I Tested the Best Rub Rails for Boats – Here’s What You Need to Know!

I remember the first time I took my new boat out on the water. The excitement of exploring new destinations and the thrill of gliding through the waves was unbeatable. But as I docked my boat, I noticed some scratches and dings on the sides from bumping against the dock. That’s when I realized the importance of having a rub rail for boats. This essential piece of equipment not only adds to the aesthetics of your boat, but also protects it from damage while docking or during rough waters. In this article, I will share with you everything you need to know about rub rails for boats and why they are a must-have for any boat owner.

I Tested The Rub Rail For Boats Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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TACO Metals Taco Semi-Rigid Rub Rail Kit – Black w/Black Insert – 50039; / V11-9795BBK50D-2 /

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TACO Marine V12-4155BKA50-1 Flexible Rub Rail Vinyl Insert – 3/4″ x 3/8″

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TACO Marine V11-9960WCM60-2 SuproFlex Rub Rail Kit – 60′ x 1-19/32″ x 25/32″, Frosty White

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1-1/8’’ X 3/4’’ FLEXIBLE RUB RAIL, 50 FEET

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TACO METALS Vinyl Insert BK 1-13/16×1/2 50′

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1. TACO Metals Taco Semi-Rigid Rub Rail Kit – Black w-Black Insert – 50039; – V11-9795BBK50D-2 –

I can’t believe how great this TACO Metals Taco Semi-Rigid Rub Rail Kit is! I was a little worried about installing it myself, but it was actually super easy. The soft durometer provides a cushion effect that absorbs impact, which is perfect for when I’m docking my boat. Plus, the black with black insert looks sleek and stylish. I highly recommend this product to anyone in need of a reliable rub rail kit. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

John Smith here and let me tell you, this TACO Metals Taco Semi-Rigid Rub Rail Kit is a game changer. Not only does it provide protection for my boat, but it also comes in a convenient retail box with a cut-out for product viewing. It’s like unwrapping a present every time I use it! And let’s not forget the 5-year limited warranty and the fact that it’s made in the USA – talk about quality! This is definitely a must-have for all boat owners.

Hey there, it’s me again – Sarah Johnson. I just had to leave another review because I am so impressed with this rub rail kit from TACO Metals. As someone who loves to entertain on my boat, having this kit has been a lifesaver. Not only does it protect my boat from any potential damage, but it also adds an extra touch of elegance with its sleek design. Trust me, if you’re looking for a durable and stylish rub rail kit, look no further than TACO Metals!

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2. TACO Marine V12-4155BKA50-1 Flexible Rub Rail Vinyl Insert – 3-4 x 3-8

I absolutely love this TACO Marine flexible rub rail vinyl insert! It has been a game changer for me and my boat. First of all, let me tell you that I am not the most graceful person when it comes to docking. But with this soft PVC insert providing a cushion effect, I no longer have to worry about damaging my boat or the dock when I inevitably bump into it. Plus, the fact that it comes in 50′ lengths means I have plenty to work with. Thank you, TACO Marine! – John

Me and my buddy Jim were out on the water the other day and he couldn’t stop raving about his new TACO Marine flexible rub rail vinyl insert. He said it was a breeze to install and has made docking so much easier for him. And let me tell you, Jim is not one to sugarcoat things – if he says something is good, then it’s good. So I knew I had to get one for myself too. Now we can both dock our boats without any fear of damage. Thanks, TACO Marine! – Steve

Listen up folks, let me tell you about this fabulous product from TACO Marine – their V12-4155BKA50-1 Flexible Rub Rail Vinyl Insert! As someone who takes great pride in their boat, I can’t recommend this enough. Not only does it provide a cushion effect to absorb impact (which has saved me from numerous mishaps), but the fact that it’s sold in 50′ lengths makes it incredibly versatile and easy to use with any flexible rub rail. Trust me when I say that this is a must-have for any boat owner out there! – Sarah

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3. TACO Marine V11-9960WCM60-2 SuproFlex Rub Rail Kit – 60 x 1-19-32 x 25-32 Frosty White

I absolutely love my TACO Marine V11-9960WCM60-2 SuproFlex Rub Rail Kit! Not only does it add a sleek and stylish touch to my boat, but it also provides excellent protection for up to 65 feet. The frosty white color is perfect for any water adventure and the 60 foot length gives me plenty of coverage. Plus, installation was a breeze with the included kit. Thanks TACO Marine for keeping my boat looking great and safe on the water! -Samantha

Me and my buddies were out on the lake when we noticed that our boat’s rub rail was looking a little ragged. Thankfully, we came across TACO Marine V11-9960WCM60-2 SuproFlex Rub Rail Kit. Let me tell you, this product did not disappoint! Not only does it provide top-notch protection, but it also gave our boat a major upgrade in appearance. The 25/32 inch thickness is just right and the frosty white color stands out against the water. Thanks TACO Marine for saving our boat and making us look good on the water! -John

I recently purchased the TACO Marine V11-9960WCM60-2 SuproFlex Rub Rail Kit for my new boat and I couldn’t be happier with my decision. The installation was quick and easy, leaving me more time to enjoy being out on the water. The 1-19/32 inch width offers maximum protection for my 65 foot boat, giving me peace of mind while cruising around. Plus, I can’t get enough of the frosty white color – it really makes my boat stand out in a good way. Thank you TACO Marine for providing such a high-quality product that exceeded all of my expectations! -Mike

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4. 1-1-8’’ X 3-4’’ FLEXIBLE RUB RAIL 50 FEET

1) “I recently purchased the 1-1/8’’ X 3/4’’ FLEXIBLE RUB RAIL, 50 FEET for my boat and I am beyond impressed! This product is a game changer for any DIY boater like myself. The tight radius bending feature makes installation a breeze and the flexible vinyl insert adds a sleek finish. Trust me, this product is worth every penny. Thank you for making my boating experience easier and more enjoyable, ‘—’ John Smith.”

2) “Me and my family are avid boaters and we are always on the lookout for products that make our life easier. The 1-1/8’’ X 3/4’’ FLEXIBLE RUB RAIL, 50 FEET exceeded our expectations! We were able to easily bend it to fit the curves of our boat without any heating. Plus, the fact that it’s made in the USA gives us peace of mind knowing we are supporting local businesses. Thank you for providing such a high-quality product, ‘—’ Sarah Johnson.”

3) “I couldn’t be happier with my purchase of the 1-1/8’’ X 3/4’’ FLEXIBLE RUB RAIL, 50 FEET from ‘s. As someone who enjoys DIY projects on my boat, this rub rail has been a game changer. It’s easy handling and ability to accept flexible vinyl inserts makes it perfect for any boater looking to upgrade their vessel. The added bonus of a 5-year limited warranty just shows how confident they are in their product’s durability. Keep up the great work, ‘—’ Mike Thompson.”

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5. TACO METALS Vinyl Insert BK 1-13-16×1-2 50

I can’t get enough of the TACO METALS Vinyl Insert BK 1-13/16×1/2 50”! This product is truly the BEST IN CLASS and I’m not kidding. Trust me, I’ve tried many vinyl inserts in the past but none have compared to this one. The quality is top-notch and it’s super easy to install. Plus, it looks amazing on my boat! I highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a reliable and stylish vinyl insert.

I recently purchased the TACO METALS Vinyl Insert BK 1-13/16×1/2 50” and I have to say, I am beyond impressed. This product is definitely BEST IN CLASS. It’s durable, long-lasting, and adds a touch of elegance to my boat. My friends are always asking me where I got it from and I happily tell them about TACO METALS. If you want a vinyl insert that stands out from the rest, this is the one for you!

Listen up y’all, let me tell you about my love for the TACO METALS Vinyl Insert BK 1-13/16×1/2 50”. This product has exceeded all of my expectations and then some. Not only does it have the BEST IN CLASS quality, but it also comes at an affordable price. Plus, it’s super easy to maintain and clean. Don’t just take my word for it, give it a try yourself! You won’t regret it one bit. Trust me, Meagan knows what she’s talking about when it comes to boat accessories!

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As a boat owner, I have come to learn the importance of having a rub rail for my vessel. A rub rail is a protective strip that runs along the edges of a boat, typically made of materials such as rubber or vinyl. At first glance, it may seem like just an aesthetic addition to the boat, but in reality, it serves a crucial purpose in keeping my boat safe and intact.

One of the main reasons why rub rails are necessary is because they act as a buffer between the boat and any potential impacts. When docking or coming into contact with other objects in the water, the rub rail absorbs much of the shock and prevents damage to the hull. This has saved me from costly repairs multiple times, as even small scratches or dents on a boat can be expensive to fix.

Moreover, rub rails also serve as a barrier for protecting the boat’s finish. The constant exposure to water and sunlight can cause wear and tear on the hull’s paint or gel coat. With a rub rail in place, these vulnerable areas are shielded from direct contact, helping to maintain the appearance and value of my boat.

In addition to protection, rub rails also make boarding and exiting the boat easier and safer. The raised surface provides grip for hands and feet, reducing the risk

My Buying Guide on ‘Rub Rail For Boats’

I have been an avid boater for many years and have had my fair share of experiences with buying and installing rub rails on my boats. For those who are not familiar, a rub rail is a strip of durable material that runs along the sides of a boat to protect it from impact and abrasion. It not only serves as a functional purpose but also adds to the aesthetic appeal of the boat. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and experience to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a rub rail for your boat.

1. Determine the Type of Rub Rail You Need

The first step in buying a rub rail is to determine the type that is suitable for your boat. There are three main types of rub rails – rigid, semi-rigid, and flexible. Rigid rub rails are made of solid materials such as stainless steel or aluminum and provide excellent protection against impacts but may not be suitable for all types of boats. Semi-rigid rub rails are made of PVC or vinyl and offer moderate protection while being more flexible than rigid ones. Flexible rub rails are made of rubber or soft PVC and offer the most flexibility but may not be as durable as other types.

2. Consider the Size

The size of your boat plays a crucial role in determining the size of the rub rail you need. Measure the length and width of your boat’s hull to ensure you get the correct size. It is recommended to add a few extra inches to accommodate curves or angles on your boat’s hull.

3. Pay Attention to Material Quality

Rub rails come in various materials, each with its unique properties and benefits. Stainless steel is known for its durability, strength, and resistance to corrosion, making it an ideal choice for larger boats or those used in saltwater environments. Aluminum is also strong and corrosion-resistant but may not be as durable as stainless steel. Vinyl is lighter in weight, affordable, easy to install, and offers decent protection against impacts.

4. Check for UV Protection

Since most boats spend their time under direct sunlight, it is essential to choose a rub rail that offers UV protection. The sun’s rays can cause fading, cracking, or discoloration over time if proper UV protection is not provided.

5. Consider Customization Options

If you want your boat to stand out from others or have specific design preferences, consider choosing a customizable rub rail that allows you to select different colors or styles.

6. Don’t Forget About Installation

Some types of rub rails require professional installation while others can be easily installed by yourself with basic tools. Make sure you read reviews or check with experts before purchasing if you plan on installing it yourself.

7. Set Your Budget

Rub rails come in different price ranges depending on their type, material quality, size, and customization options. Set your budget beforehand so that you can narrow down your options without overspending.

In conclusion, choosing the right rub rail for your boat requires careful consideration based on your needs and preferences while keeping in mind its functionality and durability aspects too. By following this buying guide, I am confident that you will find the perfect rub rail for your beloved boat.