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?

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.

Category Archives: Docking