Spray Rails, how good do they work???

[mopargreg]

Took the kids out fishing and airshow watching today in Tampa Bay, put in at Davis Island about 10:00am and made are way down past the Macdill Pier towards Gandy area and hung out until 4:00..  Headed back to the Davis Island ramp and got soaked on the way back, yeah the wind whipped up a little, but man my 1970 ish hull got me soaked with spray, had to slow WAY down to keep dry. Are these Aquasport hulls that wet in rough water??  Would sprayrails help with this?? Thanks for any input...

[Capt. Bob]

 man my 1970 ish hull got me soaked with spray, had to slow WAY down to keep dry. Are these Aquasport hulls that wet in rough water??

I think you answered your own question.


  Would sprayrails help with this?? Thanks for any input...

I believe there are several members that have them. Hopefully they'll chime in.
 I have often though about them on my 84.  

[James Derz]

I think I remember seeing you out that day.  We were out on a friends boat in the same area.  I have a 1970 22-2 and have experienced the same ride in Tampa Bay durring moderate chop conditions.  It is really funny, seems like there is this exact spot on the rail that shoots water like a firehose straight at the helm!  It is really funny when it happens...anyway I am definetly adding them and need advice on what kind, how much and where etc.  Thank God for fowl weather gear!!

[GoneFission]

Have you checked out Smart Rails?  

http://thesmartrail.com/

[James Derz]

thanks for posting the website for smartrail.  MAN they really get ya on those things!  Looks like I'll be riding wet until I get that stimulus check ;)  Thanks again for the info.

[mopargreg]

Yeah, I checked out the website on Sunday eve,  not real fond of drilling holes down the side of my hull(if this is the same site I was looking at)...   I was wondering if someone makes a set that adhere with some sort of adhesive backed tape or glue? Plus they seem a LITTLE PRICEY.....

[LilRichard]

I cannot speak to the effectiveness, but I have bolted a set onto my rebuild... however I had the floor out, so it was easy to through bolt in my application.

[slippery73]

Looks like those smart rails are an adhesive type system. No holes. They are pricey though for two lengths of plastic.

[fabuck71]

Those are not going to help when it is windy.  These boats are NOT deep vee like many bay boats but that is why we love them.  We can go shallow and offshore in these unlike many flats boats.  When it is windy, and the bottom pounds the waves, it is going to spray outwards ..... catch some wind ...... and viola, spray in your face.  If you think this is bad, try a carolina skiff, maverick, pathfinder etc.  You better wear a backbrace on those.  I have found if you get that correct angle and speed, you can overcome most spray.  Sometimes you have to floor it and skip over the top of the waves   !

[mopargreg]

Yeah, I get what your saying, I just need to get used to the caracteristics of these type of boats..  Last 2 saltwater boats I had where a 24ft Baja and a 28ft Rabco, so I got spoiled in rough water.....  I do luv this (paid for)Aquasport, easy to mantain and great for taking the kids fishing, and must not forget the classic lines these boats have..... I think for the money they want for those rails I'll just install a dodger for the kids...

[fabuck71]

That is a great idea that I have had on all mine, and am going to get for my new one.

[Wayne'sWorld]

Speaking of dodgers, anybody have pics of their CCP with a dodger?  What would that look like with a bimini top?  Anybody have a link to a manufacturer?