Spray Rails on the 34C

[madhatter66]

During the season, my boat rubbed up against the finger pier. The results were: splash rail chrome trim popped off and the splash rail (wood) was damaged some. Now.... is the splash rail really needed? Can it be removed and a layer of fiberglass laid to cover the screw holes or just fill each one individually? Of course if I take off one side I might as well take off the other side too.Most likely can't get to the inner hull screws due to deck and fuel tanks.

 

[Scarlett]

FYI mine were just screwed on not bolted so you should be able to remove without acces to the inside. John

 

[Cricket]

The rail did exactly what it's supposed to do, protect the hull.
Our 50c didn't have any aft bumber rails when we bought it.
After 25 years of having to do touchups/repairs in that area every once in a while we added fiberglass rails from Slane, one of the best modifications we ever did.
No worries now when around a low or floating dock or using a piling for leverage etc.

 

[madhatter66]

Fiberglass replacements sounds like a great option.

 

[jim rosenthal]

You want to keep those. Better to have them.

 

[Cricket]

Anyone know if Slane's bumper rail molds went down to https://roseboatworks.com/ ?

Also, there's some vinyl extrusions that will also work http://barbourplastics.com/

Or, make them from laminated wood or foam (I like Coosa) and wrap them in glass before installing them on the hull.

 

[SEVEN]

Do not remove them, they are designed to protect your hull. Fiberglass over the damage and repaint. The trim is not chrome, it’s supposed to be stainless steel. Good lock.

 

[madhatter66]

Do not remove them, they are designed to protect your hull. Fiberglass over the damage and repaint. The trim is not chrome, it’s supposed to be stainless steel. Good lock.

How does it protect the hull? Could you explain please.

 

[SEVEN]

Maybe your slips are different than ours out here but the walkway is about that same height. Far too many times people start to berth and scrape along the side of the hull on the walkway. This metal on the side protects the hull. We are talking about the same thing correct?

 

[Cricket]

Besides protecting the hull paint the rails help spread any impact load.

 

[madhatter66]

Yes we are referring to the same thing. The white round fender shifted during a storm and she rubbed up against the finger pier damaging the splash rail. I thought or wasn't sure if the splash rail does more than protect the hull. Other than protecting the hull (in the case you described) does it provide any other benefits? If removed, what are/ if any CONS or are there any PROS?

 

[SEVEN]

There are numerous articles online regarding the use or non use of spray rails. Most talk about keeping a boat dryer and pushing the water while underway away from the windshield. I can’t see anything in regards to the side spray/splash rail. The big one foe me is the protection as mentioned before. It might also be helpful when your boat is rolling from side to side. Maybe others can add their thoughts.

 

[dsharp]

We always referred to that piece a "rubrail". The dock should have uprights about every 8-10" so the rubrail and the rail at the sheer keep the hull from hanging on the dock. Doesn't offer much protection for docks and piers with no uprights or floating docks.

 

[madhatter66]

Here's a better look at the splash rail. Best way to repair?

 

[SEVEN]

Just think about what the hull would look like if that spray rail wasn’t there.

 

[micky]

I removed the front and back spray rails.

 

[Walter P]

I think that was a mistake unless you enjoy a lot of spray in a head sea.

Walt

 

[micky]

I think that was a mistake unless you enjoy a lot of spray in a head sea.

Walt

That's what enclosures are for. After painting the boat, I want nothing that can start peeling the paint job. All were wood and were starting to rot.

 

[Cricket]

As far as the repair of the banged up rail goes.
First choice, cut it off, make a new one out or Coosa (or wood) and wrap it in fiberglass before install(1708 biax) and then epoxy it to the hull and then add a radius (filet) over the joint and then prime and paint.
Or, cut yours back to where it's good and recreate and then seal it up with epoxy, prime and paint.
Or, cut it off and replace with vinyl, prime and paint. You probably can get a better result from vinyl than you think, stuff take paint pretty well too.
Think I put all this on here before, oh well.

 

[Boatsb]

I had replaced a few with PVC. Had it made up then fitted. Paints great.