When you want to drive a boat, one question you might probably have is ‘How to use Boat fenders?’. A boat fender is a zone between your boat and other objects when you have anchored your boat.
It directly absorbs the shock from the objects to prevent any damage to your boat. It’s beneficial for some people who are beginners as it prevents your boat from damage.
It reduces the speed of your boat when huge rocks appear in your way. If you don’t know how to use boat fenders, go through this article.
How To Use Boat Fenders
We have represented a complete guide for you here. Try it one time and then practice it. You will be an expert after some time.
Modern Boat fenders have inflatable and soft materials in their construction. People used to make fenders with rope in distinct patterns as per their requirements.
If you don’t know how to use a fender, read this guide to release your tension.
1. Maximum Fenders for a Single Boat
A single boat has a maximum of three fenders to prevent the boat from any damage. If you want to attach more fenders to the boat, this is the best option. Attach one fender per Ten feet (300 cm) of the waterline.
2. Tie of First Fender
Tie the first fender at the broadest part of your boat. The reason for this is that there are more chances of bumping your boat from the widest part first. If you want to prevent the boat from any damage, do this task efficiently.
3. Space Between Pilings and Board Fender
Your boat will bump into the pilings even if you have tied the fenders with your boat. It happens because there is a considerable space between the pilings.
To prevent this, use fender boards that make a connection between two fenders. It also forms a barrier against the pilings.
4. Placement of Fenders
You can place the fenders in a horizontal or vertical position; it depends on the position of your boat. In case you stationed the boat next to another boat.
Place the fenders in a vertical position. If your boat is next to the pilings, place the fenders in a horizontal position.
5. Choose a Lifeline Stanchion to Tie the Fenders
Tie the fenders as low as possible because they will never swing around. For this purpose, always use a lifeline stanchion or a pad eye to tie the fenders at a low height.
6. Adjusting the Fenders
Adjust the fenders over the boat according to the position. Always keep in mind; you should place the fenders in such a way that it becomes a buffer. For this purpose, lower or raise the fender as per your requirement.
Follow these six steps to use a boat fender on your boat. Try for one time, and you will become an expert in a few tries. Practice makes a man perfect.
Type of Boat Fenders
Boat fenders come in different sizes and shapes; it becomes difficult to choose the best one from all of them. In this detailed guide, I have provided you with complete research about the best boat fenders. Let’s look at some excellent boat fenders;
1. Round Fenders
We use round fenders for low-tech mooring buoys and raft-ups. We use them for larger powerboats and commercial boats.
They are the best solution when the distance between our boat and the dock is significantly greater. Interestingly, they absorb energy at an excellent rate.
2. Flat Fenders
Flat fenders are typical non-inflatable foam designs that are vinyl-covered. We use them for small boats with tumblehome topsides, lifelines, or a gunwale.
You can install them flexibly with no issue. These fenders provide us with a strong floating performance. This fender is the best choice for your small boats.
3. Low freeboard Fender
These fenders are perfect for protecting vessels that are placed low in the water. You can use this fender on ski boats, fishing boats, and bass boats. These fenders prevent the boats from riding up under higher docks.
4. Pontoon Fender
Pontoon boats have some unusual corners and aluminum fencing. You can use the best Pontoon fenders specifically designed for Pontoon boats.
Pontoon Protector 90 and Pontoon Curve Protector are some of the two best Pontoon fenders ever used. They designed these Fenders with a Pontoon component.
5. V-Shaped Freedom Fenders
These are handy fenders, Captains of yachts and small fishing boats use these fenders to protect their boats from getting any damage.
This fender has proved to be a beneficial fender for your boat. It provides a nifty-self-centering shape that keeps your fender in place. Your fenders never swing around.
6. Tuff-End Fender
Mostly, commercial captains use this fender for larger boats because the large, heavy-duty tuff-end fenders provide great protection for deep hulls. They prevent the boat from getting any damage during the drive.
Maintenance of Boat Fenders
Never leave the boat fenders at the bottom of your boat while you are traveling. It will become an annoying journey.
It will not take a lot of time, place the fenders high and away, so you know about their position when it’s time to dock.
When fenders are not in use, store them in a dry place like under the seat in a storage locker or fender basket system.
Mount the baskets in a vertical, horizontal or inclined position as per the requirements. If there are multiple baskets, use clamps if you want to take various fenders along with you on the trip.
If the fenders get dirty, clean them via a fender cleaner or protector to remove all the dirt. Use the fender bike pump adapter to inflate the fenders. If you purchase a high-quality boat fender, it will last for a long time.
What Size an Ideal Boat Fender Should Have?
As already discussed, boat fenders are as essential as fuel. They keep your boat safe and prevent your boat from getting any damage.
When you are going to purchase a boat fender, you might get confused about the size of the fender. There is no worry to be worried about. We will provide you with the best suitable answer to this question.
Boat fenders come in different sizes ranging from small size to large sizes.
If you buy a small fender, buy many of them to attach to your boat. The reason is that a small fender should be in large quantity to avoid any damage.
It is much better to add multiple small fenders of adequate size. If you have a small boat, attach only two small boat fenders.
Place one of them near the bow and the second one near the stern to protect your boat from damage.
If you have a large boat, attach over 8 fenders on one side of the boat. Because you have a large-size boat, the boat can come in contact with the dock from anywhere. In the end, make sure that you have cushioned all the delicate points. Otherwise, your boat will get scratches and holes in the side of your boat.
Advantages of Boat Fenders
As already discussed, boat fenders are a beneficial device for you when you want to have a safe drive. Everything has its benefits and losses.
Boat fenders provide you with a splendid chance to have a safe drive with your boat.
1. Economical
2. Gives a large vertical range
3. One unit of cylindrical floating cylinders gives a full tide range
4. V-shaped fenders have a low reaction and high energy absorption
5. Simply designed fenders are easy to install and remove when not in use
6. Foam-filled floating fenders never sink or collapse if punctured
7. Minor loss of efficiency in fixed pneumatic fenders
Disadvantages of Boat Fenders
Boat fenders are useful devices but they might be not beneficial in some ways. Let’s have a look;
1. Hollow cylinders require a long length to spread the reactive force
2. Cylindrical fenders provide no resistance to the vessel surge
3. V-shaped fenders always cover a small tidal range until you provide upper and lower rows of the fender
4. Column fenders need a fender frame for using them
5. Floating pneumatic fenders separately cost of containers, ship loaders, and other pieces of equipment.
Final Words
Yes, it’s a pain in the vein when you want to drive a boat but you can’t. To solace your dilemma, boat fenders pop up to provide you safety while driving the boat.
For this, we have provided you with a detailed article about boat fenders, their usage, and their benefits. The best and most high-quality boat fender can meet all the demands.
When you are going to purchase a boat fender for your boat, read this detailed article to have a perfect idea about boat fenders.
