Splash Rail Replacement

[Boat Doc]

Just put the boat in the barn for the winter and have been thinking about replacing the splash rails. This is a 35 Bruno Stillman and the aft portion of the 12 ft rail is about 5 in below waterline (bottom of rail) and about 8 in above waterline at the bow. The rails are both wood and in tough shape. I could just leave them as is, strip, epoxy, and re-finish...

When at anchor or on a mooring, the angle of the rail at the waterline "gurgles" or "pops" constantly as it traps air between the waves and the angled rail (there is a pocket created by the rail angle and the hullside). It is amazing how loud this is inside the cabin.

Has anyone ever moved these rails up above waterline a bit? I don't want to affect the way these rails might help lift the bow underway, but I'm not really sure how much it matters at the present level. I was thinking about keeping the same angle, but moving the rail up to just above waterline. Seems like all the DE boats I look at have different splash rail lengths, heights, and designs...

Does anyone have any experience with the Smart Rails?

Thanks...

 

[Fish220sr]

Put the Smart rails on my DE this spring.After running 350+hrs so far the rails seem to be thin.Wider would be better.
Maybe we did not hit the perfect install spot ? Boat may also be just a wet runner.

 

[JimRP31]

Take quick a quick look at my thread I just went through this http://downeastboatforum.com/downeast-projects-boat-building/sisu-refit-1721.html PM me if you have any questions

 

[captainlarry84]

Once replaced and to save your rail from damage always block the rail when hauling. 99% of rail that break get damaged by the travel life straps. The key is to keep the strap off the rails with the 4" X 4" block of wood wraped in a towel.

 

[Roy G]

I put Smart Rails on my 26' Shamrock 9 years ago. They were glued on, they are still there and work fantastic.

Roy

 

[captainlarry84]

Smart rail make a nice product. I am sure on a nice smooth clean glecoted hull like the Shamrock they stick real nice. However on your older Bruno with a little grit to the surface it they may not work as well. Old gray mares like my JC & your Bruno need 5200 & screws to hold them in place. I would go with the rails sold by Hamilton Marine they come in 20 foot length. My rails are not thru bolted they are just screwed into place and bedded in 5200 sealant they are like a rock. I did break one and it needed replacement. I was amazed that at the point of contact in the hull there was about 2 of glass. The screws were #12 and they threaded into the glass about 1.
If your Bruno is thru bolted it will be very hard to line up the old screw holes. Your best bet would be to tac the rails in place with a few screw. Next drill from the inside out into the rails, making sure that each old hole is dead center in the rails before drilling. Once all the hole are done countersink the outside, bed the with 5200 and mount them.