C-Forum

Hi,
I just got an Esquif Spark with wood gunwhales on it, and I'm wondering at what cold temperature I should loosen the skrews on the gunwhales at?

I've heard many different things, and since this is my first boat, I am just wondering what other people have found through experience.

Thanks,

Nate

Hey,
Most manufactuers suggest that you loosen your screws whenever the mercury dips below freezing. Its not hard to do but it is very important to maintain the quality of your craft. If you dont it will damage both the royalex and the gunwales.However I keep my good wood gunwale boat in the garage and loosen the hardware in order to keep it nice.
Nick

I've owned many boats with wood rails. I don't do anything at all to them, not even treat the wood, and I boat all winter long. I've never had a problem with any of them, I always wear out the plastic first. I think storing the boat indoors is the most important thing.

The conventional wisdom has always been that if the boat will be subjected to sub freexing temps then you ought to loosen the screws. The theory is that the wood and plastic will expand/contract at different rates and in so doing cause damage. I have always stored my wood railed boats indoors so do not know from experience.

I also have a wood railed Spark (which I love) and it has one issue. There is a space between the outside rails and the hull; maybe 1/8 inch or so. I am going to loosen the screws, clamp it and try to retighten them. If that does not work I am considering drilling new holes or using slightly bigger screws. I think that this is a problem unique to my boat rather then a general
Spark issue. Maybe the rails are just a teeny schooch too long.
Chris Kelly

My boats are stored in my basement, but most of our local paddling here in Missouri is in the winter and early spring so when staying at the river they see plenty of freezing temps. That being said I have never loosened the screws on wood gunnels, if anything I make sure they are tight and I have not had any problems. At least once and somtimes twice a year I will lightly sand them and reapply Watco oil.

Chris, I think that problem is probably just your boat. I just got mine about two weeks ago, but it is pretty tight. I also know someone else who has a spark and no such problem has occured. Bummer, but does that gap between the rail and the boat do anything? (maybe just a place for dirt to accumulate?

Nate

I will report back after i try to fix it. chris

I believe it depends on the thickness of your gunwales.. In my creek layups I like to use 5/8" x 5/8 " and use them year round with out problems. Also if they used wood screws (tapered form tip to end) it can split the wood as it expands and contracts.. Try replaceing them with sheet metal screws that have a flat profile . their the kind Ive always used. ....Cheers

www.opencanoe.com/screwtypes.gif [/img]

Intersting! My boat has that type of wood skrews in it, however another person I know with the same boat from about a year ealier, and their's does not have that special kind.
The gunwhales are a racing layup ( I would assume since it is a slalom boat)

Nate