You don't need a rub rail, but if you make one it does not need to be black. It can look quite nice if you want it to. If you will spend a lot of time getting in and out a dock, a rub rail might be nice, bu it is in no way a requirement.

> Just curious if most people put rub-rails on their kayaks. It just seems
> strange after all that work of making your wood boat look perfect you go
> and cover up the wood with a black strip. Is it really needed and how does
> it look? Will I really nick up the edge of my boat?