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Considering replacing shepard's crook
VG_82_Sport	#1  Posted on 03/25/07 - 3:45 PM
Member Posts: 18 Comments: 5 Joined: 10/04/06	Has anyone changed out the shepard's crook on a classic Montauk/Outrage console to a straight rail that doesn't protrude out so far? The One Who Must Be Obeyed has decreed that the crook makes the front cooler seat too uncomfortable.
VG_82_Sport	#2  Posted on 03/25/07 - 3:47 PM
Member Posts: 18 Comments: 5 Joined: 10/04/06	I just realized that I need to change my name to VG_82_Sportauk
Jeff	#3  Posted on 03/25/07 - 4:18 PM
Member Posts: 1987 Comments: 34 Joined: 04/02/05	VG The Outrage Cuddy models had a straight run without the crook like you are asking about. Have a look at Joe's old 22 Outrage Cuddy. 22 Outrage Cuddy 1993 23' Walkaround Whaler Drive
VG_82_Sport	#4  Posted on 03/25/07 - 5:43 PM
Member Posts: 18 Comments: 5 Joined: 10/04/06	Thanks, Jeff. I'm curious what the bottom fitting looks like. Do you know of any pics that show it? Edited by VG_82_Sport on 03/25/07 - 5:44 PM
Mike	#5  Posted on 03/25/07 - 6:01 PM
Site Owner Personal Page Photo Albums Project Albums Posts: 337 Comments: 1 Joined: 03/18/05	You should be able to use the same bottom fitting as the crook. I may have a picture floating around somewhere. Edited by Mike on 03/25/07 - 6:02 PM
VG_82_Sport	#6  Posted on 03/26/07 - 6:32 AM
Member Posts: 18 Comments: 5 Joined: 10/04/06	I'd love to hear from someone who's made this change. I'm a little concerned that the railing won't be as rigid as the original.
Mike	#7  Posted on 03/26/07 - 7:20 AM
Site Owner Personal Page Photo Albums Project Albums Posts: 337 Comments: 1 Joined: 03/18/05	This may or may not fit your criteria. I didn't make a change - just had the real thing from the factory. Not a refit as far as I know. I had a 1989 Outrage Cuddy 22 with NO shepards crook this set-up presumably made passage to the cuddy easier. The vertical piece of rail went directly from the "T" fitting on top and ran down to the standard BOTTOM fitting. Can't imagine what would be more sturdy - if correctly installed that is. I'll forget about finding the picture.
Tom W Clark	#8  Posted on 03/26/07 - 8:07 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 4280 Comments: 7 Joined: 09/30/05	The fittings are the same without the shepherd's crook, but the replacement straight piece is not really straight. You need to put a slight bend in it to get it to slip into the lower fitting which is about 10 degrees off from the surface of the front of the console. The TEE fitting will need to be rotated to the new position and new screw holes tapped into the grab rail. This should be an easy conversion. Edited by Tom W Clark on 03/26/07 - 8:10 AM
VG_82_Sport	#9  Posted on 03/26/07 - 9:58 AM
Member Posts: 18 Comments: 5 Joined: 10/04/06	Thanks, Mike and Tom. Mike, sorry, I didn't mean to ignore your offer. Based on what you and Tom have said, I don't need a photo of that fitting - I understand now that this will work if I decide to go ahead.
sraab928	#10  Posted on 03/26/07 - 10:35 AM
Member Project Albums Posts: 1282 Comments: 13 Joined: 12/27/05	I know this is probably a stupid question but what is a Shepards Crook and why would you want or not want one? My guess is that its the bowed out piece of stainless railing at the front of some center consoles? Am I totally off? Scott 1974 21' Revenge w Mercury 200 ProXS V8
VG_82_Sport	#11  Posted on 03/26/07 - 10:48 AM
Member Posts: 18 Comments: 5 Joined: 10/04/06	you got it right, Sraab. The crook certainly has a valid function as a firm handhold when in rough conditions and to support the top of the console raling, but it does get in the way for passengers seating on the front cooler seat. I just installed a rehabbed 1976 winged Montauk/Outrage console in my 1982 Sport and it's quite a change from the old low side console that forced you to remain seated. I love being able to pilot the boat standing up, but my wife keeps hitting her head or shoulder on the crook.
sraab928	#12  Posted on 03/26/07 - 10:59 AM
Member Project Albums Posts: 1282 Comments: 13 Joined: 12/27/05	That makes sense - If you have seat in front of your console I could see why it would be obtrusive. I love to pilot standing up - I miss my previous boats that allowed me to do that. Thanks for the clarification VG! Scott 1974 21' Revenge w Mercury 200 ProXS V8
Joe Kriz	#13  Posted on 03/26/07 - 11:18 AM
Site Owner Personal Page Personal Album Photo Albums Project Albums Posts: 11447 Comments: 452 Joined: 03/18/05	Here is a photo of the almost straight bar that the cuddy's have. You can sorta see the slight bend that Tom mentions above. You can also see that this is the same fitting as the one used with the Shepard's Crook. Joe Kriz attached the following image: [56.56Kb]
VG_82_Sport	#14  Posted on 03/26/07 - 12:14 PM
Member Posts: 18 Comments: 5 Joined: 10/04/06	Thanks Joe. I appreciate all the help I've gotten.
Joe Kriz	#15  Posted on 03/26/07 - 1:36 PM
Site Owner Personal Page Personal Album Photo Albums Project Albums Posts: 11447 Comments: 452 Joined: 03/18/05	I found an earlier photo without the Console Rod Holder Cushions. Might give you a little better idea of the bend in the upright tubing. Joe Kriz attached the following image: [42.75Kb]
VG_82_Sport	#16  Posted on 03/26/07 - 6:26 PM
Member Posts: 18 Comments: 5 Joined: 10/04/06	Thanks again, Joe. That last pic really helps - it shows the bend just below the windshield. Shouldn't be too hard to make that slight a bend. Edited by VG_82_Sport on 03/26/07 - 6:27 PM
Mike	#17  Posted on 03/26/07 - 6:42 PM
Site Owner Personal Page Photo Albums Project Albums Posts: 337 Comments: 1 Joined: 03/18/05	VG_82_Sport - Sorry about the bs. One of those wrong side of the bed days. Mike
VG_82_Sport	#18  Posted on 03/28/07 - 5:23 PM
Member Posts: 18 Comments: 5 Joined: 10/04/06	No need to apologize, Mike
kamie	#19  Posted on 03/28/07 - 7:25 PM
Member Personal Page Project Albums Posts: 2975 Comments: 3 Joined: 11/04/05	I solved the issue by getting a larger cooler for the front of the console. Probably not an option on the Montauk but on the Outrage, I opted for the 168 qt cooler which allows enough space on either side to sit.
VG_82_Sport	#20  Posted on 03/29/07 - 2:47 PM
Member Posts: 18 Comments: 5 Joined: 10/04/06	Yeah, a bigger cooler would be better but just not enough room.