TACO Marine Stainless Steel Hollow Back Rub Rail, 1/2 in x 12 ft, Type 304

Overview

The TACO Marine S11-4500P12 is a 1/2 inch hollow back stainless steel rub rail supplied in a 12 ft length for adding a polished protective strip to a boat’s rub rail area, hull side, or chafe-prone edge. It is made from Type 304 stainless steel with a polished finish, and the hollow back profile sits over compatible rigid vinyl rub rail shapes or minor surface irregularities more easily than a flat solid strip.

This rail is drilled and countersunk for #6 fasteners on 6 inch centers, which helps keep spacing consistent during installation. With a 0.062 inch gauge and a narrow 1/2 inch profile, it works well where the goal is to refresh worn trim, add a stainless accent, or protect gelcoat and paint from light contact with dock lines, fenders, pilings, and everyday boarding areas.

Key features

• Type 304 stainless steel construction with a polished finish for a clean stainless accent on exterior boat trim.
• Hollow back profile fits compatible rigid vinyl rub rail and can cover small surface imperfections along the mounting path.
• 12 ft length with a 1/2 inch width for narrow rub rail sections, rub strakes, and trim protection points.
• Pre-drilled and countersunk for #6 screws on 6 inch centers to support even fastener placement.
• 0.062 inch gauge stainless steel gives the strip enough body for marine trim protection without making the profile bulky.
• Useful for protecting gelcoat or paint from chafe in areas exposed to lines, dock contact, and frequent handling.

Installation and fit

Before drilling, compare the 1/2 inch width and hollow back shape with the existing rub rail or mounting surface. On replacement jobs, the profile should be matched to the original rail as closely as possible so the strip lands cleanly and the screw holes sit where the backing surface can accept fasteners.

Use #6 stainless fasteners suitable for the hull or backing material, and dry-fit the full length before final fastening. Because the holes are already countersunk and spaced on 6 inch centers, careful alignment at the start helps the rail follow the sheer line without wandering as it wraps the boat.

Use cases on board

This rub rail is a good match for owners restoring exterior trim, replacing damaged stainless sections, or adding a narrow chafe guard where dock lines and fenders tend to mark the finish. It suits fishing boats, runabouts, cruisers, and sailboats where a polished stainless edge is wanted without moving to a wider rub rail profile.

Maintenance and care

Rinse the rail with fresh water after saltwater use and clean it with products appropriate for stainless steel. Regular washing helps keep the polished surface looking sharp and reduces buildup around the fastener heads and countersunk holes.