Boat Rub Rail Replacement Kit 50' - 70' Flexible Vinyl1 1/16" x 11/16"

Enhance your boat’s durability at the dock and appearance on the water with a new Flexible Vinyl Rub Rail. This rub rail kit includes everything you need for installation and is available in 50’ or 70’ long coils in all black or black with an arctic white Insert. Ideal for smaller 10’ to 16’ vessels, this universal rub rail replacement kit includes a seamless coil of soft durometer flexible vinyl, a tube-style coiled insert, all the hardware necessary for installation, and two black nylon end caps. This universal kit pairs well with freshwater bass boats, small fishing boats, sailboats, and even dinghies. Some of the popular brands that pair with this profile include Angler Boats, Glacier Bay Catamarans, SeaHunter Boats, Sportsman Boats, and Gheenoe.

What are the Benefits of Flexible Vinyl Rub Rail Compared to Stainless or Rigid

There are numerous reasons why boaters prefer flexible vinyl over stainless steel or rigid vinyl profiles, with the top consideration being cost. Flexible vinyl is significantly less expensive than steel or rigid vinyl. Additionally, it doesn’t require costly pre-forms, which are necessary with steel or rigid vinyl to make tight radius bends or around bow pulpits that are part of the molded deck. Flexible vinyl is easy to bend and requires minimal heat during installation.

Unlike stainless steel, flexible vinyl will not rust or corrode from water and salt deposits. Because of this, there is notably less maintenance involved with flexible vinyl, making it an ideal choice for boaters. Flexible vinyl has built-in cushion protection for impact absorption, unlike stainless steel or rigid vinyl, which are more likely to retain visible dents and scuffs from pilings.

When it comes to installation, flexible vinyl weighs less than heavy stainless steel, making it easier to install and saving time - getting you back out on the water faster.

Measure Existing Rub Rail

If you’re still in possession of your original boat rub rail, remove a small section to obtain dimensions. We recommend starting at the transom of your boat, where the profile ends, or finding an easily accessible seam. Then, using a powered drill, carefully remove the hardware from approximately 2’ of the rub rail. As it pulls away from the hull joint, carefully cut off a short section using garden shears or another cutting tool.

Once a small section is removed, measure the back side of the profile that was against the hull from top to bottom to determine the height. Next, measure the width of the rub rail from the outermost point on the front to the back.

Depending on the age of your boat, an exact OEM replacement profile may no longer be available. However, the universal design of this kit means that you can use it for a variety of replacement applications as long as the height dimensions are close enough in scale.

If the height of your old rub rail is longer than the height of this profile, consider exploring our offering of other universal replacement kits, which come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to fit your needs.

How to Determine Rub Rail Size Without the Old Profile

If you no longer have your original rub rail for comparison, another way to determine the fit you need is by measuring from the bottom edge of the molded deck (or cap) that overlaps the hull joint to the top point where the radius begins to transition to the horizontal surface. While deck and hull joint sizes vary, the surest solution is to ensure the overlap is completely covered by the rub rail - hiding screw holes while creating a secure barrier from water penetration.

Once you’ve determined the necessary height, next compare its shape to the backside of the rub rail that attaches to the boat. Some cap joints are flat while others are curved. You’ll want to choose a rub rail profile that fits snugly against the joint’s surface.

How to Determine Rub Rail Length

If you’re not sure whether you need 50’ or 70’ of rub rail for your boat, we have a simple trick to easily determine how much you’ll need.

Take the length of your boat, multiply that number by two, and then add the width of the beam. If this total is greater than 50’, then you should consider the 70’ option instead. It is better to have more rub rail than you need for installation because any excess can be removed and discarded.

Replace old, worn rub rail with this flexible vinyl replacement kit - a fantastic, cost-saving solution for DIY boaters looking to refresh their boat’s appearance and protect it from impact at the dock for years to come.