Spray Rails

[bcmarinamanager]

Well, I figure if I'm gonna have the boat outta commision with the steering I might as well start on some more mods too. I've been wanting to do this for some time now, but never got the chance. I've got some length of teak that I am going to fashion into spray rails to install along the chines from the stern to just above the WL at the bow. They won't be more than 1-1/2 inch wide and about 3/4 inches thick. I'm gonna screw and epoxy them to the hull.

[macojoe]

I don't think you need them with the flare these boats have. You be better off adding trim tabs to get the bow down to cut the water better then adding the rails. IMO which means squat!
But any mods are great and show pic's as you go! Whjo knows you might be on to something??

[bcmarinamanager]

The majority of the spray is taken care of by the flare, but you get a much better directional change with just a little bit extra chine. Plus it will give the V a larger planning area which will lift her a litte higher in the water which should give it a little more effeciencey(sp?). I actually might not bring it above where the bottom paint stops, otherwise I'll have to re-gelcoat, or paint. Which I wouldn't mind doing, but I got NO money right now. :(

[cterrebonne]

trim tabs are a must in open water. if you want to be efficient get a DI or 4 stroke.

[bcmarinamanager]

I'm just trying to keep water from riding up the reverse tumblehome our boats have. By adding 1 1/2 inches to the chine from about midships back will make a huge reduction in the amount of water that comes up the sides. It will also add lift to the hull, which is a lot cheaper than repowering the whole boat. Think about it, look at any custom sportfish and you will see the exact same thing. An extra bit on the chins, and usually another rail above the water line. Trust me, it will make a difference.

[spareparts]

Volvo used to market a thing called speed rails, they were aluminum extrusions that had a turned down edge to them, they installed on the existing strakes on your boat. They were patterned after the hull designs on the Volvo "Bat Boats" that used to race offshore in Europe. I ot a set on a friends 23 Chris Craft that had a pretty hot 400 small block in it, it didn't pick uo the top speed any, but it improved the midrange efficiency, made the boat ride higher and dryer, it moved the water break on the hull side a good four feet aft. I haven't seen them adverstised in quite a while. You might be able to find a set on ebay or somewhere, they weren't exactly cheap when sold new(around $200), but you might be able to find a set somewhere.