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I love my classic 76 Montauk, but I can see the attraction of taking an inexpensive hull and doing a complete custom with it. For one thing, you would get a boat that is specifically designed for the way you want to use it. As for the railings, I agree that with kids and lots of passengers, the railings are a safety must. One of the things I love about the Montauk is that it is so open to the water, while in many boats you feel enclosed and isolated from the water. But the low sides mean that you just gotta have railings. If you go the custom route, it might be cool to do the classic railings, but in a different finish than bright stainless. Perhaps anodized aluminum, or black chrome.