Boat Rub Rail Insert Kit for Users - Steele Rubber Products - 90-3358-347

Product Description: Choosing the Perfect Rub Rail Insert Replacement for Your Boat

Rub rails can be likened to the bumpers found on automobiles. These protective barriers are specifically engineered to cushion minor impacts and shield the hull of a boat. Given that boats frequently come into contact with docks and pilings, manufacturers have introduced a sacrificial insert strip known as a rub rail insert to absorb the majority of these impacts.

Rub rail inserts fit snugly into a channel located at the center of a boat's rub rail. The majority of rub rail inserts available on the market are composed of vinyl or metal, whereas Steele's rub rail inserts are crafted from robust EPDM rubber. This material is known for its superior wear properties, boasting excellent resistance to abrasion, impact, ozone, ultraviolet light, and extreme weather conditions. Such attributes help prevent the cracks, shrinking, and failures often seen in other materials, like vinyl.

Our rub rail inserts and repair kits are well-suited for TACO Marine rub rails, commonly found on brands such as Action Craft, Aquasport, Boston Whaler, Grady White, Mako, Mastercraft, Sea Ray, and many more.

Key Benefits of EPDM Rubber

EPDM rubber offers exceptional UV and ozone resistance, making our rub rail inserts far more durable than many competing products. A major headache for those looking to replace their rub rail inserts is the necessity of heating vinyl and PVC inserts to make them pliable enough for installation. This process can be quite cumbersome. In contrast, the EPDM inserts are designed for effortless installation, with no pre-heating required. Additionally, unlike vinyl, EPDM rubber does not suffer from shrinkage; while all materials may expand or contract with varying temperatures over time, vinyl can shrink up to 10% throughout its lifetime. For example, a 20-foot boat might lose as much as 2 feet on each side, leading to unsightly gaps.

Measuring and Installing Your Rub Rail Insert

To determine which rub rail insert will fit your boat, the most effective approach is to carefully pull a portion of the current insert from the rail. Note the dimensions and the cross-sectional profile. For an accurate estimation of the required length, measure both the length and beam width of your boat, then multiply the length by 2 and add the beam width.

For installation: 1. Start by removing the old or damaged insert, taking care to keep any necessary hardware like end caps or screws. 2. Clean out the rub rail track thoroughly to eliminate dirt and debris. 3. Begin installation at one end of the boat where the end cap was located. 4. Pinch and push the new insert into the rail while working around the boat. 5. After installation, trim any excess insert flush with the edge of the track. 6. Reinstall any hardware that was removed.

Rub Rail Insert Repair Kits

If a complete replacement isn't necessary, don’t worry! We offer 100% marine-grade EPDM rubber rub rail insert repair kits. Unlike vinyl, small repairs can be efficiently made without the need to replace the entire insert, saving both time and money. These kits contain components made from the same high-quality material as our standard inserts and maintain the same accolades for durability and ease of installation, without any pre-heating requirements.

In summary, whether you are replacing an entire rub rail insert or simply making minor repairs, our selection of EPDM rubber products ensures high performance and protection for your boat.

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