Disclosure: We may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Boat rub rails are an important source of protection from bumps and scratches. It can be a challenge, however, to find the right rub rails. What are the best boat rub rails?
Our top 6 recommended boat rub rails are as follows:
All the boat rub rails in our list are from TACO Marine because we’ve found them to be of the best quality and value. TACO is our go-to brand for affordable and high-quality boat rub rails.
Read on to learn more about these boat rub rails, including their specs and features.
Also, for an excellent rub rail kit, take a look at our top pick, the TACO Marine V11-9811WCM70-2 Rub Rail Kit:
The TACO Marine Rigid Vinyl Rub Rail Kit (V11-9811WCM70-2) is perfect for boats that are under 20 feet in length. It measures 70 feet long and 21.7 inches wide.
The kit includes a black insert and a white TACO rub rail. TACO designed the rub rail to be a flexible vinyl for a seamless, easy installation. Besides, the soft rubber insert provides excellent shock absorption to protect your boat from damage. You have to ensure that you properly heated it, so it’s not a pain to install.
What’s Included:
End caps
Insert
Rub rail
Screws
Installation manual
Key Features and Benefits:
It looks great on any boat;
It’s easy to install by one to two people;
Overall, it’s well-made and fits great;
TACO backed it with a 5-year limited warranty; and
Overall Measurements (L x W x H): 6.5 inches x 21.7 inches x 22.3 inches.
The next item in this rub rail review is this flexible rub rail kit. The TACO Marine V11 Flexible Rub Rail Kit is available in a wide array of colors and measurements. This TACO rub rail kit comes with a black rub rail with a black insert.
Like the TACO Marine V11-9811WCM70-2 Frosty White Rigid Vinyl Rub Rail Kit, the TACO Marine V11-2423BBK70-2 is 70 feet long. TACO also constructed this rub rail from black vinyl and a soft rubber insert.
It’s also easy to handle and install, making it a suitable choice for boaters who are into DIY. Furthermore, it already comes with the necessary hardware and instructions to ensure a smooth installation process.
What’s Included:
End caps
Rub rail
Insert
Hardware
Installation manual
Key Features and Benefits:
It’s relatively easy to install and comes with the necessary fittings;
It has black vinyl with a black insert;
Overall Measurements (L x W x H): 70 feet x 1 1/6 inches x 1 7/8 inches; and
The kit is available in different colors, styles, widths, and lengths.
3. TACO SuproFlex Rub Rail Kit – White with Flex Chrome Insert (V11-9990WCM80-2)
Next on our list of the best boat rub rail kits is the TACO Suproflex. If you have a 65-foot boat, the TACO SuproFlex Rub Rail Kit. This TACO rub rail kit is great for boats of different sizes. It includes a white rub rail with a black insert that measures 80 feet long and 1.2 inches wide.
This rub rail kit or rub rail replacement belongs to TACO’s SuproFlex series, which provides two levels of hardness. SuproFlex uses the process called co-extrusion to ensure this rub rail is strong and flexible at the same time. The channels along the rub rail make it even more impact-resistant.
Here are the other benefits of the TACO SuproFlex Rub Rail Kit:
No pre-forming needed
Minimal heating, thus installation is faster and requires less manpower.
Extra protection from impact and surface damage
Key Features and Benefits:
Overall Measurements (L x W x H): 60 feet x .78 inches x 1.6 inches
It provides high-impact resistance.
Compared to standard vinyl rub rails, this one’s lighter.
No pre-forming is necessary.
4. TACO Marine Semi-Rigid Rub Rail Kit – Black with Black Insert (V11-9795BBK50D-2)
Another great universal, 2-piece rub rail kit is the TACO Marine Semi-Rigid Rub Rail Kit. It’s suitable for a variety of boat models, depending on how pointed its bow is. If the bow of your boat is pointed or beyond the 6-inch radius, this might not be for you.
The kit includes a black rub rail with a black TACO marine rub rail insert. It’s 50 feet long and weighs around 27 pounds. This should be enough for a boat that’s 19 to 22 feet long.
What’s Included:
Plastic end caps (pair)
Rub rail (continuous coil for a 1-piece, seamless installation)
Insert
Screws (1-inch, stainless steel truss head screws)
Installation manual
Note: The end caps that come in the kit are used for a square ransom. Thus, if your boat has an angled transom, you’ll need to modify these end caps or use your old ones.
Key Features and Benefits:
It’s a bit pricey, but overall, it’s worth it;
It comes with all the required parts;
It’s generally easy to install by pinching or squeezing the insert;
5. TACO Flex Vinyl Rub Rail Kit – Black with White Insert (V11-0809BWK50-2)
If you need a 50-foot rub rail and insert, check out the TACO Flex Vinyl Rub Rail Kit (V11-0809BWK50-2). It is easy to install, and the quality is good for the price.
The kit has the standard items included in a TACO rub rail kit—from the rub rail down to the installation guide. The flexible vinyl marine rub rail and insert are also pliable and provide the best protection against regular bumps from docks and pilings.
What’s Included:
End caps
Insert
Rub rail
Screws (#8)
Installation manual
Key Features and Benefits:
Overall Measurements (L x W x H): 50 feet x 11/16 inches x 1 1/16 inches;
The TACO Marine V11-2423BBK50-2 Flexible Rub Rail Kit has great quality and is relatively easy to install. This makes it an excellent boat rub rail replacement for many boats.
This TACO rub rail kit is used for different types of boats, depending on the size. The black vinyl rub rail with a black insert is 50 feet long and 1-1/16 inches wide.
Based on user reviews, the TACO Marine V11-2423BBK50-2 Flexible Rub Rail Kit works as promised. And lastly, it’s backed by a good warranty of 5 years by TACO.
What’s Included:
End caps
Insert
Rub rail (flexible or semi-rigid)
Hardware
Installation manual
Key Features and Benefits:
Overall Measurements (L x W x H): 50 feet x 1 1/16 inches x 1 7/8 inches;
It looks great;
It’s made from durable materials; and
It’s generally easy to install, but it may need two to three people to make the job easier.
Best Rub Rail Inserts
Perhaps you only need to replace your rub rail inserts and not the rub rail itself. Fortunately, inserts are easy to replace when they start to look worn or are damaged.
1. TACO Flexible Arctic White Vinyl Rub Rail Insert
The TACO Flexible Arctic White Vinyl Rub Rail Insert is a flexible insert made of high-quality materials to ensure years of service. Also, it’s made of soft PVC to provide a degree of cushioning.
The TACO Marine V12-0303WHA50-1 insert is 50 feet long, 1/2 inches wide, and 1 inch high. Besides, it’s compatible with any rigid and aluminum rub rails.
Note: It doesn’t come with additional parts and tools.
Key Features and Benefits:
Overall Measurements (L x W x H): 50 feet x 1/2 inches x 1 inch;
The quality is good, as expected from any TACO product;
It’s easy to put on with minimal heat; and
A 5-year limited manufacturer’s warranty backs it.
2. TACO Black Flexible Vinyl Inserts
The TACO Black Flexible Vinyl Inserts are made of the same material as the TACO V12-0303WHA50-1 rub rail insert. It’s also sold in 50-foot length in black, and it’s designed to fit most flexible rub rails.
As expected from any TACO Marine rub rail, this rub rail insert has received great reviews. Granting you pick the right size, it fits perfectly into most rub rails. Also, the black version will really spruce up your boat’s appearance.
It may be a little hard to put it up, but once you learn the proper way of doing it, it goes together pretty well. You may not even need to soften it with a heat gun for easier installation.
Key Features and Benefits:
It really enhances the look of any boat;
If you choose the correct size, it’s relatively easy to install;
It works well as promised; and
The quality of this rub rail insert is great.
Note: If you have questions about this product—for instance, the correct rub rail you need to use—kindly visit the TACO website.
Most long-time boat owners are most likely familiar with the TACO Marine®. But if it’s your first time to hear about them, we’ll give you a quick background of this company.
About TACO
TACO Marine is a popular supplier of innovative marine and sport fishing products. They’ve been in business for more than 60 years.
In 1959, Dave Kushner purchased the Miami-based company TACO Metals. Furthermore, this company is the biggest supplier of innovative aluminum and plastic extrusions and other related hardware.
Since then, Dave was able to grow the company.
In the early ‘70s, TACO Metals ventured into the marine industry to take advantage of the growing market for the recreational marine industry in South Florida. But it wasn’t until 1983 that they formed a new division, TACO Marine®.
In fact, TACO Marine® provides an extensive line of rub rails and inserts, which you can buy separately or in kit form. They also sell other fishing equipment, including tower hardware, leaning posts, hinges and latches, and trim and molding.
For many boaters, the company has been synonymous with excellence, innovation, and good quality. The reason is that most of their products are durable enough to give you years of trouble-free service.
TACO Marine® rub rails and inserts are made from the best vinyl compounds, which also use additives, such as:
1. Fungicides
This is added to the product to prevent mold and mildew formation. Also, it will extend the life of the product.
2. Impact Modifiers
These will ensure that their rub rails can withstand harsh weather elements, such as the sun and saltwater.
3. Plasticizers
These are often added to PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a common material for making rub rails and inserts to increase flexibility or elasticity.
4. Virgin Resins
The virgin in virgin resins means it’s directly produced from petrochemicals, such as crude oil and natural gas. This type of resin offers several advantages, including increased strength and fatigue life.
5. UV inhibitors
Lastly, these additives’ purpose is to protect the rub rail from yellowing and premature deterioration.
Today, TACO Marine® employs more than 110 employees. And they’re still the brand most boaters around the world look for when buying quality products for their boats.
Conclusion – TACO Marine Boat Rub Rail Kits
Again, here are our top 6 picks for the best boat rub rail kit:
These are just some of the best boat rub rail and insert kits on the market today. Most of the products featured in this article are from TACO Marine because it is considered the global leader for top-notch rub rails and inserts.
However, this is by no means a comprehensive list, so feel free to explore your other options.
