Stiletto Notes

Question: I am building a Stiletto and would like to know about fairing, if any, of the spray rail. When the rail is installed, the bottom edge is not on the same plane as the hull planking, should it be? Or should it be left to cut spray?

Answer: First, a spray rail might provide some advantages, but it is not normally used on a boat of this type... it doesn't look cool.

If you use one, the hull would be fiberglassed, then the spray rail fastened to the side planking, resting against the edge of the bottom planking, any gaps filled with thickened Poxy-Shield. The purpose of a spray rail, in addition to hiding this joint, is to deflect spray; it is not faired.

See Plate 19E from BOATBUILDING WITH PLYWOOD.