sailboat stainless steel handrails

Build Your Stern Rail

Common Styles

L-R: 1) double; 2) double, split; 3) single (J-24 shown) 4); single, corner (J-109 shown).

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Is It 'In-Stock'?

Remember, we maintain a huge database of blueprints and specs for vintage yacht parts. In that sense your part might well be "in-stock." Sparing you the trouble of placing a custom order.

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All Stern Rails

The following measurements are required for all rail orders.

View Measuring Guide

Dual-Rail Models

The following section is required only for assemblies which will have two rails.

If not applicable, enter "NA."

Six-Legged Models

The following section is required only for stern rails which will have six legs.

Welded-Base Models

The following section is required only for assemblies with welded bases.

• Contact Railmakers

Custom & Production Tubular Stainless Products

Stainless Steel Railings for Yachts, Boats & Other Industries

Railmakers Inc. has served the Stainless Steel needs of the Marine Industry and other industries for over 50 years. We have supplied manufactures, the Department of the Navy, Disney, the State of California and local cities with their custom fabrication needs. Our employees have been with us for at least 15 years and several at 25 plus! We pride ourselves with quality and service to our customers.

YACHTS & BOATS WE WORK ON

• Catalina Yachts
• MacGregor Yachts
• Pacific Seacraft
• Ericson Yachts
• Corsair-Marine Boats
• SkipJack Boats
• Hobie 33 Boats
• Hobie Power Skiff
• Columbia Yachts
• Ranger Sailboats
• Boston Whaler

NEED STAINLESS STEEL TUBING FOR A PROJECT?

• View stainless tubing selection

DODGER AND BIMINI FITTINGS AND FRAMES

• View all Dodger and Bimini Fittings
• View all Dodger and Bimini Frames

EMERGENCY VEHICLE RAILS

• SUV Roof Racks
• Lifeguard Towers
• Rescue Boat
• Law Enforcement Boats
• Rescue Trucks

Got Questions? We Can Help

Call us at (949) 642-6506 or visit our contact page .

Unique 316L stainless steel tube railings for beautiful boat design

Pulpits, pushpits and biminis: expert marine rail fabrication for luxury yachts and motorboats

Modern boat railings must withstand the uncompromising ocean environment, but they also have to look good. That’s why leading marine specifiers and architects have used our shaped stainless steel tubing in their designs for over three decades.

Our shaped steel tubes are durable and attractive in equal measure. From stunning staircases on superyachts to grab rails on speedboats, our shaped tubes and boat railings are second to none. They offer the marine industry aesthetic, structural and ergonomic advantages over standard round tubing and add the perfect finishing touch to any cutting-edge vessel.

Maximum resistance to corrosion

We make most of our exterior tubing for boat railings from stainless steel 316L (1.4404), which contains a higher nickel and molybdenum content for more corrosive resistance (we can work with duplex and superduplex stainless steel if required). We can also form from aluminium if required.

Luxury tenders and ribs

Timeless fabricate handrails and grab rails for some of the industry’s most prestigious and most discerning tender designers. The build quality and finish of all onboard features needs to exude the same level of luxury as those on super yachts. As with all our marine architecture, the ergonomics of the boat railings is paramount — especially as these boat railings serve an important role in keeping passengers safe and comfortable. We typically shape grab rails from our oval tubing and radius square tubing — hands fit comfortably and securely around these shapes (and unlike round tube, hands are not prone to the same degree of slippage). Robust yet refined, the boat railings are designed so that they are sturdy but with a slim projection so that they do not protrude too much. We fabricate bespoke boat railings for the front of the navigator’s seat, on the gunwales and to ease boarding and disembarking. We can also create boarding ladders. Please talk to us about our bending and finishing boat railing services.

Popular tubing for marine use

‍ Oval tubes are our most popular tubing for marine use and are predominantly used for onboard boat railings such as pulpit rails, guard rails, grab rails and transom gates. We form this elliptical tubing in more sizes than any other tube supplier worldwide, giving naval architects, boat manufacturers and owners a wide choice regarding railing specification.  Our flat-sided oval tubing is favoured for its sleek lines. Flat oval tubes make for stunning pushpit rails at the aft of any yacht or motorboat. Flat-sided oval tubes made from aluminium can be good grab rails on racing boats or when used to make lightweight bimini frames. Oval tubing and flat-sided oval tubing add luxury to any vessel - it looks sophisticated and feels better to grip than round tube railings. Our twisted oval tube makes for stunning spindles on internal staircases. The attractive contours catch the ocean light beautifully, and add an extra touch of class and elegance. For all our oval and flat-sided tubing, Timeless offers a bespoke tube bending service. We can create compound curves (curves that require two bends), sweeping curves, or tight radius bends. Speak to us about the radius that we can achieve, as well as our other fabrication services .

Customisation made easy

Whether it’s a refit, refurbishment, prototype or brand-new boat, our uniquely shaped tubing is a simple way to offer your clients greater choice with their yacht design. Our engineers will work hard to fabricate tubing of any size to meet your needs – even if this requires us to make new tooling. Many of our marine clients select stainless steel 316L tubing with a mirror polish. The highly reflective, smooth finish is achieved by polishing the tubing down to approximately 0.2 microns; the sleek and shiny surface reduces areas for corrosive elements such as sodium chloride to rest and cause damage. We can also form tubing from bronze or brass, or create a brass effect by applying PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) titanium ore plating. If you like traditional teak wood but want it to have the strength and durability of aluminium or stainless steel, we can even apply a powder coat with a wood effect.

Refits and refurbishments for motorboats and yachts

If you want to rejuvenate your boat by replacing your railings with a customised profile, speak to us and we will be delighted to provide samples of what we can offer. For refits, we make stainless steel oval boat deck handrail and handles in a wide range of sizes and shapes (we can also source round stainless steel tubing if you want to replace your existing round railings with similar tube). Our experienced team of fabricators are specialists in welding stainless steel railings for yachts, motorboats and tenders. We can also polish boat parts such as ladders, gates, handrails, cleats, bollards, biminis and anchors. Our comprehensive stainless steel polishing service includes scratch removal and re-graining. You might own an older boat that has handrails that you want to rejuvenate. We can give the metalwork a super mirror polish to bring the boat back to its former brightness. Our metal fabricators are trusted by several leading British and international boat-makers, who use Timeless to bend, weld and polish the tube railings once we have shaped them. These naval architects and designers can rely on the fact that our specialist team always achieve high-quality bends and exceptional finishes. Outsourcing these fabrication services to our team creates efficiency and cost-savings in this manufacture process.

Ideally situated near the U.K's biggest marinas

Based in Poole on the south coast of England, Timeless Tube is close to several marinas in the areas of Poole, Christchurch and Southampton. Although we typically restore boat deck railings in our workshop, if necessary, our specialist team can weld or polish onsite for motorboats, yachts and tenders moored in the south of England.

Custom-made hinges for concealed gates and collapsible mechanisms

Timeless partner with internationally renowned hinge experts PE Marine Designz, who specialise in designing and making patented multi-pivot hinges for super yachts and motorboats. These bespoke hinge designs integrate clever functionality such as concealed power assistance with Timeless Tube’s premium shaped tube profiles to achieve both impressive aesthetics and performance. Combining high-end aesthetics and optimal functionality, the bespoke tube-based solutions remove the need for unsightly latches and unnecessary shrouding sometimes used to mask fittings. The unique designs are bespoke, so if you are looking for cleverly concealed gates and foldaway furniture and T-tops that do not compromise on style, speak to our team about these innovative geometric solutions, or find out more about PE Marine Designz’s pioneering tube technology and the solutions it provides for marine applications.

Marine related applications

• Balustrades
• Furniture (foldaway and freestanding)
• Boarding ladders

Tubing used in marine applications

An ergonomic, tactile shape that is perfect for handrails and balustrades in conjunction with structural glass and brickwork. A low-maintenance design commonly used for architectural and marine purposes.

Flat-sided Oval Tube

Clean, rounded lines and a flat-sided profile provide strength for architectural purposes – with a flat side useful for fixing to other elements.

D-shaped Tube

With a smooth top, flat section and incredible lateral strength, this ingenious design prevents water ingress and it’s easy to install. Ideal for handrail in public buildings and on marine craft.

Radiused Square Tube

Blended radius corners and a slight convex side provide greater strength than standard round tubing. This great alternative to box section tubing is popularly used for baluster railings and furniture.

Twisted Square Tube

Aesthetically striking, with the power to make a significant impact. Provides impressive strength integrity while being lighter and more cost-effective than conventional solid twisted bars.

Twisted Oval Tube

Innovative spiral forming applied to a classic oval tube design. This stunning twisted tube profile creates a mesmeric effect that is ideal for decorative metal architecture on buildings and boats.

Tubing solutions for niche marine applications

Our marine tubing goes beyond railings and staircases. For example, our engineers have worked closely with the team at premier marine equipment supplier, Lewmar, to create stainless steel tubing for an innovative mechanical awning for yachts. We’ve fabricated telescopic tubing for a hydraulic lift that is used to launch tenders and RIBS on super yachts. We have even made a door handle for a fridge on-board a yacht, with a special locking mechanism to prevent it from opening during voyages. Our engineers love using their creativity and expertise to produce tubing for new applications, so please chat to us to see if we can help with your projects.

Contact us for expert advice, quotes and free samples.

We can develop new sizes.

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Need help finding the right tube?

Talk to a specialist and find the right tube for your project.

Discover our product range

View our unique shaped metal tube profiles and joining systems.

How to Choose the Best Stainless Steel Boat Rails for Your Vessel

Boat rails are essential for marine vessels. They provide safety, comfort, and stability while preventing people from falling overboard, especially in rough waters. In addition to ensuring safe sailing, boat rails help passengers navigate the boat.

Table of Contents

All boat rails, be it stern rail, bow rail, or any other, are equally important. As passengers rely on them for safety, they must be made from durable materials capable of withstanding the dangers of open waters.

Marine-grade stainless steels, such as 316L steel, are the best choice for boat rails with their superior corrosion resistance, ability to withstand extreme weather conditions, and resistance to wear and tear.

Stainless steel, especially marine-grade, not only provides safety but is cost-effective. You save more in the long term by cutting costs on maintenance, replacement, and repair.

While 316L steel is one strong candidate for boat rails, others might be better for your specific needs. In this Unity Metal guide, we’ll cover insightful tips on how to choose stainless steel boat rails – and some tips on how to make everything work. Read to the end to make a well-informed decision.

Material Grade

It’s essential to understand the differences between different grades of stainless steel used for boat rails and their properties . Every steel has its own properties. These reflect on the boat rail’s overall performance. Here are some of the most popular steel choices for boat rails.

304 stainless steel

304 stainless steel, also known as 18/8 steel, is highly corrosion-resistant and affordable. It’s a popular steel with numerous applications, from splashbacks and sinks to sanitaryware.

304 stainless steel is a good choice for boat rails, with many boats featuring rails made from it. However, it isn’t considered marine-grade stainless steel. 304 stainless steel is more susceptible to pitting and crevice corrosion compared to marine-grade stainless steels.

If the affordability of 304 stainless steel attracts you, consider using rails made from it in areas of the boat that are less exposed to corrosive environments. Using 304 stainless steel boat rails for interior railings and others that stand above the waterline can save you money.

316L stainless steel

316L stainless steel has an abundance of nickel and molybdenum in its composition for improved corrosion resistance. It’s one of the most popular marine-grade steels used for boat rails. 316L has excellent strength, durability, and resistance to stress corrosion cracking, making it perfect for marine environments.

The high molybdenum and nickel content enhances the steel’s resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion. It ensures long-lasting performance, even when exposed to saltwater constantly. 316L stainless steel maintains its lustrous appearance over time, providing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

All these come with a low-maintenance nature that doesn’t require demanding upkeep. Regular cleaning is enough to ensure it delivers consistent performance. 316L steel also has good weldability, which allows rails to be installed without welding complications.

Overall, 316L stainless steel is one of the top choices for various rail applications, from stern rails to stanchions.

Duplex 2205

Duplex 2205 stainless steel is known for its exceptional strength and corrosion resistance. It has high chromium, molybdenum, and nitrogen. All these alloying elements contribute to its resistance against pitting, crevice corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking.

Duplex 2205 is a tad bit better than 316L in corrosion resistance and strength. As you can expect, it makes a perfect boat rail material. It ensures maximum durability and maintains its appearance with minimal maintenance.

Although it’s an outstanding choice for boat rails, Duplex 2205 is expensive. That tiny fraction of higher value Duplex 2205 offers over 316L isn’t something most need. That’s why you might want to consider choosing 316L stainless steel instead of Duplex 2205.

Duplex 2507

Duplex 2507 stainless steel is a super duplex alloy with exceptional strength and corrosion resistance superior to most steels. It arguably makes one of the best products in corrosive environments.

However, Duplex 2507 is very expensive. The high cost of this steel reserves its application to industries where high levels of corrosion resistance and strength are required. Sure, Duplex 2507 makes a better boat rail, but it isn’t easy to justify its cost for most boat rail applications.

For most boat rail applications, though, Duplex 2205 and 316L stainless steel offers more value with their performance and durability at a reasonable cost.

Railing Design

The railing design should complement your vessel’s style regardless of the stainless steel grade. A quick Google search can give you a sense of what would work with your boat.

However, note that not every boat rail will have customization options – or at least to the degree you want. Depending on the weldability of the steel, the customizations might be limited. Better weldability also means easier installation if required in the installation process.

Just a quick note – We ship out easy-to-install products that don’t require welding or specialized gear to install at Unity Metal.

Most importantly, your design must meet the safety requirements for the vessel’s intended use. The regulations around boat rails vary depending on location. Even different cities in the same region might have distinct safety requirements.

It’s critical to research and understand the regulations when selecting a design. By doing so, you will meet safety requirements and further increase the sturdiness of the rail materials while matching aesthetic preferences.

Installation Options

With boat rails, you have two installation options. You can either DIY your way through it or hire a professional to do the installation for you. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Let’s assume you choose to do it yourself; here would be the pros and cons.

• Cost-effective: Since you don’t have to pay anyone to install the rails, you can save hundreds on installation costs.
• Convenient: You can install everything at your own pace without restricting yourself to someone else’s schedule. You can even treat this as a leisurely activity.
• Customizations: With DIY installation, you will have complete control over how you want to install and customize based on your preferences and needs.
• Possible errors: With DIY installation, there’s always the risk of mistakes that can put the system at risk and result in security vulnerabilities.
• Experience: Since you don’t have the expertise of a professional installer, you may not be aware of mistakes that can lead to poor installation overall.
• Troubleshooting: If you encounter any problems during or after installation, troubleshooting will be more difficult and time-consuming.

You should weigh the pros and cons and decide for yourself. DIY installation is a fun challenge but remember – proper installation is crucial for safety. When installed correctly, it can compromise the integrity of the system.

Maintenance

Stainless steel boat rails must be maintained regularly to ensure longevity. Corrosion resistance is a key factor in the boat rail’s maintenance needs. The better corrosion resistance steel has, the less care it will need. Also, boat rails hold up to dents and other damage better as the steel’s strength increase.

Here are some tips to keep boat rails at their best.

• Clean regularly : Wash your boat rails regularly with soap and water to prevent salt buildup, which can lead to rust and corrosion.
• Apply protective coatings : A protective coating suitable for boat rails protects them from scratches and corrosive marine environments.
• Inspect often : Check for damages regularly. If there are any damages, address them accordingly.
• Address rust and corrosion : Use rust remover immediately if you spot any rusted or corroded parts to prevent further decay.
• Avoid abrasive tools : Whether cleaning or removing scratches, avoid using tools and equipment that can further cause damage.

Upkeeping stainless steel boat rails is similar to caring for any other stainless steel railing system. There aren’t many differences between maintaining a stainless steel baluster and a boat rail, for example.

Choosing the right stainless steel boat rails will increase your vessel’s aesthetic appeal while providing the crucial safety everyone on board needs.

Consider your budget, steel grade, design options, and maintenance needs of each component and how it all comes together with your vessel to make the right choice. With that, your boat rails will last you for years – partaking in your journeys.

At Unity Metal , we manufacture various railing systems with different applications suited for a wide range of people. Regardless of your budget or project size, we can supply you with high-quality railing products.

We also offer our products wholesale. Contact us to request a free quote .

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Boat Handrails Ø 1″ – Stainless Steel

Oceansouth Stainless Steel Handrails 316 grade mirror finish stainless steel tubing. Marine-grade nylon base. Includes all necessary mounting hardware.  

• Boat Handrails 316 grade stainless steel tube
• 1″ tube thickness
• Marine grade nylon base
• Mounting hardware included
• SKU: MA 025P
• Category: Handrails & Grab Handles

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+7 (812) 247-04-64

+44 20 35142003

• Turnstiles, gates, railing systems
• Speed gates

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