Trimming Bow Rails...
 

I want to set my bow rail lower than it is now on my steplift. Would this be a matter of just trimming down the vertical pieces and reassembling? Anyone tried this?

As long as your bow rails are not the welded type it shouldn't be a problem. I've never done it on a V, but I've done it on several other boats without a hitch. Remove stock equally from the bottom......Oh, by the way, rather than using a hacksaw, use a pipe cutter. Works really well and gives a nice even cut . Just remember, measure twice (or more) cut once.

I have a pipe cutter, thanks for the tip. My only concern now is, will I be able to back those screws out.

it has been done here before, as stated as long as its not welded you should be good to go!, I removed mine all together, wasn't of any use in my boating.

Soak the screws with some good penetrating stuff and they should come out OK - if not Marine Part Depot has SS parts cheap. I just cut out the center part of my rail to accomodate a special kind of anchor system and it went pretty easy. Good suggestion about the pipe cutter.

I wish I could remember, but somebody here did that...LOOKED GREAT!...The center section of the only rail I have is cut away, so I am considering doing the same shortening you are...I've cut two of these rails to date and used a pipe-cutter on each...have extra blades on hand if using one of the smaller, hardware store versions...I went thru about 3 blades on each bow rail...

On removing the rail, pre soak (for days) hex-nuts from underneath, unless you know yours are corrosion free, assume they are not...then clamp on a pair of vice-grips from underneath if yer doing alone...if the screw backs out from up top, you did good...if not, drill that puppy and move on...

Thanks guys, I'll post some pics when its finished.

A picture from the gallery of a shortened bow rail...

http://www.wellcraftv20.com/gallery/album61/P3260084

http://www.wellcraftv20.com/gallery/...0084.sized.jpg

http://www.wellcraftv20.com/gallery/...0083.sized.jpg

That REELY looks great cut don like that!!...I had forgotten Franco's rail had been shortened...

Look close at the anchor stuck in the rod-holder just behind the top...That's the anchor that started the name "Norton Snagger" when I asked Franco if he ever snagged his Nortons on that anchor gettin' in/out of the boat!!...Ha ha ha...MJ, glad ya reposted those pics!!...I really miss Franco around here...

That does look nice... If my boat wasnt under snow, I'd go out and do it today!

Sure would help my cover fit better. I just got an attwood for 21-23 cuddys, and it don't quite reach over the bow after stretching over the rail. Oh well... It was cheap.

lol - that's my enclosure i bought from franco!