Attention CC owners, bow rail questions

I have to make a decision soon, as I begin the restoration work on my new boat I need to decide what to do about the bow rails, If I keep them there is no doubt that I need to replace them right away, they are rotten. If I replace them I want to do it at the same time I take the old ones off. But, I have been thinking that they really don't serve a big purpose. Being my first larger CC boat I would love some opinions on the bow rails and whether or not they are worth the trouble and expense. Thanks