Gunnel cushions for the knees

[brianct12]

Just wondering: I am in the middle of tearing down my V20 .... and considering all the fixes I want to make. One thing I am getting too old for ... is banging my knees on the gunnel as the boat rocks while fishing. For all the upgrades I have seen at this site - I havent seen padding yet on the sides. Has anyone done this ? Know of a place to purchase at a reasonable price ? Any guidance would be appreciated. Thanx.

[JohnD]

B-man, I ran across some in one of the chain catelogs, Overtons or Boater's world. I think 84 in was the length.

Other than that, it's up to finding a local canvas shop & there's no tellin how much or what the quality would be like.

you could even make some yourself with some pvc-foam board, vinyl. Just make sure its a closed-cell foam for cussion.

Some of the new boats have them slid into clips and then snap just under the gunnel. Another option, if their made with a hard board is to through bolt with Brass hardware (never rust), the lower quality SS from hardware stores will eventually surface rust.

Best of luck with your re-work.

-JohnD

[CT_V-20]

A good marine canvas/upholstery shop can make you a set of cockpit bolsters, but it probably won't be cheap.

[shicks007]

I'd like to install some in my boat also. The new Boter's world catalog has them in there. Emmitt Fitzpatric's boat in the Gallery has them also.

http://www.wellcraftv20.com/gallery/...um06&id=b2

Good Luck,
Scott

[Crusher]

Brianct12, Up intill this year all the catologs carried coaming pads that were towide to fit our boats and way to expensive. Last year I had a local guy make me a set cost about $240. This year Boaters world has 36" -$64.99 or 48" - $69.99 in length X4 1/2" high and 2 1/4" thick on page 334. These look like they will work just nicely. Just priced toe rails from a fabricator $340. ouch no way, I can make them out stainless tube and stantions from any boaty store or PVC. All boats should have more grabe rails, coaming pads and toe rails sweet! Crusher

[shicks007]

Crusher,

What is a toe rail? ???

[brianct12]

Thanks all,
The bolsters at Boaters World do look like just the ticket. Will get a little pricy lining both gunwales.... but I think it is an add-on that will be real sweet.

[fillet1]

A toe rail lets you hook your toes under it so you can lean over the gunnel without going overboard. Its a rail like a bow rail at the floor of the boat.

Some boats especially larger sportfish have wide gunnels that hang over the edges of the cockpit. That way, when you lean over the gunnel to wire a fish etc your legs are against the gunnel, but your feet are UNDER the gunnel. You stay more stable that way.

On other boats like the v-20, the gunnels do not extend out over the cockpit. Instead you lean up against the walls of the boat/sides of the hull. Your toes are also against the hull/sidewall. This makes staying in the boat difficult and its easy to loose balance. Toe rails give ya something to hook your toes under to counteract this. :)

[shicks007]

Very informative, thanks :)

[macojoe]

Hmmm........I am going to install these form when CB is bending over while in my boat!! I don't want him getting away!! :-*