SPRAY RAILS

[captj2]

I have done extensive restoration on my 1978 20” Seacraft . I love it but the ride is really wet. The wife is getting more and more vocal about it so I guess it’s time to take action. I plan to install spray rails but I have not been able to find any detailed information on design and placement. I have both 11/2” starboard and mahogany available for construction. I need info on dimensions, shape of the bottom surface, amount of downward angle from the hull and placement, at the chine or above. I want to get it right the first time.
I am installing Bennett 120 trim tabs this weekend but I’m sure I still want the rails.
Any info you could share would be most welcome.
Thanks,

Jim Crosby

[strick]

I have a 20 with teak spray rails sitting in my yard right now. I try and get some pics tomorrow for ya.

strick

[NoBones]

Jim, Teak is the only way to go. On my 20 It has two pieces
laminated together. From the bow to about mid section.
Teak can be formed by soaking in a PVC tube with amonia in
it for about two days. When you take it out of the tube it is like rubber. Then form the first piece to the hull, and
screw the second piece on top of that. The only down side is you have to oil the teak about every third time you use the boat. It sure makes for a drier ride and softens the entry on every wave. Good luck. Ken

[NoBones]

[image]http://[/image] This is the only shot when No Bones was getting her Awlgrip paint job

[Briguy]

I think teak may be a mistake. Check out www.thesmartrail.com. I installed them on my flats boat and it cut spray by 85%. They took 2 hours to install and no holes needed to be put on the boat. I feel the teak ones do not have the correct curve to catch the water and mantainance is YUCK on teak, non on the smartrail PM me if you have any q's.

[captj2]

Guys
Thanks for the feedback.
NoBones, Great pic. clean installation. Width appears to be 13/4" to 2" Is that about right?

[NoBones]

That is correct. Teak still looks better than plastic
on a classic SeaCraft, just my oppion though. Good Luck.
Ken

[Bigshrimpin]

Capt Jim - I might be able to send you a sample of the teak rails if it would help. I just removed them from my 20 (with stricks help) . . . I tried to save them for you (but it didn't work out - they were installed too well.)

[captj2]

Bigshrimpin
Thanks for the thought in trying to save the rails. Your offering to send a section of the rail is generious but a tracing of the outline would serve as well. Most pictures I see of rails show them installed at the chine but would they be more effective if placed higher on the hull?

Thanks,
Jim Crosby

[strick]

Tim's was on the chine as shown in the pic above. I think thats a good place for it. Someone said that it softened the ride? so maybe you can get that out of it as well.

strick