TESSILMARE
Rub Rails
TESSILMARE rub rails and fender profiles in PVC and 316L stainless steel, for flat and curved hulls, workboats and docks. Distributed in the US by Mate USA.
The rub rail is the part of a boat that takes the knocks: against the dock, the pier, the fuel berth or the boat alongside. A good profile absorbs the impact, protects the gelcoat or paint behind it and finishes the line of the hull. TESSILMARE has been making them in Italy since 1947, with an integrated production chain and patented profile systems, and Mate USA distributes the range across the United States and Canada.
Most TESSILMARE profiles are built in two parts. A base is screwed or riveted to the hull, then an insert covers it and hides every fastener, so no screw heads are left in sight. Flat topsides take a strong, lightweight PVC profile, and the larger sizes can be stiffened with a pre-drilled stainless or aluminum bar. Curved hull sides use a different idea: a rigid track follows the curve and a soft insert is rolled onto it, supplied in reels cut to the length of the boat to keep joints and waste to a minimum.
For owners who want the look of polished metal, two systems pair 316L stainless steel with a PVC base. One pressure-fits a hole-free stainless bar into the base; the other is a pre-drilled stainless profile with a Duralene core that can also be mounted on its own. Stainless joints and end caps give both a tidy finish. At the heavy end of the range, a three-piece PVC bumper with wide inner air gaps soaks up impacts on larger boats, work vessels and docks.
PVC profiles come in colors such as black, white and grey and are sold by the foot or by the reel. Many items are made to order in Italy, with minimum quantities by profile.
Why TESSILMARE rub rails
- An Italian manufacturer with more than 75 years of experience
- Fasteners hidden under the insert for a clean hull line
- Systems for flat sides, curved sides and stainless finishes
- Cut to the length of your boat to limit joints and waste
Typical applications
- Yachts and pleasure boats
- Tenders and RIBs
- Workboats, commercial and security craft
- Dock and pier protection
Profile families
- Bino two-piece PVC profile for flat surfaces, in sizes such as 40, 65 and 90; optional reinforcement bar
- Radial rigid track and soft insert for curved hull sides, sizes 30 to 80; not intended for flat surfaces
- Binox hole-free 316L stainless bar pressure-fitted into a PVC base, sizes 25 to 65
- Sphæra pre-drilled 316L stainless with Duralene core, alone or on a slim or standard PVC base
- Bumper heavy-duty three-piece PVC with impact-absorbing air gaps, sizes 100 to 160
Confirm profile size, color, fittings and lead time with Mate USA or your regional distributor before ordering. Installation guidance and current sizes are on tessilmare.com and in the TESSILMARE General Catalog.
Download Rub Rail Catalog (2019)
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy TESSILMARE rub rails in the USA?
Mate USA is the US distributor for TESSILMARE rub rails and works with authorized marine distributors nationwide. Use Distributor Search or contact Mate USA — see Where to buy below.
Where is the TESSILMARE catalog?
Download the TESSILMARE General Catalog from the Catalogs page for fender profiles (Bino, Radial, Binox, Sphæra, Bumper), marine fabrics, sun-tops and accessories.
What is the difference between Bino, Radial, Binox and Sphæra?
Bino and Bumper are PVC profiles for flat surfaces. Radial is a PVC track system for curved hull sides. Binox and Sphæra are 316L stainless systems on a PVC base: Binox is pressure-fitted without screws through the bar; Sphæra is pre-drilled and uses a Duralene core.
Which materials are used?
PVC for the polymer profiles; 316L stainless steel for Binox and Sphæra bars and for stainless caps; reinforcement bars for Bino and Bumper in stainless or aluminum. For aluminum boats, TESSILMARE often recommends aluminum accessories.
Can profiles be cut to the length of my boat?
Yes. Many PVC parts are supplied in reels cut to size to reduce joints and waste. Stainless bars typically come in fixed lengths and need joint caps between bars. Minimum order quantities apply — ask Mate USA for the current MOQ.