Fenda Sox

[discovery2]

Although one sees many in use, do they really protect the hull from marks & scratches, or is their use cosmetic? Do particles of grit get caught in the fabric, or do they need regular washing? They also tend to be rather expensive!

I have never used them but I have noticed that small scratches are appearing on the (blue) hull where the fenders usually hang below each stantion base. Would their use reduce the scratches?

Thank you in advance for any comments.
David.

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[malcp]

Personally I'm not a fan of fender sox. The material seems somewhat abrasive to me, and if it isn't, once the atmospheric dirt gets into it it soon will be. I've seen many blue hulled boats with abraded looking sides where sox have been used.

I use a pvc fender "skirt" (one of those padded sheets) that goes between the hull and the fenders. I wouldn't use a material one for the same reasons I don't use sox. Of course, this is only of use for fenders grouped together, such as between hull and pontoon. I keep this clean and it does work, reducing hull marking. The other fenders are left unprotected.

I think whatever is used does need to be kept clean.

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[MarkJohnson]

Last year I did not use Fenda Sox (?). The result was a mess on the boat hull where the fenders rubbed. I think the fenders are quite old, as they are sticky, as if the plastic/rubber material is breaking down.

However, this year we made up Fenda Sox from a kit, the hull is spotless so far. I have not noticed any scratches so far.

So thumbs up from me.

regards

Mj

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[Robin]

I would agree with that too and we also use a padded PVC fender sheet (from Compass Marine in Dartmouth, exhibit at Southampton Boatshow).

We have friends who make their own fender covers from the muslin polish cloth rolls which are actually tubular, just add some knicker elastic top and bottom. Same caveat re dirt pick up but these are cheap enough to be disposable!

<hr width=100% size=1><font size=1>Sermons from my pulpit are with tongue firmly in cheek and come with no warranty!</font size=1>

 

[Althorne]

Like all socks (sox) they need regular washing so the soiling does not scratch. Makes you think about people with smelly feet eh! But once I have finished tarting up my boat this summer I think the pads are for me.

<hr width=100% size=1>http://colvicownersclub.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk

 

[billmacfarlane]

I use them on a dark blue hull and after 3 years haven't left any marks.

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[parm]

i tried fenda sox once looked great but at the first lock going up the ones aganast wall where trailed off!

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