Rubrails - Types and Opinions?

[dvuyxx]

I'm repainting our Pearson 35 this spring (prep work from now until then). Right now we have a black rubber rubrail with a white center insert. It look okay ... I'd be happy enough to replace it with something identical. But I'm curious ... what opinions are out there for what makes the best rail? Rubber, aluminum, stainless?

We do bump around now and then ... so what offers the best protection and what do people think looks the best?

[PorFin]

Although it's likely to be a major project, wood rub rails are pretty darn sturdy and not too hard on the eye.

[poopdeckpappy]

Wood is beautiful ( that's what we have ) but............

[Minnewaska]

Wood is classy. If you expect to "bump around now and then", I would not put a stainless cap on it. An overly "bumped" piece of wood is relatively easily replaced in small sections. To fix a damaged or torn off stainless cap, usually requires an expensive replacement of a full section/side.

[RichH]

Wood or heavy vinyl rub-rails overlaid with either polished stainless or bronze facia strakes work best. The wood /vinyl to take the impact and the stainless/bronze to take the abrasion and give strength to the wood. ... thats how its done on 'top-end' or 'quality' boats.

I believe that D&R Marine still has replacement Pearson Vinyl 'rub rails .... and other Pearson specific parts available. D & R Marine

[Willis]

Forgive my ignorance. We do not have rub rails on our boat. Our boat does enough rubbing up against stuff that I think it would be a sensible addition. Are rub rails typically just glued on, or are they through bolted?

[RichH]

..... usually through-bolted (and caulked) to the hull.

[poopdeckpappy]

Something eles to think about is looks, what's the cap or toe rail made of ??, wood may look out of place

[dvuyxx]

From one section that I had to repair once ... my rub rails are just screwed in (behind the white center insert).

[remetau]

Our rub rail is teak with a bronze cap on it.