Boat fenders are an important piece of equipment for any boat in the water today because it protects the boat's hull from coming into contact with the dock. For this reason, they're sometimes called dock fenders. Regardless of what you call them, there's a lot that you need to know about them.
The Cost of Boat Fenders
Although large boat fenders are usually quite costly, you can also get boat fenders at Walmart. Regardless of what type of whether you need Taylor made boat fenders or pontoon boat fenders, the fact remains that they're much less expensive than what you paid for your boat.
Types of Boat Fenders
There are many types of boat fenders on the market today, each uniquely crafted for a different situation. These include:
* Sausage or cylindrical double-eye fenders are used on short, lightweight boats.
* Center hole, round, and hybrid cylindrical-round fenders are used on big, heavy boats.
* Special fenders also exist for specific types of mooring (e.g. those developed to protect the gunwales and rub rails of the boat).
Manufacturers of Boat Fenders
In the same way as there are various types of boat fenders, there are also different manufacturers of boat fenders as well, including:
* Supafend makes “one-piece” molded folders that rotate. They're heavy-duty, durable and reliable. This is why they're commonly found on boats traveling through harsh conditions.
* Polyform boat fenders are compact, yet they also have several different configurations ready for you to choose from.
* Taylor made boat fenders are available in both round and oval cylindrical shapes. They're manufactured for 10-foot dinghies and 50-foot cruisers, as well as other specially made fenders (e.g. a pink or white mermaid-shape).
* Megafend yacht fenders are vinyl fenders that are easily inflatable, which makes them great for boat owners with limited storage space. These are mostly available in either standard or custom sizes.
Choosing the Right Size Boat Fender
When you're ready to choose a boat fender there are some considerations that you'll need to keep in mind. They are your boat's weight, length and mooring conditions. While most sizing charts take these things into account, you'll also need to use some common sense along the way. Generally speaking, a cylindrical fender requires 1” of diameter while a round fender requires 2” for every 4' – 5' of boat length.
Properly Positioning Fenders
In order to place your fender correctly, you'll need to hang it so that its bottom barely skims the surface above the water then raise it up one or two inches. This will keep the dock from pushing the fender out of place. Make sure that when docking you tie off on a solid anchor point. Also, tie the fender as low as possible to make sure the fender maintains its position.
Cleaning and Stowing Your Boat Fender
Whenever you clean your boat's fender you'll simply need to use some soap and water. Never use any harsh cleaning products (e.g. acetone), as these will damage your fender. If at all possible, you don't want to get your fender dirty to begin with. Instead, cover it with a washable fender cover.
It's also a good idea to carry extra fenders on board your boat with you. Of course, this means that you'll need a place to stow them. You can either buy and install a storage locker or simply place them under your seat, which is sometimes inconvenient. An even better option, especially on boats that have a limited amount of space, is to install a fender rack. Not only will this make sure that your fenders are always accessible, but it will also keep them out of your way.
There are two main types of fender racks that are available for sale:
* Folding racks, such as the Norestar Folding Fender Rack, do as their name suggests. They fold downwards once you remove the fenders, thus freeing up some more deck space for you.
* Non-Folding racks, like the Taylor Made Racks, don't fold down. Thus, they take up deck space even when you deploy the fenders. Generally, these racks are more expensive, but they're sturdier than folding racks.
Accessorizing Your Boat Fender
You'll find that there are many accessories available to make it more convenient for you to work with your fenders. These include:
* Hand pumps that allow you to quickly and easily add air to your fender when necessary. However, most sport pumps will also work.
* Fender height adjusters that instantly adjust the height of your fender without requiring you to tie knots.
* Fender lines that make sure your fender is always properly secured.
A Final Word
Ultimately, it's important to make sure that you have the right number of boat bumpers on your boat. Nevertheless, it goes beyond just having them. It's equally as important to use them correctly. Doing these things will make your boating experience much safer and a lot more fun as well.
