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THE
SMART-RAIL^®

FAST-RAILS^®

SMART Marine
Products Corp.

M-1000 and M-2000 User Reports

M-3000 User Reports

Subject: Smartrails on 43 Viking Express Sportfisher

Dear Chris,

Although we spoke over the phone today to discuss the incredible success I have had with your smart rail 2000 product. I wanted to take a minute to send you this quick note so that others will know what a truly great boating product the smart rail system is. In our charter operation we operate a 43' Open Viking Express Sportfisher powered by 800 hp MAN engines coupled to ZF gears with 1.5 reduction swinging 27 x 36 props.  The boat weighs in at just under 20 tons fully loaded and is a notoriously wet boat!! Well not anymore!!

As one might imagine, with such a heavy however well engineered boat by Viking Yachts, I wondered if an add on product would really work to reduce annoying spray......spray that we would get even in modest conditions. Yes I was a little skeptical but not after the first sea trial after installation of your product.  Headsea spray in modest conditions....totally eliminated.  Spray overall I would say has been reduced by over 90%.  It amazed me to think that even though Viking builds such a great boat that I could add a product to make the ride even better!!

Even more incredible to me was how the boat handled after installation of the rails.  This was a completely unanticipated gain in performance.  With the additional lift from the rails the boat gets up on plane much faster, planes at several knots less than before and most importantly you can hear and feel the reduction in engine strain and vibration.....it's like we have a new boat with larger engines!!!  And she handles much more nimbly at lower speeds.

It’s truly an incredible product, my hats off to the ingenious designers who developed this concept and I want to offer my sincere thanks!!

This dramatic increase in performance and spray reduction came from adding one smart rail 2000 kit to each side of the hull just below the "false" chine.  We started the rails about 1 foot from the stem on the bow and ran 18' of smart rail 2000 down each side of the hull.

Thank you again for providing the boating world with such a well designed product that really delivers all the claims and then some!!

Tight Lines,

Rob Loftis, Captain

USCG# 1108458

Reel Escape Charters

On the web: http://reelescapecharters.com/

email: info@reelescapecharters.com

Proline 25' Walkaround 2005. Owner states: "I have been trying to sell this Boat for 6 months because we were getting so WET. My family  wouldn't go with me after the first trip. I wanted to sell it and get a Grady White. Then I Saw ''The Smart Rail'' on the web site and had my boat yard in GA install a pair of M-2000 Smart Rails to the bow of my boat. I tested the boat today and no spray. I ran the boat harder than I do normally and  JUST COULD NOT GET WET. Also the boat gets up on plane at 15 mph instead of 20. I just can't believe it . If I were to get another Boat I would definitely have  ''Smart Rails'' on it. I will send you photos next week."  1/23/08

1996 Henriques 28 Express Fisherman gained 3 knots and knocked down the spray with the M-2000 mounted Bow to Stern.

Products Corp. In July of 2002 , we have installed the smart rail spray rails forward and the m-2000 lifting rails aft on the M/V Foxsea , A 53' Hatteras Sportfish. The spray rails are very effective in reducing the spray in 3-4 foot seas with about 60 % reduction of spray reaching the flybridge. The m-2000 lifting rails have given the Foxsea a better position in the water and significantly reduces the plowing resulting in an increase of 2-3 knots overall speed. The lifting rails also seem to provide better stability.

Last Month , we replaced the M-2000 lifting rails with 12' of the M-3000 lifting rails. Sea trials with no lifting rails resulted in a cruise speed of 11-12 knots at 1900 rpm and a top speed of 15-16 knots at 2320 rpm. With the M-3000 lifting rails installed , the cruise speed increased to 15-16 knots at 1900 rpm and a top speed of 19 -20 knots at 2320

----Trips to Bimini , Bahamas from Ft. Lauderdale Fl. used to take approximately 4 1/2 hours before any rails were installed on the Foxsea. On a recent trip, the Foxsea made the 52 mile crossing in 3 hours and 15 minutes in 3 foot following sea. - The overall ride of the boat seems to be softer and there seems to be less strain on the Detroit 1271N motors getting the boat out of the water. We would highly recommend The Smart Rail system for any similar Sportfish Boat. "

Foxsea Charters Inc.
Capt. Jim Litrides
May 18, 2005 1:21 AM

May 24, 2004

After installing Smart Rails on my 1982 Silverton 40 ft. aft cabin, performance was increased dramatically! I was now able to achieve cruise speed of 16 to 17 knots at 3200 rpm without using the secondaries, lowering fuel consumption 3 to 4 gals. per hour at cruising speed. The boat also handles and turns much easier at cruising speed. It feels light on its feel and the size of the wake has been substantially reduced.

Thank you for an excellent product.

Paul A. Troncone
Owner

"We have installed the Smart Rail spray rails forward and the lifting rails aft on the M/V FOXSEA, a 53’ Hatteras Sportfish. The spray rails are very effective in reducing the spray in 3-5 foot seas with about a 60% reduction of spray reaching the flybridge. The lifting rails have given the FOXSEA a better position in the water and significantly reduces the plowing resulting in an increase of 2-3 knots overall speed. The lifting rails also seem to provide better stability."

"...after 4 years, I still love Smart Rails. I have bragged about them since day one.

11 June 2002

This is to inform you that I have had excellent results with your product. The spray rails, which I used for three years on my 36’ Tiara, eliminated 80-90% of the nuisance spray.

Recently, I applied your product on a 45’ Cabo Express and found the same 80-90% reduction in nuisance spray. Thank you for making such a great product at a reasonable price.

13 August 2001

I have recently installed your rails to my 24 Topaz. The 24 Topaz is a great boat, but generally underpowered. I have a single inboard Volvo Diesel rated at 165 hp. Prior to installation of your rails, the boat cruised at a solid 22 kts., 2 3400 rpms. It planned at 3000 and had a max rpm of 3600, as recommended by the manufacturer. Everyone I talked to said that I should be happy with that and that better performance would only come from an expensive re-power.

Although some spray deflection would be nice, I was really looking for more speed. As you instructed I installed (2) 9 foot sections of your rail to both port and starboard. Unlike other installations, I started from the transom and worked my way forward in an attempt to gain maximum lift on the hull. It worked!

On the first test run I was impressed. I noticed a little sharper steering, faster planning, (by 100 rpms) and a slight increase in speed to 23 kts., @3400 rpms. I also noticed a jump in the max rpms to 3750 from 3600. These extra 150 turns on the top end allowed me to add a heavy cup to my 17 x 18 four blade wheel. After doing this the increase in speed is astonishing!

With the added cup on the wheel it will now cruise at a very solid 25 kts., @ 3400 rpms. NO ONE CAN BELIEVE YOUR PRODUCT HELPED ADD 3 kts. TO MY CRUISE SPEED, BUT IT DID. In addition, I can drop down to 2100 rpms and still make 22 kts., thus burning less fuel and increasing my range.

I mainly fish Bluewater in the Gulf of Mexico, out of Venice, LA. The fishing is great, but it requires a 26 mile run South in the Mississippi River just to get to saltwater and then the Bluewater may be 12 to 120 miles offshore. With all the travel required, an increase in speed makes the run-time shorter and fishing-time longer. I am very satisfied with your product and I have recommended it to other boaters.

1 October 2002

Hi, I purchased your smart-rail system 16 months ago to install on my 42 Post, as we were in dry-dock doing a major blister job. According to your instructions, we stripped the gel coat down to the bare fiberglass to get the best bond. We did our sea trial on 4/14/02. The seas were running 2-4 feet with a SW wind of 15-20 kts. Leaving St. Augustine inlet, we were able to run the boat SE up to 23.5 kts. According to the GPS, and then we kept the bridge window open all the time and never got wet. I installed the rails all the way from the bow to the stern and it is truly amazing in the difference of the ride and the way the boat handles. We can plane the boat at 1650 rpms. Instead of squatting coming out of the hole, the boat just seems to just raise up. It also helped to keep the bow from digging in with a following sea. It did not cure the problems that the Post hull has in a following sea, but it helped keep the bow from following the trough. I want to thank you for your product and would highly recommend the rails to any Post owner. They will be amazed at the difference in the ride, we gained 3 kts. In top speed, the boat rides higher out of the water, the spray is almost eliminated. I haven’t had the chance to make a ledge trip to check out the fuel economy, but I am sure it will cut our fuel consumption at least 10-15%. Thank you again.

The Smart-Rails reduced spray by 75% on my 35' Cabo Express. (Click to enlarge.)

"The attached photos (not included in this testimonial) show the deflection of water from the spray rails we fitted in Fremantle. The “Smart Rails” are from the US and have been fitted to a number of Fleming’s including #108 in Sydney (Australia). The rails come in two models covering displacement and non displacement hulls and will fit a large range of craft. Installation is quite unique requiring specific hull temperature and were fitted to RR by three of us in the course of a very long day. The installation is exacting but all materials come with the kit. During our voyage we found the spray rails extremely beneficial in reducing on board spray and seas and certainly commend them. The photo shows them running aft from the bow to the waterline. If you require further info contact http://www.thesmartrail.com. If anyone in Perth would like more info and a recommended installer please contact me."

"I wish to report success in controlling sea spray on our Cabo 33 training vessel."

"With rails applied to a single side of the vessel’s forward chines, the Smart Rails have presented a unique comparison opportunity. The side without rails continues to receive spray. The side carrying the Smart Rails is significantly dry. These observations are based on the training captains aboard and by crews of sister vessels running with “Little Chappy”. Forward, aft, and alongside views really show the difference of 'with' and 'without'."

"Although we do not run our training vessels in severe seas, the excellent performance of the Smart Rails has been confirmed. They are equally effective in moderate seas."

"Just wanted to thank you again for a great product. I’ve had my Smart Rails for two years now and what a difference they have made. My boat was miserably wet and now is as dry as any I have used … I have recommended Smart Rails several times on various fishing an boating message boards."

"Just wanted to let you know that the spray rails are working GREAT!!!! We are very happy with them."

"In early spring of this year (1999) I purchased The Smart Rail for my 29’ Chesapeake Bay work board. I’d seen it for the first time at the Watermen’s Expo in Ocean City, MD back in January. Two weeks ago, during my annual mid-summer haul-out I installed the rails. While I’ve had my boat out on trips just twice since the installation I am absolutely delighted with the performance of your product."

"During the Miami Boat show this past winter I came across your booth displaying your "Spray Rails". After discussion with Chris Hodges, and in conjunction with a friend of mine who has a similar problem as I have with a wet boat, we decided to install your rails on both of our boats (mine being the 53' Viking Sport Fish). I had been looking into all of the ramifications of such an installation for a long time and had been VERY hesitant because of the complicated nature and the cost of such an installation with the conventional methods. I really didn't like the idea of drilling and fiber glassing their spray rails onto my hull.

Most of my boating friends who are very knowledgeable were adamant that with the conventional methods of installation I would rip the rails off the boat under the conditions that I fish and run. They were even more skeptical when I told them your product would not mutilate my hull. "No way", they said! "Those thing will be hanging off the boat during the first 5 miles you run at 23 knots in a 3-5 foot sea". "You have got to be kidding, Paul. That boat weighs 80,000 lbs. Do you really expect a glued on rail to hold up under those conditions?" The waters in South Florida, the Gulf Stream, and the Bahamas "Out Islands" can be pretty rough, and I am not a "fair weather" boater! They have been with me and know I fish and run in almost anything. Well, did I surprise them! I had the rails installed anyway! You were very sure of your product and very persuasive.

First., I have never worked people as accommodating, honest (very rare), and capable as you. You did everything you promised in a timely and professional manner. You didn't miss a beat. ...

Since your Smart Rails have been installed, I have been fishing in the Bahamas twice (with my skeptical fishing buddies). We have all been truly shocked! The difference the spray rails made in the performance and comfort of the boat is astounding. The 53' Viking is a great, strong boat, but it's WET. With the spray rails, I took almost NO SPRAY, let alone not needing radar to see what was in front of me. In the past I needed wet gear on the bridge even with the clear curtains in place. We ran in 6-8' seas during the first trip. No spray. No one could believe it. Returning from Bimini, during our second trip, we ran into a northwest wind blowing 25 knots. We took the seas on our starboard bow quarter (really big seas) which normally got us so wet that we couldn't see anything. The bridge was absolutely dry. By the time we were home, every one of the men on the boat were talking about whom they could tell about your product.

I really thank you for giving me a "new boat". You have made me a believer in your product, and made me a friend because of the manner which you conducted business. Many, many thanks."

Pembroke Pines, FL 33026

Senior Writer
Boating Magazine, NY

"I have bought one of your smart rails a month ago and they are great!!!! I bought the rail for my Carolina Skiff and it has reduced the spray from waves more than I thought it ever would... I'm keeping my boat now."

Tampa, Fl. 33615

"I own two 17-foot Aquasports. THE SMART-RAIL® was put on the boat with a 1990 70HP Johnson. The other has a 1998 90HP Honda. Believe it or not, both boats now run at the same speed. The one with the new spray rail gets out of the water much faster, holds tighter on sharp turns, and has a much drier ride. Needless to say, I will be adding THE SMART-RAIL® to my other boats. Thanks for a great product!'

Seatow
Panama City, FL

"I have installed the rails on my 1995 39ft bayliner. The boat was not a very dry boat prior to the installation. I am very pleased with the result. The time to install the rails was as you said it would be, there were no surprises. Many people have asked about the rails, if you send me some business cards I will pass the along for you."

Mount Kisco, NY 10549

"I had THE SMART-RAIL installed on my 52-ft TOLLYCRAFT M/Y. Bow spray is now under control. A great product."

Annapolis, MD

"This year I purchased The Smart Rail. I'd seen it for the first time at the Watermen's Expo in Ocean City. I installed the rails and am absolutely delighted with the performance of your product.

My 29' Chesapeake Bay work boat has a small wheelhouse and its length is mostly cockpit. The ride was exceptionally wet. I often had to "ride" with my curtains in place to keep my passengers and equipment dry. I wanted spray rails for a long time, but didn't want bolts through my hull. I was immediately interested in the Smart Rail because of the installation process.

Now that they are on, they look great and have kept me dry ever since. Thanks a lot for introducing me to your product. I wish you good luck with it in the future. Please know, if you ever have inquiries about performance and looks of The Smart Rail from people along Chesapeake Bay, that I would be happy to have them contact me for a demonstration."

Severna Park, MD 21146

"THE SMART-RAIL® System was easy to install on my 24-ft Sportcraft. It greatly reduced the bow spray. Now I plane at 2600 rpm instead of 3000. I can now go farther on a tank of gas. It also increased my speed by 4 mph!"

Boston, MA

"Just wanted to let you know that the spray rails are working GREAT!!! We are very happy with them."

Email

"My 42-ft PEI Lobsterboat does 26 knots. I didn't think it would hold on. We've been through some rough seas, and it held fast. The crew like the improved working conditions, especially in winter. We installed the rails without hauling the boat."

Mike's Restaurant
New Bedford, MA

"I just wanted to let you know how pleased I am with your product. This weekend my friend and I installed a pair of M2000 Smartrails on my 15' palm beach flats boat. This boat has to be the wettest ride on the water. I couldn't even cross a l' boat wake or drive in a small following see without stuffing the bow. I even telephoned the national sales manager for palm beach with my concerns. He couldn't really offer any suggestions, so I ordered your product after seeing the ad in the Florida Sportsman.

Well after proper preparation and a phone call to clarify the directions I couldn't be happier. The installation process was a snap, taking about 2 hours. The next day I took the boat out in Sarasota bay into about a 15 knot wind. My friend was skeptical that the smart rail would be effective. I knew it would and have since eliminated spray by about 90%!! No more wiping off my Costa's every 5 minutes The boat planed better, ran flatter and I noticed that it didn't porpoise any more. One of the reasons I bought this boat was to run in shallow water in search of Snook, Trout etc. The problem I encountered was when running in skinny water I would tilt the motor up a little. Well that made it run worse because the boat would porpoise like crazy. With the Smartrail, porpoising was completely eliminated!! Now I can jack the Suzuki EFI 4-Stroke nearly out of the water and run much shallower. In my estimate, I probably draw 3 to 4" less water. That's huge considering the Oyster beds we commonly run across.

I would highly recommend the Smart rail. I guess my next project will be installing a pair on the aft section."

Sarasota, FL

"We tested it in rough sea conditions. No spray. It works 100%..."

"I just put on my Smart Rail and it works great."

"I could not believe the reduction in spray on my 17-ft Boston Whaler. With THE SMART-RAIL®, my family now loves to come along."

DMD
Scituate, MA

Towboatius
New Bedford, MA

Installed the rails on my 25 CC Sportcraft. Your rails reduced spray by at least 75% and seems to have increased boat speed by 2-3 kts in light seas. They work.

Upon loading on trailer, mid way, starboard side hooked on roller, slightly pulled top section loose (2-4" section). However, 10-12 ft seas did not damage, nor did the 32 kts.

2 October 2002

I am the new owner of a Reelin, a 41 Hatteras, with one section of your spray rail at the bow. The difference of no rails and rails is like night and day. I have been a crew member on this boat prior to purchasing it from my friend’s estate. As one of the early test bed’s for these rails I can attest to their effectiveness. Our bridge windows would constantly take spray. With these rails in place we only rarely take spray when the seas are bigger than 6 hoot or so. Two years ago, we had a failure when the original set of rails failed due to their hardness (brittle). The subsequent spring you can out and installed these rails yourself because I was unsure of the installation procedure. After watching the installation, I could not believe how easy it was. After one season in which I fished until December in some very hard seas, the rails have worked flawlessly.

(Smart Marine Products comment:  The rails mentioned above were prototype rails. The process has changed to correct for the brittleness. This problem has not reappeared. )

User reports 28' Henriques gains 3 knots with bow to stern M2000

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 Site updated on: 04/28/08