CONTINUOUSWAVE

What is the best and longest-lasting polish or treatment to use on the Boston Whaler all-black rub rails?

No product applied is going to last a long time.

Tire dressing products are often recommended.

Some veteran members wipe the rub rail with acetone.

Personally, I don't use anything. It's a rubrail. If not damaged and worn, the boat hasn't been used.

Polishing of the rub rail is only necessary when trailering the boat to a meet with other Boston Whaler owners where you will all inspect each others boat for cleanliness and shine while still on the trailer in a parking lot. Once in the water, I generally do not get sufficiently close to other Boston Whaler boats to inspect their rub rails for an indication of a reflective gleam.

Try WD40 to restore the vinyl in the rub-rail. WD40 is mostly kerosene, and it works as a restorative to black vinyl.

I have always used AmorAll. I would not use Acetone. It cleans it by striping a layer of the plastic off like sanding it but by dissolving it.
Archie

I wonder about using Penetrol on the rub rail - the stuff that works so well on the RPS Z legs.

I use 303 Protective restorer for all the vinyl upholstery and the rub rail.

Jefecinco wrote:I use 303 Protective restorer for all the vinyl upholstery and the rub rail.

Acetone attacks plastic, so it might be good for removal of the top layer that's damaged from the UV, but I would not use this as my go-to for annual maint. 303 ingredients are plastic safe and also contain UV protection to prevent future damage. I have a bottle and never used it, but would give this a try based on the idea that UV protection is a good idea.

D-