Bow Rail
 

Over the winter I built and installed a bow pulpit on the V...also mounted a minn-kota I pilot on the end of the pulpit. In order to deploy trolling motor I had to cut front section of bow rail.
Now I would like to #1 have a whole new ss rail built and formed around pulpit($$$$) or #2 have just the pulpit section bent out of aluminum and added back to original rail (much cheaper) and live with it .or #3 find and modify an original ss rail.
Any one have any ideas or know a better route to take to get a nice looking bow rail?

I put a pulpit on mine and have the original cuddy style bow rail. I looked at getting a custom one which would wrap out around the pulpit and look really sweet and make the boat appear a lot bigger, but you're right, a lot of money. I salvaged a pair of split style rails off a Chris Craft Scorpion that I plan on installing on my V, and also have a V-20 Fisherman that has the split style rails like you see on Dually style V's. If you think they would work let me know. I think splicing one in will be no where near as strong, and I use mine pretty hard when launching to steady myself as I climb over the bow and pulpit.

twh, you mind telling me what kind of trolling motor you installed, shaft length and are you happy with it? considering trolling motor for bow of my v20 and concerned about shaft length...thanks in advance

Bradford...thought I would try and get a couple prices on new stainless after the holidays, but feel like it will be cost prohibitive so then look at option #2and #3, thanks for the offer and I will keep it in mind. As far as splicing I think I can turn down solid stock to fit I.D. of tubing insert & pin/epoxy and be a fairly sturdy joint.

504...I went with the minn kota I pilot 80lb. 60 inch. shaft. The 112lb. 36 volt would be sweet but didn't want to deal with the extra battery and cost of the 36. As far as shaft length goes the 60" gives me close to 24" in the water. After adding 2 group 29 batts. in the cuddy,the pulpit which was a few pds. and the wt. of the trolling mtr. on the end of the pulpit the bow does sit a little lower at rest. I have only used it on the lakes so far and average about 3-4mph (gps) at full power.

Also wanted to add...I love the anchor lock feature on the IP. The 80 may not be sufficient for the V in all conditions...wind/ current but overall I'm happy with it.

How long do you get out of the 80lb with constant use?

James... sorry I don't have an answer for you. In the short time I have had it just have not used for long enough periods to truly test the duration of batts. Maybe soon if this heat wave passes.