To Rail or not to rail?

[rblochli]

Thanks everyone for your responses.

[Deltaviller]

I recently bought a 170 CC 2006 without a bowrail because I didnt really need one and opted for a bowmounted trolling motor. In reading the rules, Federal and state, it seems noone can ride "on the bow" unless theres a bow rail. Not sure exactly what "on the bow" means. I would think passengers could ride on the raised front deck, for example, without violating the rule. It doesnt matter to me, as I dont plan on taking out more people than fit into the stern seats, helm seat and front-console seat, but it seems like the bow rails might make it safer or even more legal to transport passengers up front if youre interested in that option.

[cagrove]

Originally Posted by Deltaviller

In reading the rules, Federal and state, it seems noone can ride "on the bow" unless theres a bow rail. Not sure exactly what "on the bow" means. I would think passengers could ride on the raised front deck, for example, without violating the rule.

When it talks about people riding "on the bow" they are talking about sitting on the bow. It also applies to sitting on the gunwales, seatbacks and transom. These fall under the heading of "negligent operation".

http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/fe..._negligent.htm

Sitting inside the boat in what is referred to as "passenger seating area" (that includes the bow area) is perfectly legal. Maybe one of our previous or present Coast Guard members could further clarify any confusion.

[suitekids]

In my humble opinion, the large bow rails are good for putting around with the kids and first mate, But if you work your boat like we do, the large bow rails are cumbersome at best, not easy to cast and retrieve a net for live bait over one of those, you do have a choice of the smaller nerf type that are low and are more like grab rails on each side of the bow. We havn't lost anyone yet. We also have rod holders attached to them and they still remain out of the way for over the bow and gunwhale fishing. We use Tite-Lok rod holders which remove easily. The large bowrails look cool but are really not all that practical on a smaller craft as the 170 series, just a false sense of security maybe.....Dan