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Found a Montauk 170 that we're interested in however it does not come with the bow rail. We were really wanting to include one and I don't mind installing it myself but having troubles locating one. I can find the earlier 17 railings but not the newer. If dealers sell them, I'm afraid the cost will be too high?

**Got a hold of the closest dealer about 4 hours out. $922 + shipping. Was hoping for less than that.

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I have never priced them out. But I have a strong preference for the split bow rail (open at the point of the bow for easier passenger boarding and easier to work the anchor), which is an option on new Montauk 170 purchases. I would also think the split bow rail cheaper to ship from a manufacturer, so would reduce costs in that respect.

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While I have not seen the split bow rail, I do believe It would be worth considering.
On the 2005 170, The solid bow rail is nice looking, and functional while on board; however, at any other time it is in the way. The center span is also too long and not supported as well as it could be.
Delicate would not be the correct word, but it comes to mind.
I have considered trying it without the rail, but as mentioned, storing this awkward shape without damage is a problem.
Good luck, keep trying to find one. If someone out there has one for sale, it might be much less than dealer $$$. The market pond is shallow.

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Have you looked around for a local fab shop? Someone who makes T-tops should be able to whip up a custom rail pretty readily, and then you can get exactly the configuration you want.

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Split Bow Rail for the Montauk 170 from the Boston Whaler site:
http://www.bostonwhaler.com/elements/...-rails.jpg

Also stern seats for the Montauk 170 as the OP asked this before for other models.
http://www.bostonwhaler.com/elements/...-Seats.jpg

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Took too long to get a response from the parts department but can get the split rail version from a 2014 model year. $450 per side, plus tax, plus $100 in freight. About $1,100.00.

Been difficult finding someone that could custom make them but just started talking to them to see what the cost will be. They don't have to be exact but would be nice to get some basic dimensions of the bow rail heights and starting points for their evaluation.

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I bent/prepped (which I had professionally welded) modifications for the rails on my 1979 22' Revenge. Used 316 1" polished stainless. Unless you have a template for the shop....a very tedious project. For a bolt on factory original at $1000 not an unreasonable amount. I remember standing away from my boat and making various adjustments for "reveals" on the boat lines as well as making the starboard and portside rails parallel (or close to). Even if you get a factory set up adjusting the bases a 1/2" one direction or the other could change the look immensely. "Dry" fit before mounting/drilling.

Congrats on your purchase.

Garris

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The dealer called back with more exact pricing. For both sides of the 2014 split bow rail, it comes to $987 with taxes and shipping. Not too bad and as you pointed out, I wouldn't need to worry about the lines, angles or points saving some headache.

Unfortunately the closest dealer is an 8 hour round trip. They can have the freight come by a place of business but it has to be semi-truck accessible which we are not... hmm. Will see what I can/have to do...

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For freight deliveries they can store at a loading/departure/dispatch facility closer to your home. Find out what freighters are close to you and you can pick them up there. I also have had pallets dropped off at a local lumber/hardware yard for me to pick up in a day. As long as the delivered product is non competitive with that of the store. I also make them not responsible for storage. I am not always available with my forklift and have a road that is a little difficult and time consuming for large trucks.
Garris

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Thanks for the suggestion, I'll look into it. There was a local freight company I used for a foreign shipment that was good to work with.

Any idea how this may come packaged? Just in wrap, large boxes or strapped to a pallet? Not sure if BW Dealer could tell me since this is uncommon. Want to be prepared but don't want to overdue it if I don't have to. I know it won't be heavy but possibly awkward. All I have for pickup is a minivan, utility trailer and most likely myself and a friend.

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Rails are as light as a feather......no need for additional help. However, very awkward. The polished surface can pick up scratches, especially if dropped on concrete (tough lesson for me to learn). Figure out the exact dimensions and see what vehicle they can fit into. Bring sheets, blankets, etc......to cover area that may rub on something. It may be a pallet delivery, not from weight but the space it takes up. Do check for transporting damage. You can still alter some of the angles and such resting on a block of wood and tweeking the rail a little.
Garris

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Got the pricing back for custom rails. One wanted as much as BW is selling them for and the other wants $2,800 for stainless and $1,800 for aluminum, ouch! Looks like the pricing is decent for the BW's so I will go that direction...

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Trailer the boat to the dealer, get the rails installed and then visit a local lake and make it an adventure.

Take photos so we can oogle.

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Phil offers excellent advice unless you want to be a "do it yourselfer". Drilling into a deck or gunnel is a one shot deal unless you are prepared to repair. One piece of advice is to drill with a concrete bit with a hammer drill. You get a lot of less cracking in the surrounding areas.
Garris

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No problems with the DIY. I'm in commercial construction and have completed a home theater, bathroom and a wet bar in our old basement. Also performed an engine, transmission and axle swap on my old Jeep.


Just had the maiden voyage and think we're going to hold off on the bow rail for now. Unexpectedly, the kids found it as a great jumping platform while we were anchored to swim. Don't want anything to stand in their way of enjoyment...