Marine Essentials – Aluminum Boat Rub Rail and Boat Trim

As a boat owner, you understand how much care and attention to detail are required to keep your vessel in top condition for a safe and enjoyable ride. From regular cleaning and tune-ups, to ensure your upholstery is free of damage, it’s essential to stay on top of each component. Below, we’ll take a look at what boat rub rails and trim are, how to choose the right boat moldings, and the benefits of using aluminum rub rails and aluminum boat trim. Boat rub rails and aluminum trim are incredibly important pieces of the boat, performing specific safety and cosmetic roles. Below, we’ll take a look at what boat rub rails and trim are, how to choose the right boat rub rails, and the benefits of using aluminum rub rails and aluminum boat trim.

What are Boat Rub Rails?

Simply put, the purpose of boat rub rails is to cover the seam and fasteners that connect the boat’s hull and deck. Boat rub rails are a primary source of protection for the hull, and an important feature to protect from bumps and scratches when docking in a marina. Although rub rails are available in various materials, including numerous types of vinyl and stainless steel, many boat owners opt for aluminum boat side rails due to the added durability and resistance to corrosion.

What are Boat Hand Rails?

As indicated by the name, boat hand rails are designed for easy grabbing as you move throughout the boat. Boat hand rails are a critical safety component and are essential for every vessel. This is especially the case during rough conditions, when movement throughout the boat is particularly challenging. Hand rails are available in a range of sizes, from hand holds to grab rails. Like rub rails, hand rails are made from a range of materials, however, many boat owners still choose aluminum boat rails for their added durability.

How to Choose the Right Rub Rails

Before you purchase aluminum rub rails for your boat, it’s important to know that the specific aluminum boat trim you need will depend on a few factors. Be sure to consider the following when shopping for aluminum rub rails:

Height: You’ll want an aluminum boat trim that is tall enough to cover the full height of the deck-to-hull seam. Aluminum boat side rails that are too short will leave the seam exposed. Aluminum boat side rails that are too long will have an overhang.

Material: When it comes to material, you’ll have a few options to choose from. The most common options for boat rub rails are stainless steel, semi-rigid vinyl, rigid vinyl, and aluminum. Vinyl rub rails are the most flexible option, able to bend and provide cushioning if your boat experiences impact. However, they do not hold up as well over time when compared to other options like stainless steel and aluminum. Most boat owners who value strength and durability as well as appearance, choose aluminum boat rub rails.

Color and Finish: When purchasing aluminum boat trim, you will likely have the option to customize the appearance to match the look of your boat. Discuss with your customer sales representative the color and finish options available to you.

Why Choose Aluminum for your Boat?

Because there are so many different materials out there to use for aluminum boat trim and rub rails, you may be wondering why you should go with aluminum. There are several benefits to aluminum to consider that make this material ideal for aluminum boat rub rails and trim moldings. First, aluminum is an incredibly durable material. Boats are regularly exposed to the harsh outdoor elements like salt, moisture, and varying temperatures. This puts your boat through a lot, and materials that aren’t made for this kind of test will begin to show wear and tear very quickly. Aluminum boat trim and rub rails are unmatched when it comes to durability, able to withstand harsh weather conditions, dings, scratches, and more, without experiencing damage.

Another benefit to aluminum boat trim and rub rails, as well as our aluminum Boat Rub Rail Replacements, is that they are highly resistant to corrosion. As you can imagine, some metals are not cut out for sea salt, as they rust and breakdown easily. This is not the case with aluminum. No matter how much moisture your aluminum trim and rub rails are exposed to, they will maintain their state without rusting, cracking, or splitting.

Other benefits of aluminum boat trim and rub rails are that they can very easily be cleaned. Aluminum is a low maintenance material, and therefore won’t experience a great deal of buildup over time. By using a power washer and mild soap, you’ll be able to clean your aluminum boat trim and rub rails with ease.

Aluminum Boat Rails and Handrails from Eagle Mouldings

At Eagle Mouldings, we understand that protecting your investment you’ve made is key. We are proud to offer our customers top quality aluminum boat trim and rub rails as well as inserts to fit their specific needs. Whether you’re replacing factory boat rub rails and trim, or simply wanting to update the look of your boat, you’ve come to the right place. Contact Eagle Mouldings today to discuss the boat trim and rub rail options available.