An area of a boat that often goes unnoticed but is important is the rub rail. The rub rail is an important component for two reasons. First, it is significant as far as the structural design of the boat. Secondly, the rub rail is essential for pivoting and docking. I use rub rails to my advantage and especially while operating large vessels in tight docking situations. It is important to understand what are boat rub rails. 

Where Is The Rub Rail Of A Boat Located

The rub rail is highly visible if you know what you are looking for. Importantly, the rub rail is the connection point of the hull and the deck of the boat. Without question, the union of the two is hidden beneath boat rub rails. 

To identify a rub rail, take a look at the hull of a vessel above the waterline. At the top of the hull you will see a rubber or metal strip that runs from the port side of the stern to the starboard side of the stern. 

The rub rails are either one a metal strip lined with screws or a strip of rubber pushed into a track. I have seen and operated boats with each as they are equally as common. 

What Is The Purpose Of A Boats Rub Rail

No question about it; the rub rail is the widest portion of the vessel. For this reason, the starboard side, port side, and bow make contact with solid objects before other parts of the boat. 

Comparatively, you can consider the rub rail to be that of a fender. In a docking situation, the rub rail is designed to make contact with the dock or piling to prevent damage to the hull. 

It should be noted that rub rails are more useful in large boats compared to small boats. As a captain I regularly used rub rails while docking or departing docks. 

The rub rail on large vessels is used as a pivot point to move the position of the stern. Rub rails are particularly helpful in swift currents, high winds, and when entering tight marina slips. 

Avoid Strong Impacts On A Boat Rub Rail

I have mentioned that rub rails are a helpful resource when entering and departing docks. It should be noted that we are not talking about theme park bumper boats. 

The boat’s rub rail is not designed for impact at high rates of speed. When docking, a rub rail striking a piling or fixed object at a high rate of speed will, without question, cause damage. I have seen bent, dented, and cracked rub rails. Beyond minor damage, the hull is at risk of cracking. In a situation where the impact is severe, the fiberglass below is incapable of absorbing the blow and cracks. 

Unfortunately, inexperienced boaters rely heavily on rub rails and fail to understand the intended purposes. The rub rail is simply an aid to help pivot or prevent scratching when coming along the dockside. With that being said, the rub rail is not a battering ram. 

How To Use A Rub Rail To Your Advantage

When boating, it is important to understand how to use a rub rail to your advantage. Here are methods for using a rub rail when you’re out on the water. 

Pivoting

One of the most unrecognized benefits of a rub rail for new boat owners is pivoting. I love to use rub rails for pivoting, especially when conditions are unfavorable. 

When faced with a challenging docking situation, don’t hesitate to use a rub rail to your advantage. As an example, lay the port or starboard side rub rail on a piling. The piling acts as a pivot point to move the stern in the direction intended. 

Additionally, don’t hesitate to pivot along the rub rail on the back half of the boat. Pivoting from the stern is particularly helpful when departing a dock, as you can swing the bow either port or starboard to drive out and away. 

Docking

Again, we are not talking about bumper boats, so when I refer to using rub rails for docking, I’m talking about low speed impacts. 

The rub rails are at your disposal to use as the first point of contact when approaching a dock. Rub rails are flared out beyond the hull to protect painted hulls from scratching. 

When approaching the dock, rest the vessel against the dock along the rub rails before placing fenders. 

The Rub Rail Is In Important Component Of A Boat

What are boat rub rails? Now you know. Not only does the rub rail form the connection point of the hull and the deck, but it is critical to docking and pivoting. Again, I rely heavily on rub rails but remember not to impact fixed objects at a high rate of speed as you risk damaging the rub rail and the fiberglass.