How To Install Semi-Rigid Vinyl Rub Rail

Semi-Rigid Rub Rail kits are available in 30’, 50’ and 70’ kits and include insert, screws and end caps. The average boat requires two kits. When cutting, use a miter box to ensure the rub rail you are installing has a straight end.

Installation Instructions:

1. Place masking tape above or below where the rub rail will go. Mark where the new holes are going to be located, or mark where the filled holes are so as to avoid them. Note: This should be the first step in all rub rail installations.
2. Start in the middle of the transom, or if you are not going around the transom, start at the corner of the transom. Have a helper unroll about 4’ of rub rail and take the curve out of it.
3. Starting 12” from the end, drill through the predrilled rub rail holes into the boat, or drill and countersink the rub rail. Coat the screw threads with Silicone or 3M 5200 and install the screw.
4. Note: When a screw is properly installed into the hole, the screw head should sit just below the surface.
5. Continue uncoiling, straightening and drilling or drilling and countersinking. Coat the threads and work in one direction around the boat until you have installed the first coil. Leave the last 12” unfastened. We will finish this in step 8.
6. Note: Do not over tighten the screws. Stop tightening once the rub rail touches the hull.
7. When you have to bend the rub rail around a corner, move the heat gun back and forth to prevent overheating the rub rail.
8. Straighten out about 4’ of the next coil. Overlap the end of the last coil by 1/8” and attach the first screw approximately 12” from the end. Leave these two ends loose for now.
9. Continue installing the rub rail until you come to where you started at the transom or at the corner of the transom leaving the last 12” unfastened. If you are ending the rub rail at the corner of the transom or motor well, you can now install the corner end caps.
10. To make splices, pull the two sections towards you until they meet and push in until they snap into place. Drill through the rub rail and install a screw 1” & 6” from each end.