Bow Rail For 18' Chieftan?

[jpstude]

I see photos of the 18' Chieftans with bow rails, and photos of them without. Mine doesn't have one, and there are no mount holes, on the deck, so I'm guessing she never did. Mine is a 1978. Were those an add-on accessory, from the factory? I see some that are just curved low rails, that don't go all of the way around the bow, and some that are higher profile, that DO go all of the way around the bow. The latter, is what I would like to have, for mine. Anybody know about these?

 

[barato2]

Re: Bow Rail For 18' Chieftan?

the higher rails prolly were factory. my '64 Starchief has those. the low rails are a generic item, prolly made by Taylor or someone and used by many boat mfgrs. i got a set off my engine-donor glasser and they would fit just fine on the Starcrafts. you can actually make your own bow rail...Defender and many other marine suppliers have the tube, bases and fittings, and the aluminum isn't too hard to bend with a MAPP torch

 

[jpstude]

Re: Bow Rail For 18' Chieftan?

Thanks Barato2 - Yeah, local marine stores have all of tubing and mounting parts. I used to have a ton of that stuff from some boats I parted out... I guess that comes under the "never get rid of boat parts, when there's a chance you might need them later" heading LOL

 

[barato2]

Re: Bow Rail For 18' Chieftan?

i know that rationale. i actually blame my Army-wife mom, who trained me early on to be a bottom feeder and a hoarder. she never threw away a twist tie or a chopstick.

and last night, i used chopstick ends to fill a bunch of misdrilled holes in my console...........thanks Mom!