bow railing

S

SARAH C

Cadet
Joined
Aug 17, 2004
Messages
21
Any suggestions on how to mount a stainless steel bow rail on a 17 ft center console pro line? How should I bend the rail, etc?
 
Z

zj-jeepster

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 27, 2003
Messages
116
Re: bow railing

I've heard that to put gentle bends in to railing pipes ask an electrician or plumber to bend it for you. I guess they have a jig or tool that does this.<br /><br />I wonder if these tools could be had cheaply from like "Northern Tools" and such?<br /><br />.
 
2

2MADAKAT

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 13, 2004
Messages
143
Re: bow railing

Hi saraho,<br /> DJ is right, look around for a company that does that kind of work. That way you get what you want done right. Look for canvas companies first and if they don't do the rails they will usually know of any local companies that do.
 
1

18rabbit

Captain
Joined
Nov 14, 2003
Messages
3,202
Re: bow railing

My first choice for custom bending would be a boatyard that does metal work. They have the appropriate materials and means to bend the tubing without damaging it or imbedding ferrous particles that will manifest as rust. There are several grades of stainless steel. Some resist corrosion better than others. Don’t know the grade used for railing but a boatyard will. There are a lot of aftermarket railing components available. You may not have to have anything custom made, or only just a small piece that curves around the bow.<br /><br />Another option for custom bending of stainless tubing is someone that does hydraulic repair. They need to be able to do repairs onsite, bending high pressure (thick wall) tubing, including stainless steel. They can come to your boat and do custom bending/fitting but I’m guessing it is not going to be cheap. Also, I’m would be concerned about getting the appropriate grade of stainless steel.<br /><br />You may want to start by looking at aftermarket bow rails. There’s a bunch of them out there. You’ll probably get lucky and it will be easier/less expensive than you think.
 
C

cp

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Feb 1, 2004
Messages
367
Re: bow railing

Are you in Florida? Would think Pro-Line would be able to supply a bow rail made specifically for your boat. All their center consoles nowadays seem to have them. They'd probably even be willing to tell you how to mount it since it'd be a 'standard' installation with their stock rail. Even if you're not in Florida, it might be worthwhile to call the factory there and inquire about the availability of a rail. It's even a free call: 800-344-1281.
 
S

SARAH C

Cadet
Joined
Aug 17, 2004
Messages
21
Re: bow railing

Wow, thatnks for all the advise! I actually went ahead with the project before I checked back in on my post. I ended up buying all the fittings at a local marine store along with a 20ft. section of stainless railing. I borrowed a conduit bender and away I went. Needless to say, with a little extra muscle, the bow rail looks as though it came with the boat. I am very pleased!!!
 
Z

zj-jeepster

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 27, 2003
Messages
116
Re: bow railing

Gotta let us know how you went about doing it. One of my bow railing was dinged and bent up by one of the previous owners of my bowrider. My railing's made from aluminum, probable easier to bend but what kind of conduit bender did you use? Some pics would be awesome.
 
S

SARAH C

Cadet
Joined
Aug 17, 2004
Messages
21
Re: bow railing

Boat Buoy is right. If you look at his link that is what the conduit bender looks like. Are you planning on replacing your railing? I don't think a conduit bender will fix a bend or straighten it, It will just bend a straight pipe to a certain angle. I basically set all the fittings on the boat and then made 3 bends in the rail to fit the contour of the bow. I did the rail in two pieces and conected them with a bow fitting. When you make your bends make sure you do so closer to the fittings on the rail. That way they wont be as noticeable.
 
Z

zj-jeepster

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 27, 2003
Messages
116
Re: bow railing

I'll be replacing the old bent one with a new straight tubing that'll nee to be bent. I have the other side to use as a guide/template, should be a mirror image of each other. Thanks again.<br /><br />.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top