What is a toe rail?

• A. The vertical surface of the stern.
• B. The sides of the boat between waterline and deck.
• C. A short aluminum or wooden rail around the outer edges of the deck.
• D. A line used to hold the boom up.

Answer: (C)

Toe rails are the short rails running along the outer edge of the deck. They give you a place to step and a foothold, helping keep feet and lines away from the edge when the boat heels or you’re moving about on deck. That description matches the option describing a short aluminum or wooden rail around the deck edge. The vertical surface of the stern is called the transom, not a rail. The sides of the boat between the waterline and the deck are the hull sides, not a rail. A line used to hold the boom up is the topping lift, not a rail.