Mid-priced: From $25 up to $60, you’ll find wider, longer cylindrical fenders and flat value packs.
Inexpensive: In the $10 to $25 range, you’ll find single, basic inflatable cylindrical fenders, ribbed or smooth, that average in size from 6 1/2 inches in diameter to 26 inches long. You could also buy these components separately, but when you buy a kit, you’re assured the lines are the correct sizes for the fender hole’s diameter. When buying a pack, you know the fenders match in style, color, and quality.įender kit: A kit provides fenders along with rope, inflating needles, and a pump. Packs: Fenders can be found in value packs of two to four. Seam reinforcement: Higher-quality fenders feature reinforced seams hand-glued inside and out for extra durability. Ribbed fenders may be slightly heavier than fenders with smooth finishes, but the added weight is negligible. Ribbing: A fender with non-abrasive ribs offers a little extra thickness for added protection. Choose from various colors to coordinate with your boat. FeaturesĬolors: There’s no need to stick to traditional white when it comes to boat fenders. This protects the rope and holds the fender steady against the boat. Centerline designĪ rugged centerline rope design is a fender where you can thread a line through a molded hole in the centerline of the tube. Note the eye’s diameter so lines can fit (if you’re buying them separately). You can use one eye to hang a fender, or you can use both eyes to secure a fender in a horizontal position. If you want the flexibility of being able to hang your fenders vertically or horizontally, consider fenders with two rope eyes, one molded and reinforced into each end of the tube. You can deflate them after the season for easy storage. Inflatable fenders use a typical inflation needle that goes into the valve, much like you’d use for inflating a soccer ball or football. Sealed fenders are pre-inflated, so you can’t add or eliminate air.
If you’re docked in heavy chop or busy waters, this is worth your consideration. Specialty shapes may be designed to snugly hang over the gunwale and rub rail on a low freeboard boat. A different type of flat fender, called a contoured fender, has a “hinge” allowing it to wrap down and around the gunwale and hull following the boat’s contours. A flat fender made of foam protects the gunwale and hull, and it will never pop or need inflation. A teardrop-shaped spherical fender (also called a buoy) is ideal for larger boats when you want to have the maximum amount of space and cushion between the boat and the dock. For example, a multipurpose cylindrical fender hangs vertically or horizontally. Each shape provides a slightly different function. ShapeĬommon fender shapes include cylindrical, spherical, flat, and specialty shapes. These fenders are tough, rugged, and the best at resisting punctures, splits, and tears. They’re best used in calmer waters that won’t slam your boat into other objects. Foam fenders are modular, and they can string together to provide more surface protection across the boat. Flat foam fenders have less shock absorption than vinyl cylindrical and spherical versions. Materialĭesigned for extreme durability and fluctuating weather conditions, fenders can be constructed of foam or marine-grade PVC vinyl. Knowing these parameters prevents you from buying a size too small or too large, as well as from buying too many or too few fenders. It also determines the number of fenders you’ll need to have onboard. The right fender for your needs depends on one important question: how big is your boat? The size of your boat determines the length and diameter of the fender you’ll need. If the tide goes out, your fenders could drop below the dock, letting the wood, metal, or concrete docking damage your hull.
When docking, check the tide charts to see how high or low you should place your fenders.
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