Fender covers or not for grp hull protection?

[Swg]

So I've spent hours and hours sanding, cutting and polishing the black (don't buy ablack boat, ever) gelcoat which was badly scratched and scuffed having moved to a very tightly packed, tidal harbour. The scuffing is the work of my own fenders - oh the irony!

Should I cover the fenders to reduce scuffing, if so with what or is there an alternative such as tyres? Do I need to go to the expense and hassle of a fender skirt ?

Any experienced advice welcome.

 

[jwilson]

Fenders always dull or mark shiny topsides eventually, unless what you are fendering off is immaculately clean. Fender socks can sometimes help, but conversely can also trap grit and be even worse than plain plastic fenders. Fender skirts keep ,most of the abrasive the rubbing to the outward side and are probably the best way to protect topsides, if you really want to work at it.

 

[lw395]

Fender skirt works well.
I made one from a camping mat, fleece material hull side, canvas outside, few webbing loops to tie it on with.
About £20 for material and an evening with a sewing machine.
Doubles as a deck cushion, or you could even use it as a sleeping mat.

 

[westhinder]

+1 for fender skirts.
Ours are the same stuff mainsail covers are made of, works well.

 

[vyv_cox]

We have used fender socks for years without causing any damage to the boat. Conversely, we have seen topsides severely worn by unsocked fenders.

The biggest recommendation of all is that you will never, ever, see a superyacht with fenders that don't have socks. The crew on such craft have one motto in their lives - keep the boat looking good!

 

[jwilson]

We have used fender socks for years without causing any damage to the boat. Conversely, we have seen topsides severely worn by unsocked fenders.

The biggest recommendation of all is that you will never, ever, see a superyacht with fenders that don't have socks. The crew on such craft have one motto in their lives - keep the boat looking good!

Agreed with that, but superyachts tend not to moor alongside grubby pontoons or docks (and I bet the fender socks get washed regularly, if not daily with the rest of the boat)....