I am restoring a 1982 H16. Couple of Questions:

1. When I flip the hulls over, the flotation foam clunks around. Should I secure the flotation with Great Stuff or not worry about it? I have already cut holes for inspection ports in the decks.

2. What product is recommended for the side rails- tape or carpet? I am a newbie so I will be daysailing not racing just yet.

1. If the foam is in good condition I wouldn't worry about it.

2. I like carpet. You'll get a lot of opinions yes/no on both.

The tape that came on my rails didn't hold up very well. I would use carpet.

I heard/read somebody was fairly happy with a spray on bed liner for trucks. I might give that a try this season.

I posted somewhere wondering if anyone had tried using the bed liner stufff. Don't know how well it would work. Someone had mentioned the weight being a factor too. You first <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I am wondering how much heaver it could be than wet carpet. After all, it is just a strip about 4" wide and the length of the side rail. Now if you were going to do the hulls also that might be a concern.

I would be hesitant in using either tape or spray-on material due to the abrasiveness of the surface. I have a tendency to slide in from trapping or hiking out and have lost skin from sandpaper like substances. My personal preference is for a softer substance that still maintains traction when wet. For side rails I prefer carpet due to the bungee on the trap wire, while on Hobie 20 style decks I prefer hydro turf.