So I love my boat but the only thing I would change if I had to do it over again is to have catwalks and spudpoles. I know the spudpoles can be added. How about catwalks? Currently I have 1x1 square aluminum on the outside of the boat on the top of the side. I measured and it looks like a 3 inch catwalk would clear the storage boxes when they are opened. Can a 3x1 piece of aluminum just be welded on the inside of the existing sides, and braced up?

So this would just be a 4 inch catwalk.. What is a standard size for catwalks?

Yes it can be done, and mine are 4".

Brother adds his to the standard gunnels you see on boats.

Thanks Owen

Maybe some builders can chime in....What should I be looking at spending for this? (ballpark). Im in georgia and there are no boat builders near me so I am just going to go to a local welding shop and dont want to get screwed. PM me if that easier.
Thanks

Bought 350$

3/16

a technical question, just for my own education...

How are catwalks built? It seems like it would be very difficult to weld a piece of aluminum to the side rail. How do you hold it in place to weld it?
Why doesn't it just pop off when you step on it-is it just attatched longitudinally to the rail, or does it have some support underneath? Lastly, are they cut to shape from flat stock, or do they have to be bent/fitted into place by cutting slits to allow them to follow the contours?

Thanks.

Spence

Cut slits into it so you can form it to the sides of the boat, and then weld them back up.

It's not a 3x2.

It's a 3/16ths piece cut 3" wide(or however wide you want it to be) , and long enough for the length of the catwalk.

Then weld on the side piece and make it whatever size you need it to be.

That depends on how the builder does it. I use 2x3x3/16 angle or 2x4x3/16 however wide you want em and make relief cuts to form it to the side. I see BB takes flat bar and makes the the catwalk and comes back down the side with 1 or 2" flat bar to make the angle down. Ive seen some take flat bar and end it with pipe instead of a angle down its all how your builder does it.

I use angle as well it's pretty simple to fit it

If you use stock that is wider than the size of catwalk you want, you can scribe a line and cut it without needing to relief cut it to follow the contour of the gunnel.

Yea but less waste equals more money in your pocket for the builder.