1. Use the full 4 digit year for everything you are asking your question about. Example: 1962, 1988, 2000, 2011
2. Include the correct name of your Whaler model. Example: Montauk 17, Montauk 170, Outrage 26, Outrage 260
3. Include the length when necessary. Example: 16, 17, 18, 20, 22
4. Do not post your email address anywhere on this site as it is already in your user profile.

Straightening Montauk rails
NJjohnmontauk17	#1  Posted on 05/07/12 - 7:38 PM
Member Personal Page Posts: 126 Comments: 3 Joined: 06/02/11	I have an '84 Montauk with some bent (not creased) rails from the PO. I was considering trying to staighten them, perhaps with a little heat from a propane torch & some gentle bending. The rails I'm talking about are the segmented sections in 1. the port side rail, the aft most section and 2. the portside bow rail aft section. Has anyone encountered this or made such a repair?
gusgus	#2  Posted on 05/07/12 - 8:44 PM
Member Personal Page Posts: 233 Comments: 3 Joined: 10/12/11	Rails are actually pretty easily straightened using a hydraulic press. I have straightened axles and tubes for years. It would be possible with some welding to build a press using a hydraulic jack. The system would actually be pretty simple. I could sketch you some ideas if you are inclined to try that. I have a small (harbor freight) 12 ton hydraulic press. 1987 Outrage 18 W/150 Merc and 8 Honda
NJjohnmontauk17	#3  Posted on 05/08/12 - 6:16 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 126 Comments: 3 Joined: 06/02/11	I would have to find someone with that equipment as i don't. I was thinking some heat & gentle persuasion with a bench top vice. Maybe that's too crude?
Swamp	#4  Posted on 05/08/12 - 8:53 AM
Member Posts: 162 Comments: 0 Joined: 01/28/11	It might get the tube straight[er], but it will be left heavily discolored from the torch. You will then need to polish that out for a finished look. If you use heat, you won't be able to grip the rail with your hands and will have tool marks on the rails as well. Just propane probably won't be enough for stainless steel. You will probably need an oxygen mix to have any effect. You could find a local fabricator and have them fixed up for less than the cost of replacing them. Edited by Swamp on 05/08/12 - 8:57 AM
masbama	#5  Posted on 05/08/12 - 10:54 AM
Member Posts: 91 Comments: 0 Joined: 03/13/10	I had the same problem. Found a guy who repaired rails. He made house calls too! $100.00
Gamalot	#6  Posted on 05/08/12 - 5:35 PM
Member Personal Page Posts: 1086 Comments: 3 Joined: 06/21/10	I had the same issue on mine in the front where someone probably sat on the rail and bent it downward. I used a 4 X 4 wood beam and attached small 6 inch pieces or the 4 X 4 on each end. I then used a big C clamp and slowly tightened until the rail was bent upward and back to straight. You could also use a ratchet strap the same way but don't put any pressure on the stand offs or the mounting blocks.