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Category Archives: Docking

A Complete Guide to Boat Dock Bumpers

by admin / on October 15, 2020 / in Docking

Docking is challenging even if you have ascended beyond the beginner stage. As much as pulling out of the sail is, easy, slipping in is quite a task that requires you to know a few things to do it with grace and minimum damage.

The liberating effect that the cool sea breeze and the expansive view offers all reduces to stress and panic when you have to pull back and dock the boat. The struggle to dock Center Console Boats or in fact, any boat is more daunting when you have throngs of people at the marina watching you. At that moment, even great boat insurance cannot help you feel confident. It is only through practice and a few measures that you can dock safely.

Make you are docking safe with boat dock bumpers that will give you more confidence while slipping in. the array of options include:

Where Should the Dock Bumpers Be Installed

Covering up the sides of the dock is more suitable. It helps in reducing the scrapping and screeching of the boats and tones down the impact on them while they come into the slip. Since sailboats are usually more impacted while docking, they can be protected, when it comes to side bumpers, you have several options that all come with their benefits and drawbacks. Some of the boat dock bumpers are:

The Thick Padded Bumpers

An impact-absorbing boat dock bumper is ideal for saving your boat from jolts and bangs. The natural rubber sustains pressure-offering protection despite the consistent pounding. The boat dock bumper at the slips front saves the boat from damage. The docks have ample cushion to keep them last for years with a tear-resistant construction. The high-density dock bumpers are excellent for protecting the boat’s bow and replaceable with fenders.

The Plastic Edging Bumpers

The edging bumpers are a great choice from protecting your hull from scratches and dock rash. The plastic edging does not interfere with the boat’s fender and gives your dock an upgraded look. The plastic edging is not bulky like the other Boat Dock Bumpers, making them the perfect bumper option to start with.  As the plastic bumpers are not too heavy or as cushioned as rubber bumper or the other ones, they are better suited for the side of the dock finger. The bow area needs more coverage. Therefore, you can use padded material at the front.

The Recycled Rubber Tires

Recycled rubber tires are more common sights at the docks.  The recycled rubber tires have plenty of advantages starting from keeping them from landfills to being an easily accessible option. The inexpensive and durable bumpers protect your boat with just a bit of threat of scuffing. In case you own a boat that does not cringe at a scuff, you can opt for the inexpensive and reusable rubber tires.

The Corner Bumpers

You cannot downgrade the importance of insulating the corners! Corners being the most vulnerable spots can damage your boats easily. The weather cadences further bring to light the susceptibility of hitting the boat at the corners. During heavy winds or currents, your boat requires more resistance to dock it safely.

Post Bumpers

The post bumpers are the most reliable and convenient option for beginners. You can install a dock bumper by tieing it to the post with the screws. You can easily navigate your slip with the flexible option that these post bumpers are. There are removable bumpers too that further facilitate you.

Installing boat dock bumpers make your flight safe and infuse more confidence in you. Even in less ideal situations, you will have greater control and more safety. The boat dock bumpers are not only suitable for beginners, but you can also have any skill level and still use them to enjoy peace of mind knowing your boat stays safe no matter what.

Top 10 traits of Center Console Boats

Top 10 traits of Center Console Boats

by admin / on July 27, 2020 / in Docking

Life is full of compromise, and boats are no exception. However, just like everything else, we do whatever is in our power to achieve perfection as closely as possible. This is where center console boats factor in when looking for a boat that fits your on-water lifestyle. These boats occupy the small-boat market’s main segment because they deliver excellent performance, rough-water stability, and good looks. But not all console boats are equal; hence it’s imperative that you check out these top 10 traits before making a final choice.

  1. Sturdy Construction

Nobody wants a wobbly, flimsy fishing boat, ever. How can you know for sure about the best center console boats? In addition to market research and manufacturer reputation, pay attention to the boat while on a sea trial. Listen for vibrations and rattles that indicated loose fittings, creaks in fiberglass, and feel how stable the boat is when hitting waves at high speed.

  1. Center Console Hull Design

This world works on trade-offs—a deeper V means smoother sailing through the seas, but less V in the stern provides more lateral stability, less draft, and better efficiency. Also, keep in mind the power catamaran options that can run pretty smooth but come with a list of kinks such as snap-rolling, sneezing, or outward leaning in turns.

  1. Weight and size

Size does matter when selecting Center Console Boats– larger is not always better. Bigger boats cost more and are challenging to tow and can get stuck in certain areas. Similarly, there’s a common fixation that lightweight means better, but that represents another trade-off. A lighter boat is faster and efficient, but then again, it will be that much easier for it to launch off waves. Heavier boats are better at navigating through waves and don’t launch as often, which results in smooth sailing in rough areas.

  1. Sea-keeping abilities

Consider this trait by reflecting back on the qualities of the hull design, size, and weight and then adding your ambition level and your skill as a fisherman. Ask yourself if you’re willing to sacrifice some comfort in favor of better performance when it’s calm? Does the boat designs suit your preference of fender hangers or is best suited for quick fenders? Regardless, the bottom line is that safety should be the priority in any situation and should not be compromised on in any way.

  1. Livewell capacity and quality

The matter of livewell capacity is dependent on your personal preference for fishing style. If you feel this is a deciding factor, then focus on:

  • Volume: more is better
  • Shape: rounder is better
  • Interior color: blue keeps the baits calm
  • Water flow: more is better
  • Dedicated pumps are a must.
  • Back-up pumps get bonus points
  • Hatch quality: no leaking or spilling is good.

  1. Style-specific fishing design

The boat design should reflect your fishing style if you have one, so make sure you choose accordingly. There are a million variables that factor in this decision, and it won’t be a complicated one since most people enjoy several fishing styles. So a center console boat can cater to all fishing styles, but make sure to keep in mind what you enjoy the most as you assess the boat’s design.

  1. Rod and tackle stowage

This variable is mostly dependent on where and how you travel. Locking rod boxes are a must-have for trailer-boaters and for boats that get left in a marina. While having an onboard tackle stowage on smaller boats can save you from the hassle of carrying a big tackle-box to and from the boat before every trip.

  1. Drifting Characteristics

You’ll be surprised to know how a boat can drift: faster or slower, stern-to or beam-to, some rock like crazy in a beam sea, and so on. While doing a sea trial, always put the boat in neutral and let the boat drift so you can see how it will act. But remember that boats with taller gunwales, less weight, and flatter bottoms will drift faster than others.

  1. Fuel capacity

This is a primary concern for anglers who make long cruises, but the adage holds true: one-third fuel for the trip there, one-third to return, and have one-third for reserve.

  1. Comfort

Although this is probably the least concern of a hard-core angler, it does deserve a place on the list. Comfort will dictate when you’re done with your sail head for home. Hence a small dose of comfort can delay the return by an hour, so it’s something to think about while choosing a center console boat.

We understand that you’ll put a lot of effort and thought into this decision. But, while looking for the best center console boat, make sure you do an extended sea trial before investing. Do everything, trial under different conditions, go fast and go slow, drift, and sleep on it before finalization. Happy sailing!

A Guide: How to Dock a Boat

A Guide: How to Dock a Boat

by admin / on June 19, 2020 / in Docking

With novices merely steering their course onto boating, the process of docking can be intimidating and stressful. Having just bought yourself your dream boat, you probably don’t want your investment to bear any damage or cause any damage. The trick of mastering docking might include understanding few elements. However, it is a trick that can be perfected with time and experience.

Rather than allowing your nerves to get the better of you, it is important to take things slow and steady. If you’re unsure of anything, don’t be afraid of pulling back, circling around for trying again or for stopping altogether. Whether you’re sailing one of the best center console boats or one of the best deck boats, it is important to place your fenders well in advance. And is equally important to have your docking lines ready to tie off as you start approaching the dock. With a variety of factors affecting your docking abilities, such as environmental conditions or some other unforeseen conditions, you can end up making mistakes. Hence, follow through on the guide to understand and master the method of docking your boat safely.

  • It might seem like a useless tip. However, more often than not, individuals tend to make the mistake of ramming their boats onto the docks, merely due to approaching the dock at a high speed. As a consequence, it is imperative for you to approach the docks while cruising the boat at a slow speed.
  • While it might seem counter intuitive to the preceding point, approaching the docks at an insufficient speed can also prove to be disastrous. The appropriate speed glides you over to the docks, by countering and overcoming current, wind and momentum. Without the appropriate speed, one of these elements can take over.
  • It is equally important to steer your boat correctly. With a boat steering from the rear and pivoting on its axis, this means turning the wheel to the left leads the back of the boat to move to the right. Moreover, if you have a single-engine boat, it is necessary to remember that turning the wheel before applying any power is important.
  • It is unwise to kill the engines without securing all the lines. With less experience in docking, you can easily make the mistake of shutting down your engine as soon as your boat is in the slip. However, you never know when an unfortunate event may occur. Owing to this reason, it is essential to keep the engines on, as this allows you to steer your boat away when necessary.
  • If the wind conditions are in your favor, then let them assist you. In such a scenario, you’re likely to come at a shallow angle. With you a yard or two away from docking into place, get in a parallel position to it. This shall help the wind blow you in smoothly.
  • If the wind conditions are against you, you need to bring yourself into a steeper angle. Positioning yourself in such an angle will give you the momentum to carry yourself close to your docking place. In such a scenario, it is important for you to be ready with your dock lines, as wind can knock you off your position.
  • As mentioned earlier, it is important to have a sense of matters. If you feel things aren’t mapping out as planned, then it’s better to abort the docking. Thus, rather than forcing the approach, circle back for trying again.

Choosing the Best Boat Fender Accessories

Any given boating expedition requires appropriate accessories. Quick Boat Fender produces boat fender hangers that anchor onto your rod holder. Being easily adjustable and not requiring any special alterations to your boat, our boat fender hanger is suitable for any boat of up to 40 feet. Hanging your fender over the side of your boat, our hanger makes the process of docking easier. Essentially protecting your boat from bumping into the dock or other boats, our boat docking supplies work to make the process of docking a pleasant one. By locking into place, our boat fender hanger shields your prized possession from harm’s way. With it being hard to find a place for tying your boat fenders, our hanger effortlessly slips into your rod holder’s empty space or into your rod holder.

Your basic guide to selecting the right boat fenders

Your Basic Guide to Selecting the Right Boat Fenders

by admin / on May 19, 2020 / in Docking

Fenders are one of the most important quick boat supplies, acting as a cushion between a dock (wood, metal, or concrete) and a boat, or another boat while preventing damage to the topsides of your boat.

How do fenders work?

Whether soft or inflated foam, flat, spherical, or cylindrical – fenders absorb the vessels’ shock when they bump into docks or other vessels. They not just insulate the boat from damage but also decelerate it as it surges and rolls about. Usually, boats tying up to floating docks set fenders a bit above the waterline to maintain a buffer zone between boat and dock. There is a challenge in docking next to pilings; the pilings can push the fenders aside, leading to severe consequences. However, this may be resolved by using a fender board that spans the distance between pilings. With the board and fenders, a boat may ride reasonably conveniently against a wharf.

Boats having permanent slips usually customize their space, installing cushions, dock wheels, dock guards, so that the dock does not carry the boat, but the protection only. Since these forms of padding may be placed right at the contact point, they won’t swing out of the way. When fenders are not lined up accurately, dock cushions may prevent damage. There are a plethora of padding configurations that you can use to defend any boat from docking damage – make sure they are creative.

What is the size of your Boat?

Roughly, we like 1” diameter for cylindrical fenders or 2” diameter for spherical fenders for every 4-5 feet of boat length. However, this recommendation isn’t firm because the size of the fender also depends on conditions, the weight of the boat, and location. Boats, in unsafe end ties on San Francisco, Lake Erie, or other locations with horrible tidal surge may need more protection than a vessel docked in a peaceful lake. We recommend using fender whips or proper lines to suspend the fenders at the right height.

Also, we advise you to use large diameter fenders since they offer the best protection. After all, the width of the fender is the only thing that separates the boat from the dock.

Do you want to hang them Vertically or Horizontally?

Big B fenders or center rope tube fenders enable you to hang the fender either vertically or horizontally using one line running through the center line. Two figure-eight at both ends of the fender or a figure-eight knot at the end of the line is used to keep the fender from sliding.

Flat fenders are either articulating or vinyl covered or modular. To produce a custom-fitted system, string together the modular style. The flat, vinyl-covered, hinged fenders vertically wrap around small boat gunwales and are brilliant for boats with tumble home.

What Style do you Prefer?

Some common styles that you may choose are:

  • Lee free board fenders
  • Pontoon fenders
  • Rafting cushions
  • Round fenders
  • Transom mounted fenders
  • Tuff end fenders
  • Two cylindrical eye fenders
  • V-shaped freedom fenders

Are you looking for a boat dock fender holder or other boat fender accessories? Give Quick Boat Finder a call; we’ve got you covered!  

What do you Need to be Aware of Regarding Boat Dock Bumpers?

What do you Need to be Aware of Regarding Boat Dock Bumpers?

by admin / on May 19, 2020 / in Docking

Boat dock bumpers are one of the most important boat docking supplies and must not be ignored. They are an investment that will enable you to cast off with confidence, save your boat from damage, and extend the lifespan of your dock.

What are the Dock Bumpers?

A dock fender or dock bumper is a device that can absorb shock and can be attached to your dock. Whether the damage is caused by inclement weather jostling a vessel at anchor or by cruising into the dock too quickly, bumpers help to protect boats. While this guide concentrates on their marine application, dock bumpers may also be used to safeguard loading docks from the tractor-trailer, accidental impacts.

What are Dock Bumpers Important?

Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a beginner boater, everyone hits the dock at a single point or another. By preparing for the inevitable, you’ll avoid embarrassing yourself at a busy marina, or worse, having to pay for expensive boat repairs.

The repair cost is dependent on the vessel, but a gash or hole in a fiberglass boat may cost anywhere from $100 to $400, with larger repairs easily costing over a thousand dollars. In order to prevent this type of damage, boat dock bumpers are perceived as affordable by many. They are available in a variety of materials and sizes, allowing you to create a tailored solution that works best for the location of your dock and your boat.

Duck Bumper Materials

The outer protective layer of a bumper may be made out of PVC, vinyl, foam, or rubber. Based on your needs, specific material may work better for you than others – here are their pros and cons:

  • Foam: This is one of the least expensive dock bumper options and may not fare well as other materials over time. While it may succeed in protecting your dock and boat, it may discolor or chip over time.
  • Rubber: Recycled rubber tires are inexpensive, UV resistant, low friction, and may absorb high impacts. If you have a fiberglass boat, be careful – rubber will scuff the hull.
  • PVC: PVC is designed to withstand ice, UV rays, sea salt, or any other climate.
  • Vinyl: Vinyl can last for many years and will not discolor. It is also designed to withstand variable climates.

Selecting the Right Dock Bumpers

You don’t want to waste money on excess bumpers you don’t want, but you also want to ensure your boat is protected. So, where should you place them, and what type should you purchase?

  • First, take into consideration the potential impact points. You have three points of contact to think about if you have a boat slip. The area where your boat may collide with the slip head-on should be covered with additional cushioning.
  • Also, you should determine the size of your boat and the potential impact it may have on the dock. You could use corner bumpers or foam dock siding if you have a small motorboat. If you have a large vessel, you may want to consider a more heavy-duty piling bumper protection or PVC dock siding.
  • Lastly, you’ll want to protect the pilings and corners of your dock. You can use mountable dock wheels or corner bumpers for corners to ensure a safe docking experience. If your dock has pilings, feel free to mount traditional dock bumpers vertically to protect them.

If you’re looking for quick boat supplies for your center console boats, let Quick Boat Fender know. Our team will do everything in its capacity to get you the supplies you’ve requested for.

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