PVC Fender Profile with Hidden Fasteners (For 3–16 m Boats)

Give your boat a reliable and attractive hull guard with this PVC fendering profile, designed to serve as a rub rail on rigid hull boats. This profile comes as a two-part set: a sturdy PVC base that you screw along the gunwale of the boat, and a snap-on cover strip that hides all the screws, resulting in a smooth, continuous rail with no visible fasteners. The elimination of an aluminum mounting track not only cuts down on installation time and weight, but also means there are no metal parts to corrode – the PVC profile itself provides both the structure and the finish.

Engineered for boats from 3 up to 16 meters, the profile is available in incremental sizes to suit the scale of your vessel. For example, the smallest 40×20 mm size is often used on boats under 5 m (such as dinghies and small motorboats), providing a neat, low-profile guard. Medium sizes like 50×25 and 60×30 mm work well on runabouts and RIBs in the 5–10 m range, offering greater shock absorption and coverage. Larger profiles (80×40 mm, 100×50 mm, etc.) are made for yachts and commercial boats up to ~16 m, where a heavier-duty rub rail is needed for increased protection. All sizes feature the same clever design – once installed, the rubbery PVC cap strip locks into place, covering the mounting screws and giving a polished “factory” appearance to your boat’s hull finish.

Durability & Protection: The profile is constructed from marine-grade flexible PVC that can absorb impacts and scuffs, safeguarding your gelcoat or paint from docks, pilings, and other vessels. It remains stable in harsh weather and sunlight, thanks to UV inhibitors that prevent cracking or discoloration over time. Unlike older rub rails, which might have exposed screws or rigid materials, this PVC fender will not scratch other boats and won’t snag lines, because of its smooth, rounded form when the cap is in place. Maintenance is minimal – the PVC is non-marking and easy to clean with soap and water.

Installation: Installation can be done on any fiberglass, wood, or metal hull edge. The profile comes in meter lengths (price is per meter), and can be cut to fit your boat’s perimeter. To install, simply align the base along the hull-deck joint or gunwale, drill pilot holes, and secure it with stainless screws at appropriate intervals. The PVC material is flexible enough to follow gentle curves of the hull. Once the base is fully screwed down, you then snap on the cover strip, which is designed to press-fit tightly and not detach even in rough seas. The result is a secure attachment with no visible screws – a feature that also means your rub rail won’t catch on dock lines or debris. End caps or transitions can be formed by miter-cutting the profile or using matching PVC end pieces. (Tip: Soften the cover strip in warm water or sunlight before snapping it on, to make the process easier.)

Aesthetics and Options: This fender profile not only protects your boat but also refreshes its appearance. The hidden-fastener design and smooth surface give a modern look, often found on high-end newer boats. Standard color is black, which complements most hull colors and doesn’t show dirt or scuffs easily. For customers desiring a different look, a dark blue variant of the 40×20 mm size is available (suitable for matching blue hull accents, etc.), and other colors might be supplied on special request (subject to availability). By replacing an old or damaged rub rail with this PVC profile, you instantly update your boat’s style and value. There are no metal parts, so you avoid issues with corrosion or paint chipping – ideal for saltwater use.

Overall, this PVC rub rail system is an excellent upgrade for any rigid boat – be it a small motorboat, a sailing yacht, or a RIB – providing lasting protection and a clean finish. With the proper size chosen for your vessel and a correct installation, you’ll have a rugged yet sleek gunwale guard that preserves your boat’s hull through every docking adventure.