Many boat owners are still unaware that there are more dangers when you're on a boat than just the water. But that is precise what boat fenders are for!
Fenders are a part of every responsible boater's vocabulary. At least anybody who owns a boat remembers to put one on their vessel before hitting the open waters. This is because the fenders play an important role in protecting your boat and yourself from any injury.
So, if you're interested in buying this accessory, read on to find out everything there is to know!
What Is A Boat Fender?
A boat fender acts as an inflatable defensive body to shield the boat's hull from scrapes and other damages when the watercraft is maneuvered in the harbor, anchored to the sheet piling, or comes into contact with another vessel. Depending on the boat's dimensions, there are many sizes and types of fenders you can get.
The Difference Between A Boat Fender And Boat Bumper
A fender is different from a bumper in that it is typically longer, wider, and heavier duty. A fender is generally made of metal or fiberglass, while a bumper is made of plastic.
The main difference between these two types of boat accessories is their purpose and design. Boats with bumpers are designed to protect the hull from damage, whereas fenders protect the boat from rocks, debris, and other objects that waves may throw up.
Both bumpers and fenders can be made from either wood or metal, depending on the type of watercraft they're being fitted to. However, boat bumpers usually have a more durable finish than fenders, as they're meant to absorb more force when struck by waves or other objects.
The Different Types Of Boat Fenders
You can get your hands on five different kinds of fenders.
Due to the issues of limited storage capacity and the considerable demand for shielding, a tough tradeoff has to be made regarding your choice of fenders. But if you pick the right one, this problem may get avoided altogether.
1. The Long Fender
The long fender's popularity is mostly due to how simple it is to use and that, based on the size of the boat, it may be deployed either vertically or horizontally from cleats, rails, or lifelines. Depending on your specific requirements, you may find various two-eyed long and center-cored long fender variants in the market.
The flexibility to be employed in frequent docking scenarios, when a greater rollover is required to bring the boat in beside the dock, makes the center-cored long fender the most popular option. Nevertheless, both varieties of long fenders have two connection points for potentially horizontal positioning.
2. The Ball Fender
As its name implies, the ball fender is spherically formed, air-inflated like the long fender, and made of durable PVC with a heavily bolstered single eyelet. The ball fender rotates easily to shift the points of contact with the hull and provides excellent shielding at the site of impact, like the center-cored long fender.
These inflatable boat fenders are generally usable while navigating through narrow passages. They are also quite adaptable and may be used to float a transitory pick-up line or identify an anchor's whereabouts.
3. The Pole Fender
Pole fenders are the best equipment to have on the deck while trying to conserve space. However, you can avoid a lot of trouble strategically deploying pole fenders, while using a standard fender requires significantly more time and energy. For your protection, you should always carry several fenders.
4. The Flat Fender
Flat fenders are welcome additions to the gear of any watercraft. This fender design has many perks, including high storage capacity, little chance of slippage, and a wide range of applications.
5. The Cushion Fender
Cushion fenders are made of foam, and according to the model, they may also have a nylon finish. They are frequently employed on slipways and locks. However, compared to a conventional PVC fender, the main drawback they have is their small weight, which could make them drift away while berthing in gusty winds. Also, the cushion fender is not as strong as the conventional PVC fender.
How To Choose The Right Boat Fender
If you're looking for a suitable boat fender, consider the size and price point before making your purchase.
Size
After you have decided on the type, the next step is to choose the size of the dock fender.
There are some general guidelines you may stick to, but the optimal size of fenders primarily relies on the dimensions of your boat. You should add sets of fenders at least half as tall as your boat's beam to stop the vessel from rocking from side to side. Fenders on either flank of your watercraft should be evenly spaced apart.
Last but not least, there are more technical solutions like inflated rubber and wakeboard fenders, which do precisely what their names imply. Their purpose is to inflate when required and flatten when stored or carried onboard a sailboat.
Cost
When it comes to cost, always choose a fender you can readily repair. Nevertheless, these safety devices may range from $7 to $200.
Cleaning And Maintaining Your Boat Fenders
Cleaning and maintaining your fenders are essential to increase their longevity.
These safety devices will require a deep cleansing, regardless of whether they have abrasions from contact with rusty sheet piling or an unclean adjoining boat. Therefore, don't put off cleaning your fenders till spring. Instead, keep them clean throughout the boating period or before you store them for the winter. Once the winter season is through, you may immediately notice the abuse you subject your fenders to.
If you need cleaning supplies to maintain these safety devices, look online or check local stores. However, working with these materials only has to be done while using gloves. Also, avoid making any eye or hand contact with these items. And last but not least, we advise using water and soap first before using a cleaning product to clean excessively filthy pontoon fenders.
Storing Your Boat Fenders
Nowadays, you can store your fenders in many different ways, and we have them below.
Judging by a short glance inside the back storage compartment of most sailboats, boat fenders often take up the most storage space and are pretty impractical to store. However, maintaining the highest level of safety on deck should not be compromised due to a room shortage. It may be just as dangerous to have too few fenders on board as to have none. But where should you put them after that? In this case, the deck and railing make for the ideal place. You can also go for heavy-duty fender carriers made of strong stainless steel that are simple to attach to boat railings.
Other than that, you may fix the fenders to the stern of your boat using a variety of fender hangers. You have two options for where to keep your fenders when they need to be kept off the deck: either in the rear stowage unit or in the cabin.
How Many Fenders Are Needed For Your Boat?
A common sense rule is to have two fenders for every side of a vessel up to 10 meters in length, with one or two spare fenders available.
So, given that there isn't much room on any boat, do you have the appropriate count of offenders? Again, having different lengths or types of fenders will be helpful in a range of situations. For vessels larger than 10 meters, it is advisable to have three to four marine fenders on each side, along with one or two backup fenders. The flank fenders need to be positioned before docking, but you may realize that you need the extra fenders to help counterbalance a tumbling wave or wind forcing you into the pier or sea wall.
The Best Accessories For Your Boat Fender
If you're planning to buy fenders, getting the accessories is just as important for the overall boating experience.
1. Fender Cover
Fender coverings are a typical method for preventing dirt from gathering on the fender and the hull. These covers are readily attachable, and detachable overcoats made of fabric.
2. Fender Board
If you routinely tie up against sheet piling, you should also have a tested fender board as a backup for your fenders. This accessory guarantees that pole fenders and standard fender pairings will offer the most protection when used in tandem. It shields your hull from unintentional impacts with sheet piling and avoids fender slipping.
3. Fender Lines
Boat fender lines are made of multifilament polypropylene rope, making them lighter and more pliable. You can get these in a range of colors.
Final Thoughts
Boat fenders are functional, useful, and very easy to install. They're also very economical! Getting hold of some boat fenders is the perfect way to keep any banged-up bodywork from destroying your relationship with your boat's paint job.
To sum it up, whether you find yourself in a used dinghy or a thirty-thousand-dollar yacht, you're sure to find what you need in these simple yet effective safety devices.
https://www.homfulgroup.com/boating/marine-boat-fender/pvc-plastic-boat-fender-80e01a.asp
Publication Date: 1/3/2023
Category:
Marine Boat Fender
