Installing a SUP Rack on Antoinette
- Damian Harris
- Oct 13, 2022
- 2 min read
Hey everyone, Antoinette here again! Today, we're tackling a project on my boat, the Merry Fisher 895: installing a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rack.
Introducing the Relaxing SUP Storage System:
I'm using the Relaxing SUP Storage System, made of sturdy aluminum and available from Boat Warehouse (and likely other retailers worldwide). It comes with two racks, various fixing points, and tie-downs to keep your board secure. Everything feels solid and well-made.
A Few Hiccups Along the Way:
While the system seems great, I encountered a couple of challenges:
Metric vs. Imperial: The boat is European and uses metric measurements, while the included spacers were for imperial sizes. I had to improvise with some plumbing parts to create the right fit.
Tricky Threading: The machining seemed precise, but I found the threading a bit tricky, requiring careful alignment to avoid cross-threading.
Missing Information: My biggest misstep was not thoroughly checking the instructions before starting. It turns out there were actually three spacer options, including one for my boat's one-inch rails. Had I known this, I wouldn't have wasted time creating my own solutions.
Tips and Tricks:
Here are some helpful tips I learned during the installation:
Work over water? Use tethers! You don't want to lose any bolts or parts overboard. Secure them with straps just in case.
Grips for tight spaces: The tight threading made assembly challenging. Using grips helped me squeeze the pieces together for easier bolt insertion.
Read the instructions fully! This might seem obvious, but it saved me time and effort in this case.
The Final Result:
Despite the small bumps, the installation went well. The racks are sturdy and hold the board securely. I'll do a full review after testing them out on the water, but so far, I'm happy with the product.
Bonus Notes:
The system comes with plenty of spare bolts, so losing one isn't a major concern.
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I hope this blog post was helpful and informative. If you have any questions about the Relaxing SUP Storage System or my installation experience, feel free to leave a comment below!
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