Smart Rails...

CMP · Post by **CMP** » Jan 22nd, '09, 10:06

Anyone here ever installed them on a B25 or a B31? Curious about their performance, ease of install, positives/negatives...

CMP

jspiezio · Post by **jspiezio** » Jan 22nd, '09, 10:26

Put them on a Glass Works Chincoteague we ran around the bay in. Worked great until the boat sank.

CaptPatrick · Post by **CaptPatrick** » Jan 22nd, '09, 10:59

Mark,

They do a pretty good job of reducing spray on the B31, and I'd guess that they work as good on a B25. Installation is pretty simple and if installed correctly are close to permanent and indestructible. You do need to carry them back past amidships, but not necessarily full length of the chine. About 2/3 back from the bow would probably be fine.

Of the two extrusion designs, the only one that comes close to fitting the Hunt chine still needs a bit of modification in my opinion.

I experimented with the installation on the B31 chine and found that by cutting a notch in the rails it allowed the rail to more easily conform to the chine.

Cosmetically, they're butt ugly...

Br,

Patrick

Harv · Post by **Harv** » Jan 22nd, '09, 11:14

I think John Cranston installed these full length on his 31 Bahia Bar.

In Memory Walter K · Post by **In Memory Walter K** » Jan 22nd, '09, 11:17

The only complaint I've heard is that they must be protected from being crushed by the lift straps when the boat's being hauled. Walter

CaptPatrick · Post by **CaptPatrick** » Jan 22nd, '09, 11:38

walterk wrote:The only complaint I've heard is that they must be protected from being crushed by the lift straps when the boat's being hauled. Walter

Actually, because the Smart Rails are made from a plyable PVC compound, they're not as suseptable to lift damage as hard spray rails. They still do need chine blocks on the slings, but any competent boat yard is already familiar with the proceedure.

CMP · Post by **CMP** » Jan 22nd, '09, 14:08

Not sold on them, but am considering putting them on a flats boat I'm building and got to thinking...

CMP

Buju · Post by **Buju** » Jan 22nd, '09, 15:39

How'd your Keys trip go Mark? I wanted to hook up w/ you but was busy with a job, and the kids...
Brian & Alex put you on the fish?

jspiezio · Post by **jspiezio** » Jan 22nd, '09, 16:08

CMP wrote:Not sold on them, but am considering putting them on a flats boat I'm building and got to thinking...

CMP

They will work great on the flats boat. It changed that Chincoteague from a mobile saltwater shower to a pleasure to run.

In Memory Walter K · Post by **In Memory Walter K** » Jan 22nd, '09, 17:14

If they lap water when poling or cause surface sounds from motion on the boat, the noise can spook skittish fish. Walter

thuddddddd · Post by **thuddddddd** » Jan 23rd, '09, 08:54

Might know someone that has a set lying around, in a building in Newton.
You around sun?

CMP · Post by **CMP** » Jan 23rd, '09, 11:51

Tim, yep-I will be around, call me.

Buju, it was a great trip. Inshore was hard work but Alex proved once again he is the MAN at Bud's and we crushed the sails. All in all a great stress-reliever. Next year, I'll have at least one boat down there...

CMP

keysdisease · Post by **keysdisease** » Jan 23rd, '09, 12:08

You may want to look at these, scroll to bottom.

http://www.tacomarine.com/cat--Rigid-Ru ... solid.html

Steve

tds8268 · Post by **tds8268** » Jan 23rd, '09, 15:19

CMP,

Had them for several years and no issues except the one side cracked-out near the end of the run after being on since 2003. I have full set plus another half set which comes back about 15 ft. total per side. If I were buying a 31 again it is one of the first things I would add after Capt. Pats rudders. One thing I don't like, other than the looks, is in real heavy seas they don't do much since the waves are hitting the sides above the rails. I might add a second set this spring just below the rub rail and see if these cut even more spray.

Dan

CMP · Post by **CMP** » Jan 23rd, '09, 22:47

Dan,

Great input, do you have pics? Thanks...

CMP

tds8268 · Post by **tds8268** » Jan 25th, '09, 09:00

CMP,

Sorry, but no pics on the boat. The set that have been on for years are down along the chine and not super noticeable. However, the second set I am considering adding would be the series that attaches to the flat hull side and would be much more visible. A good friend of mine in OC has been installing these for several years and has actually painted many sets with Awlgrip and had good results just as long as your not banging them into docks which should only be an issue for me at our fuel docks and if I only extend them 10' back on each side, they sould be far enough forward not to be hitting anything. Jimmy gave ma a small section which I will tape in place just to see how ugly it really looks.

Dan
www.finchasersportfishing.com

CaptMarkB · Post by **CaptMarkB** » Jan 25th, '09, 13:12

Installed on my 31 CABO in 1998, reduced spray substancially, no problems for 4 years and 750 hrs. of northeast canyon fishing until I sold the boat. Boat hauled every winter with no problems. Highly recommended, installation a breeze. Also being pvc, very receptive to paint.

Mark

bertram31.com

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