Boat Rub Rail Replacement Kit Flexible Vinyl 50' - 70' Black 1 7/8" x 1 1/8"

A cost-effective way to improve your boat’s outward appearance and protection at the dock is with a new rub rail. This popular Flexible Vinyl Rub Rail is used by many of the leading boat brands in the industry, including Boston Whaler, Contender, Grady White, Regal Marine, and Scout. This kit includes everything you need for DIY installation, including a seamless coil of soft durometer flexible vinyl, a coiled tube-style insert, hardware, and a pair of black nylon end caps. This kit is available in 50’ and 70’ lengths in all black.

Why Boat Builders Choose Flexible Vinyl Rub Rails

This sought-after profile is an OEM favorite because of its unique shape. With a barely perceptible curve on the backside, this profile’s distinctive design is a universal match for many hull caps. Its longer bottom leg with a radiused upward curve is not only visually appealing, but helps with water deflection and penetration between the cap and hull joint.

Two Reasons to Replace Your Boat’s Rub Rail

When it comes to replacing your boat rub rail, there are two primary reasons why it matters - appearance and protection. Without question, a new rub rail will improve your boat’s appearance. Old, worn, and damaged rub rails not only look bad, but also put your vessel at increased risk. New flexible vinyl looks great and provides enhanced protection from impact, whether from dock pilings or other vessels. Flexible vinyl has a soft durometer front that provides extra cushion from impact. Additionally, a new rub rail helps prevent water, salt, and other marine debris from penetrating between the cap and hull joint.

 Benefits:                                                     

• Seamless one-piece installation
• Cushions impacts to protect your boat
• Easy to bend a tight radius with minimal heating
• Adds style and flair to your boat
• Easier to install than rigid or stainless steel rub rails

How Does Flexible Vinyl Compare to Stainless Steel or Rigid Vinyl Rub Rails

Lower cost, less maintenance, and ease of installation make flexible vinyl rub rails the natural choice when compared to stainless steel or rigid vinyl.

This made-in-the-USA flexible vinyl is notably less expensive than stainless and rigid. Both stainless and rigid vinyl are not only harder to install, but often necessitate pre-forms to match a hull’s shape, which can be costly. Additionally, stainless and rigid rub rails tend to weigh more than flexible vinyl, adding increased difficulty when handling and installing.

When it comes to maintenance, a flexible vinyl rub rail is a preferred choice among boaters. A simple freshwater washdown after each use is a quick, effective way to maintain your flexible vinyl for years to come. Stainless steel is more challenging to maintain because it can easily become dented or scratched, and is more likely to rust and corrode from repeated exposure to the harsh elements of the marine environment.

Measure Your Existing Rub Rail to Find Your Kit

A quick way to determine which universal rub rail kit is a match for your boat is to measure the existing profile height and width, and compare its shape to the variety of kits we have available. Do not remove the existing rub rail while it’s secured against your boat’s hull. Instead, starting at the transom, remove the hardware from approximately 2’ of the rub rail. Use gardening shears or a heavy-duty cutting tool to remove 1’ to 2’ of the rub rail, which you can then measure.

While finding an exact OEM replacement rub rail for your boat make and model may not be possible, we offer a variety of universal kits in various shapes, sizes, and colors to fit your needs.

How to Determine the Correct Kit Without the Old Rub Rail

Depending on the age of your boat and where you are in the remodeling process, you may no longer be in possession of your original rub rail. If that is the case, it’s still possible to determine the right universal kit for your needs. Simply measure the bottom edge of the molded deck, or cap, that overlaps the hull joint to the top point on the deck where the radius curve begins to transition to the horizontal surface.

If you’re still not sure how tall a profile you may need, the surest solution is to completely cover the deck and hull joint overlap. You want to be certain that the old screw holes and the cap seam are hidden behind the rub rail. This not only looks aesthetically clean, but creates a secure barrier from water and salt penetration between the cap and hull joint.

Lastly, look for a profile with a back that closely matches the hull joint shape. It’s important that whichever universal rub rail kit you select fits snug against the surface.