Hello! We have a new to us 23' Gulfstream with a 300HP evinrude on an extended bracket. The outboard on the extended bracket makes it very difficult to back into a slip. In our marina we are lucky enough to have a side dock, however when we go anywhere it it will probably be necessary to pull in bow first. My wife and daughter are going to have a tough time climbing over the bow railing at the pulpit. Has anyone modified their rail to put in some type of "gate" or opening to make it easier to walk off the front without sacrificing safety?
Bow rails on walkaround with outboard on an extended bracket
- Thread starter sfesta
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Mustang65fbk
GreatGrady Captain
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- Seafarer
If you have a side dock, are they not able to climb over the gunwale and onto the dock that way? I think that would probably be the easiest and safest way of going about doing it. If not, there are lots of guys who use an electric trolling motor up front on the bow and cut the bow rail accordingly in order to be able to use it. I imagine you could do something similar, but without the trolling motor, to your boat by cutting the bow railing. And/or you could always buy a boarding ladder or something similar for ease of access as well.
Yes, my home marina isn't an issue- we can load from the side. But we like to head to a town beach marina on the weekends that does not have side docks.
I think it would be easiest to create a small ramp to use from your swim platform to the dock. It would be pretty easy to make a plank that locks into the platform. Back in like normal, then plop the plank down.