We Boston Whaler Montauk 17 owners love almost everything about our "obsession". The only possible exception is that "Shepherd's Crook" rail that makes the optional "cooler" seat almost "unbearable". I heard one report of injuries to a child caused by impact with the hook. My first impulse was to simply remove the crook. That allowed the grab rails on the console to flop around. If you have been wrestling with similar issues, you might like to replace that "Crook" with a replacement that clears the space and holds the grab rails firmly and looks as if "Boston Whaler" made it.
I am offering an "L" shaped rail that is interchangeable with the "Shepherd's Crook". I made the first one for my 1988 Boston Whaler Montauk 17 and it looks great. I learned that the same removable Shepherd's Crook was standard on many of the older Montauk 17's. Feedback and research indicates my replacement rail will fit Montauk 17's between 1973 and 1995 and a few other Whalers as well. To verify proper fit on YOUR boat, regardless of year or model, you should measure YOUR Shepherd's Crook. If it measures measures 24 5/8" +/- 1/8" for the "longest possible" measurement, my replacement rail will be a sturdy "interchangeable" replacement that avoids permanently modifying your classic Boston Whaler. See photos for more on making the measurement.
I build these rails using only stainless steel, in small batches. I install and adjust every bar, on my boat, to make certain it will fit your boat properly. I adjust tension into the console rails to minimize those annoying harmonic vibrations in the console grab rails. I make sure the new rail closely matches the finish of the original rails. Detailed installation instructions are included.
I have optimized the process of building a first class product worthy of your (or my) Boston Whaler. Installation reusing the original fasteners, or the new bolts (included) should take you only a few minutes.
Shipping costs to your location are additional and use USPS Priority Mail. .
I have added photos to illustrate the new versus the old bar and some of the measurements. One shows the Shepherds Crook along side the new bar to show how much of that precious space above the cooler is cleared.
I am always willing to answer any questions you may have. Thanks for your consideration and Tight Lines!!
Saltydogsfish
P.S.
A word about fasteners. I include two new stainless bolts and locknuts for you convenience. The bolts I supply may be used with both the old crook and new replacement rail. They look good. I prefer them on my Montauk mainly because of the locking nut.
Stock Status - I keep a bar packed and ready to go out with the next mail pickup.
Delivery Times: USPS Priority Mail Service typically takes from 2 to 6 days depending on distance from zip 29707 in South Carolina.