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My Dads 1989 22' Outrage is working out great for him and my Mom in there older years, new Tank, Yamaha,Cushions and electronics he cant ask for much more, all except an easier way off of the bow for him and my Mom. has anyone ever cut the bow rail? I can easily cut out the center section and install some kind of end caps.My question is wether or not this will somehow make the rail less sturdy? and less rigid? And in addition does anyone know of an easy way to turn the cut peice into a hinged gate? I can eaily replace the cut out peice with some stainless chain and a spring hasp on one end if I have to so no one falls overboard.
Thanks in advance for you help and advice.

Gregg,
1996 Range Rover "Deranged Rover"
1976 Checkmate Jetmate "Deranged Too !"
1990 Luhrs Tournament 290 "Deranged 2 Gether"

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A very recent thread explored this idea (without much agreement or success!)

click here

you will have to scroll up to view the entire thread

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I read the other thread and this one with interest. I completely understand people's desire to maintain their Whalers in OEM configuration, but I don't generally think those high rails do much for the look of the boat. Particularly on the 17's. But if you want that original vintage look, you do what you have to do. And I do think they look good on the 22 footers.

But if they are more hinderance than help in safely operating the boat, I'd think about removing them and or replacing them with something that doesn't run across the bow. How is the boat is used by Mom and Dad? Do they spend time fishing off the bow? Or do they generally get on and go spending most of their time at or around the helm?

Find the name of an outfit with a good reputation for manufacturing rails etc. Ask them what they think is a good solution to the problem. Also there are stock items available from the usual boat retailers that allow a reasonably handy person to make their own rail systems. My 17' does not have any bow rails, just very low rails on the gunwales forward of the console, made from off the shelf components. I think not having the high bow rails is generally more convenient.

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I checked the other thread, it is my Dad, and his boat. I guess I will figre this out and let you all know before the end of the summer what I come up with..