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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.

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I just realized that I need to change my name to VG_82_Sportauk

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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

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Thanks, Jeff. I'm curious what the bottom fitting looks like. Do you know of any pics that show it?

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You should be able to use the same bottom fitting as the crook. I may have a picture floating around somewhere.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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!

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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.

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Thanks Joe. I appreciate all the help I've gotten.

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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.

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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.

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VG_82_Sport - Sorry about the bs. One of those wrong side of the bed days.

Mike

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No need to apologize, Mike

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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.

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Yeah, a bigger cooler would be better but just not enough room.

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How ironic. I just spent about $100 to get a new SS Crook to replace the straight aluminum one someone had installed. When they moved the top bracket they just drilled thru & ran a bolt w/a nut & oversized washer. Very Tacky! So I thought I'd restore it to the classic line. I'm also looking to replace the starboard anchor locker cover w/an original teak one (if I can find one) or make one as close as I can. Actually, we're going thru a major refit of our classic 1989 Montauk w/one of the new 2007 fuel injected Honda 90 on order, hyrdaulic steering, new bench & cooler cushions (already have new rod holder & bow cushions), new Lowarance GPS/Fishfinder, moving batteries & selector switch into center console, a new larger bimini, etc. Just getting ready to play this summer.

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A Little Madness,

The Whalerboard or Starboard is original to your model.

In 1989 they changed from Teak to the starboard material.....
Although I think teak looks better, if you want yours original, you might consider keeping what you have.

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Joe. The prior owner told me he removed & threw away the teak & replaced it because it was too slick while he was fishing. This is not a whaler product by any means (you can tell it's someones "handy work"). So I may not be a 100% purist, but I do know what looks good for sure. When I get this little puppy where I want it I'll post some pics.

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Lucky you.....

1989 was the transition year. The first Fiberglass version showed up on a 1989 Montauk that was made in March of that year. It is possible that a few Montauks built later had one or the other...

Here is the list I have been taking care of for many years just for one of these times.
http://www.whalercentral.com/readarti...icle_id=17
Look at the 1989 models.

I was thinking starboard but yes, they were fiberglass like the Outrage series Whalers.
Sorry for the confusion.

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Joe. What a bountiful source of information here. And so friendly. Don't even remember how, but certainly glad I ventured in here. I know I'll be spending a lot of time here sharing & learning. Thanks