Splash Rail

G

G.W.

New member
I haven't noticed the mention of Splash Rails. I was wondering if anyone has added these to their boat. I think the 16 ft. has a problem with spray when running at speed. It's dam near impossible not to get everything in the back of the boat wet. I'd like to hear if someone has added some, and what their experience was. Thanks
G.W.
 
When I'm having a choppy windy day I put up my side tent walls and it does fine keeping the water out of the back. I leave the back off, but if its bad you can leave back on as well and roll open the clear window portion. I travel with a foldable electric scooter which I store across the rear wall of the splash well, when I'm in salt water I can't have salt water going over my scooter controls. So I really understand your concern about keeping dry. Sometimes I only put one side up because of weather and wind only one side is needed.
If you don't have a tent, it will make your 16 versital for many weather conditions while under way as well as anchored or tied to a dock.
 
Interesting. I was just looking at folding bikes for my 16 and, of course with the latest technology, electric folding bikes are possible (at three times the cost). "Marine grade" folding bikes, like the Dahon Mariner, are pricey to begin with. I thought that the space under the splash well would be a good spot, as the smallest bikes would fit perfect in that space. I've been relocating my batteries and gas tanks with the idea of using that "protected" area (that and getting the boat balanced better). I guess that area is not as well protected as I thought.

Maybe a Sunbrella splash curtain across there would be all that's necessary.

If G.W. has certain items that he wants to keep salt spray off (like electric down riggers), maybe individual covers are the way to go. There is a Cordura fabric that has a fusible plastic backing that allows you to "iron together" the pieces into a waterproof bag rather than sew. I've used that material to make dry bags, etc., and it works great if you can keep the pattern simple.

Mark
"No name yet" CD 16
 
I doubt that spray rails would be of much benefit on the C Dory. The laps in the hull act to some extent as the spray rails, but in rough weather, you are going to get spray. Some hulls they do help.

For bikes and scooters, either the enclosure or a bag made specifically to cover the item. When we crossed the Atlantic, we had motor bikes on board, and they were in an area subject to spray. We made a Sunbrella bag which the bike was inserted into from the bottom, and (had grommets for the tied downs for the bikes to go thru to the pad eyes on the deck) and then a second cover which went over the top. Over 10,000 miles of open ocean and no problems. But we also used LPS #3 over the metal to help with the salt air. There are other products, such as Corrosion Block which can be used on the electrical/electronic parts if necessary. (I use Corrosion block on the outboard power head.)
 
My scooter is a Super Cycle 800 distributed by Super Cycles out of Myrtle Beach S.C. I've had it a year only $600. I had a rack fabricated by a local shop for the slot across the top of the splash well, makes it easy to get off and on the boat. I'm disabled a bit so I have to work around stuff. I've had a cover made it's just not ready yet. I take the battery off to load and unload it's pretty heavy. When I'm at a marina I have to have a cover or else rain will wipe out the charger which it did last year in Savannah, luckily I had a charger at home and my wife Fed X it to me at Jekyll Island. A couple of weeks ago when I took my St Augustine trip my cover was not ready and salt water was splashing all over the controls, I put up the tent wall on that side and the problem was solved. That tent is so versatile, with my front windows that now open and the tent, I can control the air flow so well. Oh and the scooter is a steal, the seat and seat post lift off then the stearing column folds down and acts as a handel for lifting, the range and speed are great too I just use a back pack and I'm set. being so cheap its not designed so well for rain so it has some limitations but for $600 its a value. I can stand well but my walking is with a cane and terribly slow and annoying. When I go shopping I use the electric cart at the store.
 
How did we get on to bikes? I'm asking if anyone has experience with adding splash rails on their boat. Judging by the answers, I'll assume no one has.
Thanks.
G.W.
 
Never heard of splash rails added to a boats hull.

I do know some Mfgs design some reverse chine
into a hull to minimize your concern and create
lift.

Are you trying to obtain the impossible - a dry boat?

Aye.

Grandpa used to say, "When the wind is howling and the
waves are splashing, it's time to go sailing."
 
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