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Fellows,

The previous owner of my 1982 17' Newport screwed in the rails right on top of a ridge that runs along the sides of the boat. I would think the best place would be on the flat portion of the gunwhale / sides. Do you guys agree that its not best practice to put the rail right on top of that lip / ridge ???? I would attach a picture but I never can get the attach feature to work.

The only reason I can think not to screw down the rails on the flat portion is maybe the bimini rails would have been stretched too wide thus bending them. Perhaps the owner had to put the rails as close as he could so it would not be too wide.

Ideas?

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The 17' hulls had wood in that area just for mounting the sun tops and forward shelters.
Take a look at the wood locating diagrams.

I prefer the newer style mounting of the sun tops.
Right on top of the gunwale using sliders so you can slide the top forward and in front of the bow railing when stowed. Completely out of the way when not using it.
http://users.sisqtel.net/blewis/Monta...ntauk.html

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I like that way too. So it seems like I need to check and make sure I got good wood on top of the gunwhale opposed to the ridge the man had it on.

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Actually there is not much wood in the top of the gunwale.
Really isn't any need as the slider only holds the top from going forward or aft when in the up position.
The straps hold the top down.