TACO Marine 9517 Rigid Vinyl Rub Rail, 1-1/4 in x 3/4 in, 20 ft, Black

Overview

The TACO Marine V21-9517BKA20D is a black rigid vinyl rub rail for replacing or upgrading the protective rail along a boat’s hull-to-deck joint. This 20-foot length uses the V21-9517 profile, measuring 1-1/4 inches high by 3/4 inch wide, and is commonly used on smaller boats where a medium-duty rub rail is the right fit.

The rail accepts a flexible vinyl insert, sold separately, that covers the fasteners and adds a cushioned contact surface for normal bumps against docks, pilings, trailers, and other boats. Its black finish gives the sheer line a clean, finished look while helping protect the edge that sees frequent contact during launching, docking, and storage.

Key features

• Rigid vinyl rub rail profile for hull-side protection at the boat’s outer edge.
• 1-1/4 inch by 3/4 inch profile in a 20-foot length for replacement work and refits.
• Black finish that suits many fiberglass hulls, deck joints, and trim layouts.
• Drilled and countersunk for #10 screws on 6 inch centers, which helps keep installation spacing consistent.
• Works with TACO Marine V12-0303 or V12-0307 flexible inserts, sold separately, to cover fasteners after the rail is mounted.
• Cuts and drills with standard woodworking tools, with heat needed when forming the rail around tighter radius areas.

Installation and fit

This rub rail is meant to follow the boat’s existing hull and deck contour, so matching the profile to the original rail is important before ordering. The 1-1/4 inch by 3/4 inch size should be checked against the current rub rail or an exposed cross-section, especially on boats that have been repaired, repainted, or previously refitted.

For radius bends, the vinyl needs heat to form cleanly around corners without forcing the profile out of shape. The pre-drilled and countersunk layout is set up for #10 screws on 6 inch centers, which is useful when replacing an older rail and keeping fastener placement neat along the sheer line.

Insert compatibility

This rail requires a separate flexible insert after the rigid section is fastened to the boat. The compatible insert options are TACO Marine V12-0303 or V12-0307, which sit in the rub rail channel to hide the screw heads and add a softer contact face.

Because the insert is not part of this item, it should be ordered at the same time when the project is a full rub rail replacement. Matching the insert style and color to the boat’s finish helps the finished rail look intentional rather than pieced together.

Use on board

This profile is a practical match for runabouts, center consoles, flats boats, bay boats, bass boats, and similar small craft that see regular docking, trailering, and close-quarters handling. It is especially useful when the existing rub rail has become brittle, split, flattened, or pulled away from the hull edge.

For owners refreshing a boat before the season or repairing damage around the sheer line, this rail gives the hull edge a cleaner appearance while restoring a replaceable contact surface where the boat is most likely to take minor knocks.

Maintenance and care

After installation, rinse the rail with fresh water during normal washdowns, especially after saltwater use. Inspect the insert and fastener line periodically, since loose sections or missing insert can allow the rail to move, collect grit, or expose screw heads.