Freestyle Is it worth it to widen the rails?

[ou812]

Looking for opinions on widening the rails on a RN hull. It seems like all the aftermarket hulls are going to wider rails and the response seems to be that everyone likes them. My question is: Is it worth it on a RN hull for flat water use?

I've currently got my hull torn down to re-foam, reinforce, add tubbies and shorten 4". So is it worth it to widen the rails at this time? I know it will add some weight but do the advantages out way negatives? If so how wide would you make them?

Thanks!
Brad

 

[kevbo]

woops

 

[kevbo]

Its easier to gain lift and reduce pitching effort on a shorter/wider hull. Start shortening the hull until it is difficult to plane then add width.

 

[ou812]

TTT... Sounds like its worth while in the surf but what about flat water?

 

[IS0LD0UT]

Are you talking about making the ski wider, the tray, or something else.

 

[ou812]

Are you talking about making the ski wider, the tray, or something else.

Sorry. Increasing the width of the bond rails.

 

[Cannibal]

It adds weight, sportfish258 added wider rails and estimated it to be add over 10lbs. For flatwater, I just can't see it adding much benefit. IDK??? If you've seen my recent thread, I'm weighing the options on my recreational ski that sees both. Unless you have your ski stripped, I wouldn't do it, too much work, not enough gain. I have my top and bottom decks split and have to rebuild the top deck rails already, so it's not really much more work for me and "might" be worth it.