Boat Rub Rail Replacement Kit Flexible Vinyl 50' - 70' Black 1 7/8" x 1 3/8"

Take your boat from zero to hero with a new Flexible Vinyl Rub Rail. This all-in-one replacement kit includes everything you need for a complete DIY overhaul of your boat’s appearance. It includes one continuous coil of soft durometer flexible vinyl in black, a tube-style black insert, screws, and nylon end caps, and is available in 50’ and 70’ length options. This popular profile is ideal for aluminum and fiberglass flat boats, small center consoles, dual consoles, and classic cruisers. Some leading boat builders in the industry that use this profile include Century Boats, Sterling Flats Boats, and Blackwood Offshore.

When to Replace Boat Rub Rail

Replacing your boat’s rub rail is a great way to enhance your vessel’s appearance and protection on the water. But when is a good time to undertake this project?

First, evaluate your existing rub rail and look for signs of obvious wear and degradation. Stainless steel rub rails will likely show rust and corrosion at the seams and around screw heads. Original factory rub rails with a rope-style insert are another indicator that it’s time for an upgrade. Rope-style inserts were popular from the 1970s to the 1980s on sailboats and smaller recreational cruisers. Rope is not only a dated look, but it is also more prone to trapping water, salt, and other debris within the profile, which can cause damage to your boat’s hull.

Other signs of wear include peeling, dimpling, or excessive fading from years of sun exposure. If your existing rub rail is damaged, heavily scratched, or torn from previous impacts at the dock or other vessels, then you know it’s definitely time for an upgrade.

When your rub rail is damaged, it puts you at risk. Rub rails are attractive, but they also serve an important purpose. Rub rails are designed to completely cover the deck and hull joint overlap on your boat. If this area is exposed in any way, it can lead to water and salt penetration.

Why Choose Flexible Vinyl Replacement Rub Rail

Flexible vinyl is a fantastic solution for a replacement rub rail. This made-in-the-USA profile features a soft durometer front for enhanced cushion from impact. With a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty, you can rest assured that this kit will provide years of trouble-free use.

Flexible vinyl not only looks great, but it also makes the installation process so much easier than traditional stainless or rigid rub rail. Flexible vinyl is easy to bend, especially around those tight radius curves at the bow and transom bracket. Tight S curves at the stern are no problem for flexible vinyl, which requires less heat for installation. Flexible vinyl easily follows the line of molded bow pulpits or other unique fixtures on the deck.

 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 to Determine the Right Kit for Your Boat

To find the right replacement kit for your boat, reference the size and shape of your old rub rail to get started. We recommend removing a 2’ section of rub rail from the transom by unscrewing the hardware. Then, with gardening shears or a safe cutting tool, cleanly cut the profile off. This will make measuring your old rub rail and evaluating its shape easier.

While finding an exact match may not be possible, our replacement kits are designed to fit a variety of hull joints. When in doubt, you’ll want to ensure the deck and hull joint seam is completely covered by the new rub rail without any exposed screw holes.

If you’ve already removed and discarded your old rub rail, don’t fret. You can still find the right replacement kit for your boat. Measure where the bottom of the deck mold (or cap) overlaps the hull joint, and then measure to the bottom of where the deck’s radius curve begins to transition to horizontal. This measurement will give you the height.

Next, carefully examine the shape of the hull joint. Whether it’s curved or flat will help you determine the best match for your vessel.