Question on runners for garvey rebuild

[Tom Barb]

I'm at the stage in the Garvey rebuild that I need to address the runners before painting. The hull is completely flat and some have suggested runners to help control the boat. The boat did not have them before.

My question is, should I add them or not. Will it hurt the boats ability greatly to be slid across mud? Or affect its shallow draft capability much? Pros cons etc,?

If you think I should add them, will standard box store lumber (SYP) work? And how deep should they be?

Thanks for the opinions.

 

[Steve Sanford]

Good morning, Tom~

I recommend you use the vessel then decide.

While the runners can act as strakes and help the boat track, they DEFINITELY will confound your time spent on mudflats. I molded 2 such runners on a 'glass 2-man Sneakbox once. When the tide ran out, I envisioned a giant bench vise on the bottom of the bay, gripping my boat tight to the sand and mud. Manhandling her into deeper water was much, much harder than it needed to be.

Hope this helps - and hope to see you in Tuckerton,

SJS

 

[Phil Nowack]

If you decide to put runners on it. I epoxiea on the synthetic TREX decking material. I didn't use screws and it will not rot