This is a copy of a post which responded to questions about the acrylic rails starting with 2007 models, and digressing to 2006 models. It is an attempt to inform you as BCB Owners of the research that went into the rails and many changes you are not aware of. Also proposed ideas that were already researched and not feasible for various reasons.
From our knowledge we have had very, very few ’07 rails with issues. Far less than 1% failures on 2007 redesigned rails.
There has been extensive research and work done on this and it has not been an issue in 2007. This is the first we have heard of it on a 2007 model. That research included the inserted style mentioned, and that has another design issue.
This topic has come up in a previous post on the crackling of ’06 rails. The lighted rail was added to the Cougar FTD in response to a poll we ran on Bass Boat Central about Owner Preferences on rails. It seems you folks want rails, and you wanted lighted rails. That was obvious in the voting results.
The crazing issue is somewhat related to some stresses, though don’t forget the rails were built in house by BCB early in 2005 and had no such issues. It was a vendor issue really. Those ’05 rails had no premature crazing. They did occasionally crack through from the stress, though no exterior crazing.
They did split on the early ’05 through bolt design, though that was only a temporary part while we were awaiting the production pieces. This ended with the new stanchion.
The ’07 models are the split rail design that removed the stress. So the ’07 mentioned is not subject to stress, and is chemical related as we mention. Not saying anyone in particular is responsible, though that is usually the issue.
Based on the lower mortality of the rails we built in house, the stress was not a factor until we outsourced the rails.
The ’07 design was done to compensate for all issues. Those being stress, variances in vendor controls, UV issues and more.
We can not compensate for chemicals getting on the rails from cleaning. And the rails are a similar product to your windscreens. If you would not use a cleaning agent on your windscreens, DON’T use it on the rails. We think this is an issue in several clean ups, at dealers and detailers. Sometimes a clean up “boy” may be just that and just be trying to make them look good! Though his efforts to make them sparkle may cause that premature deterioration.
There have been several different issues on the rails, and virtually none are related. Only the chemical issues are shared by all except those ’05 rails.
Again we will follow up on the rails being backordered with the service crew next week.
BCB
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