To Rail or not to rail?

[rblochli]

Folks,

I'm probably going to be purchasing a 170cc shortly - boat will mostly be used by the Commodore with the kids (10 & 12) - zipping around bay, skiing, tubing, beaching in coves on bayside and walking over to ocean - Commodore seems to feel she needs bow rail "for safety" - I'm thinking it'll get in the way when beaching etc. - and kids will mostly likely trip over it and get hurt. I grew up with a 17' Whaler with no rail and never had anyone fall out over the bow

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Bob

[Fischer53]

They can be a challenge to fish over. I do not have a bow rail and haven't lost anyone yet. They do look cool though.

If your planning on installing a trolling motor, don't get the bow rail. If your not going to mount a trolling motor and your wife thinks you need one then like 99.9% of us, you'll be getting one

[fridaysoff]

Bob,
I have an 04 170CC without the bow rails. I also beach often and climb off the bow and let others off by the bow. I am very glad that I do not have the bow rails to get in the way for anchoring, fishing, throwing a cast net, etc. I do have a swim platform that I consider a necessity for safety and convenience. Good luck convincing the Commodore!
John D.

[cagrove]

My 170CC came with a bow rail. I think it lasted 3 trips before I removed it and put in a trolling motor. I did add the smaller grab rails to assist in moving around in a rocking boat. My kids are a little older (14 & 13) but have been in boats since they were very young. Try as I might I still haven't found a way to lose them out of the boat . My advice, ditch the bow rail and insist on everyone wearing life jackets. Good luck with the top brass.

[Mainer]

I own a 17 CC and beach often. The bow rails do create an obstacle when trying to get in or out of the boat.

[rblochli]

Thanks for the responses, I'll take it up with the committee. I may by default end up with the rail as I think that may be the only ones in stock and the Yamaha warranty offer ends 3/31...

[Putershark]

Always easy enough to remove the bow rail (don't like them myself) and fill in the mounting holes (unlike fiberglass ) if you do not have a pre-purchase choice.

[mason]

Besides the rail looking good and giving the bow a rugged looking lines it is really just another piece of metal to clean. I have it on my 170 which is good with a three year old but for what your doing with older kids i dont think Its totally needed. I do however stand up on the bow were the light inserts when sight fishing flats in casco bay for busting stripers and it works good to lean into with sides of calfs. Good Luck.

[camshaft]

You could go the happy medium route and just install handrails instead of the bow rail. I installed 3' rails on both sides up front located so that anyone using the front platform as a seat would be able to hold on but I still have plenty of clearance for my Minn Kota Maxxum 55 trolling motor. I picked the handrails up from Hamilton Marine in Searsport, ME. I really don't know if they're necessary or not but my kids were 5 and 6 when we got the boat and the commodore insisted. I also put 2' rails on the rear and I do use those for a couple of Perko rail mount rod holders and they work great. They really don't get in the way like a bow rail would.