Shop rub rail at West Marine.

 Rub rails protect the exposed sides of boats from contact with pilings, docks, other boats, and similar surfaces.

Types of Rub Rail 

Rub rails are installed around the perimeter of the hull, where it is likely to rub against other surfaces. Available rub rails fall into the following classifications:

• Aluminum rub rail with no insert 
• Stainless steel rub rail with no insert 
• Aluminum rub rail that requires an insert 
• Semi-rigid vinyl rub rail that requires an insert

Rub Rail Kits

Aluminum and semi-rigid, flexible vinyl rub rails are often designed to accept a vinyl insert which provides a softer contact surface, and which hides the heads of fasteners. Flexible vinyl rub rails are available in kits that include an insert. Kits are often the same as those installed as original equipment on many of today’s production boats.

Polyester Fabric Rub Rail

For dinghies and other small boats, polyester rub rails such as those sold under the Taylor Made and Perimeter brands are another option. This type of rub rail consists of polyester fabric over closed cell foam, which creates a rugged cushion around a boat. 

Find the right rub rail for your boat.

Rub rail is generally selected by looking at an existing piece of railing and copying it. If you can’t find an exact match on westmarine.com, check Taco Marine’s Rub Rail Replacement Selection Guide, where you will most likely find a match for your boat. West Marine can special order any of the rub rail you find in the guide. You can reach our Special Order Department at 1-800-262-8464.