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33 FBC bow rail
Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 7:31 am
by mikehedb
I am in the process of refurbishing a 1977 FBC. All of the bow rail hardware was gone. I am looking for the height of the rail and the lengths of the upright support rails. Can anyone help with these measurements?
Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 8:21 am
by buzzk
If my boat didn't have a bow rail, I wouldn't add one. The bow rail on my boat gets in the way. A lot of boats don't even put bow rails on them anymore. Are you sure you need one? Buzz
Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 8:58 am
by dougl33
My wife (first mate and primary owner) would not go up to the bow without a rail. Can't say I blame her.
Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 11:43 am
by buzzk
I used to think I needed a bow rail until I went out on boats that didn't have them. Now I don't see any need in them. My wife wouldn't feel comfortable without one. Buzz
Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 1:56 pm
by otf
where are you at?
Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 3:52 pm
by kwinters
Can you still see where the rail mounts or have the holes been glassed over. I am on the hill right now and could take some measurments for you for heights but it would be hard to get the geometry right if the old mounting holes are not there.
Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 4:27 pm
by lwrenn
If I was going to replace the bow rail it sure wouldn't go back as far as it does. Any aluminium welder can make you a really nice one that will not have all the screws or rivets and be much cleaner looking plus a lot stronger. The anodised pipe will be much easier to take care off.
Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 6:06 am
by Brian Davin
In 1990, they went to all aluminum rail that is 1 1/8" - 1 1/4" in diameter. As Larry says, very clean and strong, plus no maintainance.
Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 7:01 am
by buzzk
Larry, that's a good idea not to bring it back so far. It gets in my way walking around the cabin. Buzz
Posted: Fri Sep 18, 2009 6:02 am
by GMarty
Also in the way of my outrigggers extending where they should. They were obviously installed for looks cause they hit the rail fully extended and it drives me nuts. I've thought about modifying them as suggested so they don't go back so far...plus it looks goofy. Could that be done without replacing or looking half-assed for reasonable $$?
Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2009 5:43 pm
by mikehedb
I'm in Naples, Florida. The Holes and mount locations are still visible, but some one cut the rail off at its base. If I had the height of the upright rails I could probably duplicate the original. I have not experienced or considered some of the other problems with the rail. I appreciate any help you can be. Mike H
Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 1:32 pm
by kwinters
Mike, send me a e-mail to
4hpsi@comcast.net and I will measure the lengths for you. I am in palm beach and my boat will be out of the water for about 1 more week. Your Bertram is a 77 33 convertible right? Kurt
Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2009 5:27 pm
by kwinters
Mike: Let us know how it comes out.