a light altering rub rail comprising an elastic , semi - rigid translucent polymer base having at least a body portion with proximal and distal ends , top and bottom ends and front and rear faces ; an access flap forming the majority of the base front face creating a gap in the base ; a light source embedded within the gap in the base ; a plurality of mounting lobes at the proximal and distal end portions ; and a plurality of linear light refractors embedded within the base wherein the gap in the base may be sealed to create a fully enclosed water - proof housing .