site schmahl, of coarse we want pictures (their expected).
Look under "How To" topics or post stuff and these guys will help.
 
Some of te old sea dogs around the boat yard say to fill the tubing with sand. This will prevent the tubing from getting kinks in the tubing.
 
thanks for the welcome. This is a very interesting site with lots of great info! I have owned my v20 about 5 years now and live in Vancouver, Washington. I have never seen another one here in the portland/vancouver area. Somehow mine found its way out here. It handles the big, fast, choppy water of the Columbia river very well. I take her out salmon/sturgeon fishin almost every weekend. I will get some pics up soon. I have really enjoyed looking at all your boats. Lots of great ideas out there and the pride of ownership is awsome. I had no idea there was such a loyal following!
 
schmahlworld said:
thanks for the welcome. This is a very interesting site with lots of great info! I have owned my v20 about 5 years now and live in Vancouver, Washington. I have never seen another one here in the portland/vancouver area. Somehow mine found its way out here. It handles the big, fast, choppy water of the Columbia river very well. I take her out salmon/sturgeon fishin almost every weekend. I will get some pics up soon. I have really enjoyed looking at all your boats. Lots of great ideas out there and the pride of ownership is awsome. I had no idea there was such a loyal following!



Glad to hear yer "V" handles the famously notorious Columbia well ;) ... what kinda power ya got on 'er??...



Oh yeah, Schmal ... how'd you find us way out there ?? ...
 
Ok, I think I got this picture thing figured out... Here are a couple pictures of my bow rail modification.
ebayphotos138.jpg

ebayphotos139.jpg
 
8) Its called a columbia river anchor and its the only thing that will hold you on that river which is where I spend most my boating hours. You have to slide a 2' diamatr buoy down the anchor line to retrieve it. Its a little tricky but very ingenious once you get the hang of it. It is a must have for us here!
 
shorten bow rail looks nice. I feel the factory height is to tall, and me, personally, don't like how it looks completely removed. Chopped down like that......now your stylin'!
 
reelapeelin shes got a 200 merc. I have to get a better picture posted. I found you doing a search on google looking for wellcraft info 8)
 
thanks phester. I posted with a little more detail in the mods section as you suggested 8)
 
schmahlworld said:
reelapeelin shes got a 200 merc. I have to get a better picture posted. I found you doing a search on google looking for wellcraft info 8)




Sorry, Schmal...ya got 200 Merc posted in your signature ::) ... my dumb!! ;D ;D ... yeah, pop us up some more pics if ya got 'em ...
 
I spent 13 years with IBEW local 26, so my advise would be find an electrician, any journeyman worth his salt shoud be able to match the bend and also be able to determine the angle you want and have the equipment to bend it for ya. remember 5,6,8,11 these are the take up( amount of shrinkage) when you bend a 90* bend on 1/2 3/4 1 1 1/4 inch pipe with a hand bender. Realy not harnd just have to be sure not to scuff the bright while bending it.

And welcome to the show

WOW I gave advise, does this mean I've arrived LOL
 
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