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I wrote an article on the research I have been doing on the Side Rails for the 1980's Outrage 18's.
http://www.whalercentral.com/articles...icle_id=90

I thought I would ask more questions here on what other Outrage 18' owners have on their boats or what they have seen on other Outrage 18's.

What is the length of your factory Side Rails? Center to center on the rail base fittings?
62 inches approximately?
Or ?

What I am trying to determine is what really is the correct length Side Rails for the Outrage 18' from the factory ?
Did Boston Whaler actually use the same length side rails on the 18', 20', and 22' ?

We have some facts about other models.
Outrage 25' = 71 inches
Outrage 22' = 62 inches (this also include the Outrage 20')
Outrage 18' = ?? (did Boston Whaler use the Outrage 22' rails on the 18'?)

25' compared to the 22'. The Outrage 25's side rails are 9 inches longer than the 22' model.
Obviously the 25' model is basically 3 feet longer than the 22' model and should have longer side rails than the 22' model.

22' compared to the 18'. You would think that the Outrage 18' would have at least 9 or 10 inch shorter side rails than the 22' as the Outrage 18' is 4 feet shorter than the 22'... The 18' should have shorter side rails than the 22' just like the 22' has shorter side rails than the 25'...

This however doesn't seem to be the case.
I have seen many Outrage 18's with the 62 inch rails just like the Outrage 22'.
I have also seen shorter side rails on the 18' but don't know if they were custom made or factory.
As you can see in my article, I thought the 22' side rails were just too long for my 18' so I cut them down.
Right or wrong, I did it and it works for me and I think it looks more in proportion to the boat.

Anymore info and input on these side rails would be helpful.
Inquiring minds want to know what the real deal is here.

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Where are all the Outrage 18' owners with side rails?

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I've got an 1984 18' outrage with 29" siderails. Not sure if they are from the factory. They do not have the center post. Curious if there are others like it out there.

PM

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Paul,

You have what are called "Grab Rails".
Yes, they were factory options just like the Side Rails.

Whaler offered both options and as you noted look totally different from Side Rails.
1. Side Rails
2. Grab Rails

I believe all the grab rails for many models were the same length.
About 28 inches from center to center of fittings.
The grab rails are also not as tall as the side rails.

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Thanks for posting this info. I have been considering adding these rails to my 18'. I did not realize that "grab rails" were a factory option. I was looking to have these custom made. To me the full length rail is just too much to be practical. It looks nice, but I like to sit on the gunnel or jump into/out of the boat on the side.

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Here is a perfect example of shorter Outrage 18' Side Rails.
They appear to be factory and it looks like they measure 55 inches long.

I'm asking for others to help us here.
If you have side rails on your Outrage 18', would you please measure the length from center to center of the outside fittings?

Photo by Karl Sooy

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I just measured mine and they are the 55", the one shown on your perfect example.

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Mine are not factory but I could not resist. I bought them from nice man in upstate California.

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regentsbay,

Excellent. Now we have 2 people that have 55 inch Side Rails on the Outrage 18'.
Do you have any photos?

Here is what we have so far for Side Rails installed on the Outrage 18'.

62 inch (Outrage 22' rails)
1. Finnegan
2. Troy
3. fishtales

55 inch (Outrage 18' rails)?
1. Karlsooy
2. regentsbay

I know there are a lot more Outrage 18' owners out there with side rails.
I think we are seeing now that many dealers may have just put on the side rails they had in stock or possibly didn't realize there was a difference in side rail length between the 18' and the 22'...

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Barry,

Those Grab Rails sure look nice along with that stern seat.

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Just measured mine, and they are 62". I have a 1986 18' Outrage. I took them off when I got the boat last year because the way they were positioned they went over the rear rod holder. I would like to put them back on, has anyone had any luck cutting them down?

Nice survey Joe,

John

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fishtales,

Yes, that is exactly what I did. Cut mine down.
I will be adding this to the article in the future but here is what I did.

I cut the rail in the middle to begin with.
Then I positioned both the front and the rear rail fittings where they should go.
In my case, these were 48 inches apart.
I then slid the center section fitting assembly on one of the rails and positioned it where it was supposed to go. 21 3/8 inches from the rear fitting.
I then cut the rail in the center of that fitting.
Then I positioned the other rail where it should go into the center fitting and cut it.
Now the rail is how I wanted it and the correct length for me.
All that is needed then is to cut a Hot Dog. A hot dog is a 3/4 inch piece of stainless steel tubing that is 4 inches long. (Thank You Tom Clark for sending me these) This fits between the splice in the rail and gives it strength. Then drill the holes through the rail in the center fitting thru the main rail and the hot dog. Tap the holes thru both rails and use the original screw.
Finished.

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I found a little more info in the genuine Boston Whaler installation instructions.

They list different part numbers for the different length models.

Outrage 18' = 72-4787-00, Side rail kit no. 15-0872-00
Outrage 22' = 72-5069-00, Side rail kit no. 15-0674-00
Outrage 24'/25' = 72-5068-00 Side rail kit no. 15-0873-00

So, apparently there are different lengths for the 18', 22', and 25' models or they wouldn't list different part numbers above.
Note: i am purposely leaving out the 20' model at this time because this is confusing enough for me.

Anyone with factory Side Rails, please measure the length of your side rails for dimension "A" in the above drawing. That would be the length from center to center of the outside rail fittings.

So far we assume these might be the lengths.

Outrage 18' = 55 inches
Outrage 22' = 62 inches
Outrage 24'/25' = 71 inches

I have another drawing of my setup that I am going to add to the article.
http://www.whalercentral.com/articles...icle_id=90

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Is anyone here interested in purchasing a set of Side Rails.
Take a look at the article in the link above this post.

I am considering making a couple of sets up if I can find a rail shop.
These most likely won't be cheap as everything is going out of site.
Screws, set screws, rail fittings and then the railing... all adds up.

Just curious if anyone is interested before I pursue this any further.
You don't have to commit. Just wondering if anyone is interested.

I would also need to know what length you want.
48 inches for Outrage 18' (this seems the best fit)
62 inches for Outrage 22's
71 inches for Outrage 24'/25'

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Any idea what a pair for an 18' would run? I have the 62" set now that I would want to sell if the numbers worked out.

John

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explain to me what to measure. my rails go all the way around the front of the boat. where do i stop and start for this measurement?

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jorders,

Take a look at the link I posted in my first post at the top of this page.

This is for side rails only. I think you are talking about the bow rail.

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Hi guys/Joe. I am a new member, but have been reading the site for years, thanks for everything. Hopefully i will be able to contribute more.

Question. I am interested in purchasing the smaller grab rails for a Outrage 18, any suggestions on the best place? Tried Speciality Marine but they stop at the Montauk's.

Thanks.

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Blue Vue,

The only one I know of at this time that makes original style Rails is CMI. There is a link in the "Web-less Vendors" sections as they don't have a website.
http://www.whalercentral.com/viewpage...page_id=33

You could also make your own by having someone bend some SS railing for you.
I have some extra fittings for sale or you could buy other fittings anywhere on the Internet...
See this thread:
http://www.whalercentral.com/forum/vi...d_id=13196

For Grab Rails, you would need 4 base fittings.

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Here is another example of what looks to be 48 inch factory side rails on a 1990 model Outrage 18'....

Mine are almost identical to these newer ones except the older versions were not welded.

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If you are still interested in what Whaler put on 18' Outrages, the side rails on my 1987 18' are 62".

If I can figure out how to post a picture, I will.

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mct,

Unfortunately many dealers put on the incorrect side rails on 18' models.
It seems apparent to us that many Outrage 18's had Outrage 22' side rails installed on them at the dealer.

Take a look at the article I show in the post #1 above.
Outrage 18' rails should not be 62 inches long....

The Outrage 18' part numbers are different from the Outrage 22' models so they are not the same length.

Outrage 22' models are 62 inches in length.
Outrage 18' models should be 48 inches but could possibly be 55 inches on some models we have seen.
Still not positive but 48 inches seems to be a perfect fit and more in proportion.

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I figured out how and added a picture to my personal page that shows the railings and the rest of the boat.

As for the railings, my family is the original owner and, to be honest, we never noticed the difference. From seeing other 18' Outrages oner the years I have seen many different railing configurations.

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mct,

I agree with you as we are all in the same boat.
We have all seen different length railings on different model Outrages.

I think it would be safe to say that many dealers didn't even know the difference and that is why we see the wrong railings on the wrong boat or the railings they installed are the only railings they had in stock at the time.

We have seen several other members that bought their boat brand new and the dealer added the wrong length side rails.

Of course this doesn't really matter what rails a boat has but we are just trying to figure out the part numbers of the original rails and their length.
We know the part numbers but we don't know the exact length of rails the part numbers should have.

Outrage 18' should be 48 inches. (maybe 55 inches but questionable)

Outrage 22' should be 62 inches.
This is almost positive as this is what all Outrage 22's have on them that we know of that were original.

You have a very nice Outrage 18' there. Glad you got your personal page up and running.
Nice stern seat and bow step cushions.
One thing, did someone turn the teak seat back around on the RPS as originally the storage cutout faces to the rear?
Some people like it the way you have it but that is backwards from original. Just a tip in case you weren't aware...

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The center bench seat has been facing that way since day one. I have seen it the other way, but I haven't known different and like it this way for a little extra storage for small items. The boat originally came with two captains chairs as there are two circles made of screws on the deck. I guess whoever put the wrong size railings on also put my seat in backwards.

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Thanks Joe, sorry for late reply, been off working. Hopefully have some time to dig into this later in the week!

-BV

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Joe,
You wanted to know if the side rails on my V-20 were original. Well, the answer is no. I fabricated them myself as per the drawing on this site. I don't have access to the boat right now, but I think they are 62 inches long. I also want to say that this site was very helpful in my year-long restoration process on the V-20 Outrage. I love the boat!

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I believe these aren't original however, no history of anything else exists. but this is an 1987, 18 foot Outrage.
http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6218/6352478003_844670c5a6_z.jpg

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gusgus,

Those are original "Grab" rails you have and not "Side" rails.
As you can see, grab rails are different than side rails.

Most boats only have one pair of grab rails but someone put 2 pair of grab rails on your boat.

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OK?
I see the difference, but surely are confused at to why the name difference between grab and side rails.
So isn't a rail just a rail, but design differences aren't usually named.

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They're named so one gets the model they want when placing an order for a particular rail. Bow rail, console rail, shepherds crook, side rails, grab rails. No internet pictures of everything when the Outrage 18 was built and sold...

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As Marko888 states, they are named so people order the correct parts.
Also see post #4 and post #8 as we discussed this in the beginning of this thread.
The grab rails also have different part numbers than the side rails.

Grab Rails:
Outrage 18' = part #15-0872-00
All larger models seem to be = part #15-0576-00

The Boston Whaler Options Catalogs show the different rails.
See the attached photo.
(courtesy Boston Whaler)

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Joe,

When you cut your 62" rails shorter, did you use a hack saw, or one of those roller pipe cutters, like a plumber would have? The pipe cutter would do a nice square cut...but only if tough enough to cut stainless?

I have the sane issue, 62" rails on my 18. Yours look better, so I'm gonna follow your thinking and cut them down to 48".

cheers

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Mark,

I used a hack saw.
The cut doesn't have to be perfect as it is hidden under the T- fitting.
However, the squarer the better. You can always file it to and remove all the burrs inside and out.

I also used a Hot Dog to join the two pieces back together under the fitting...

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JOe,

here is another 18 with shorter rails

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1078/1...13de_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2039/2...d9ff_b.jpg

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Joe,
I have a 1986 18' and it has no side rails. I bought the boat in 1990 from original owner [I was with him when he bought it from Baltimore Chris Craft at a boat show]. I have all original paper work including the small pamphlet titled Boat Prices ans Specifications. Effective February 1 1986. The page for Outrage 18 has little marks next to the options on the boat as purchased. Un-marked are two side rail options.
#1 STAINLESS STEEL SIDE GRAB RAILS [Pair] * 15-0872-00
#2 STAINLESS STEEL SIDE RAIL KIT * 15-0872-00
When you look to see what the * is for it simply says cannot be installed together.
The Boston Whaler full color sale brochure from the same year shows 3 pictures of 18 Outrage boats. Two have what I would call the "grab rails" and one has none.
The owners manual [18-25 foot Models] shows an 18 on the front cover with none.
The Boston Whaler Options brochure from the same year show the two rails available as" Side Rails" with a picture of the rail in such a way that it would be a wild guess as to length.
The second picture says "Side Deck Grab Rails" also for use along the gunwale but don't consume as much space as the side rails.

In the actual checklist for choosing options they are described the same with no length given. What is odd is there is the following.
Stainless Side Rails, can"t be installed with side Grab Rails.[n/aon 22C]. On the facing page is a 22 Cuddy with side rails about 48" long to my eye. All the boats with any ID on them are from Mississippi [MS] so maybe a dealer down there could help.

Just re read some of your posts and have the following.
Outrage 22 cuddy no listing for side rails as option.
Outrage 22 Side Rail Kit 15-0874-00 $170
Outrage 20 Side Rail Kit 15-1315-00 $170
Outrage 25 Stainless Steel Side Rails [Pair] $187

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I finally measured the original side rails on my 1985 Outrage 18, and they are 68" centre to centre between the mounting bases. Odd ball one-of set I suppose? The boat originally came from Michigan.

I plan to cut them down as Joe did with his before remounting back on my new gunwales.

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Mark,

I am not sure what to make of your side rails.
Hard to tell if someone had yours made or what.

I also saw your comment about your side rails and have been thinking about it.
http://www.whalercentral.com/articles...icle_id=90
In comment #5, we haven't heard back from Eri on the length of his rails for the Newport 18'.
You can view his personal page here.
http://www.whalercentral.com/infusion...r_id=11416

His rails look to be more the same length as yours. (just a guess by looking)

I like the length of mine at 48 inches. They are longer and higher then Grab Rails and not too long where it makes it harder to get in and out of the boat. (dogs too)

I used "Hot Dogs" to splice my rails beneath the fitting. Both the rail and the Hot Dog was threaded to accept the standard screw.
Not sure if you have the same screws or not.
http://www.whalercentral.com/photogal...oto_id=347

Good Luck and let us know how they come out.

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Joe,

The rails on that Newport appear identical to mine in length, as evidenced by the forward mounting on the glass, and rear mount just forward of the rod holder, though I suppose it is possible the rod holder is in a different location...

Looking at the parts on my old gunwales, 50" looks to be my magic number for the cut down.

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Mark,

I found another one like yours.
This is on a 1984 Outrage 18'
http://www.whalercentral.com/infusion...er_id=6200

This boat is located in Michigan.
Maybe the same Michigan dealer was putting these rails on Outrage 18' models?

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Hmmm, sharp eye! I've admired that one before, but had not noticed the rails. I have a ways to go to get mine looking that nice. Just a beautiful boat.

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Here's another with 68" rails

http://www.whalercentral.com/userphot...hoto_id=63

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Here's a pair that seem to be around 50" ish.

They also appear to be mounted a couple inches further back then normal.

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Very interesting read. I actually have the opposite needs of most of the folks on this thread.

I have the 29" grab rails and would love to get the longer, taller side rails. 55" should be about perfect.

Anyone know where I could find the longer side rail? I'm also interested in getting the stern rail like the one in Joe's picture above.

If anyone is interested in trading side rails, I'm all ears!

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You could make your own from the article on page one of this thread.

I have some fittings for sale.
2 base fittings and 2 T fittings. You would need to buy 4 other base fittings or use the ones you have from the Grab rails.
http://www.whalercentral.com/forum/vi...post_82499

55" seems too long to me but whatever works for you.

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I am new to the site and recently became the owner of a 1992 Outrage 17' I. I too wish to install side rails. Anyone else out there with a 17 that has done the same? I am currently doing my research and it looks like I will be getting rails custom made locally unless there is a better source elsewhere.

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Martin Marine Design is one this site's sponsors. I'd contact them.

http://stores.ebay.com/Martin-Marine-...ine-Design

A good local canvas shop could likely do it also as typically use aluminum and stainless supports for the canvas. Either they do their own metal work or could recommend someone who does their metal work for them.

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I shortened my Outrage 18 side rails, which we think might have been Newport 18 side rails, to 58". I mounted them near the outer edge of the gunwale, in order to line up with the bow rail positioning.

Although these are longer than expected, I'm happy with the outcome. The best part is that I can now sit on the gunwale while accessing the inside of the console via the side door, which is convenient.

Photo at bottom of personal page.

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My apologies if this has already be stated in the thread, but I'm trying to find a vendor that sells side rails for my 1984 Outrage 22.

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84outrage22,

I have the center uprights and center fittings for sale.
#4 in the link below.
You can have someone make the rails for you according to the drawing.

http://www.whalercentral.com/forum/vi...d_id=14280

Here is a photo of the center parts I have.
http://www.whalercentral.com/forum/at...ngs2_1.jpg