raquet
Well-Known Member
Are these any good? I have a painted wooden hull and my fenders abrade the paint leaving patches of old, different coloured, paint. Will fender socks solve the problem?
Fender Socks
- Thread starter raquet
- Start date
A
Anonymous
Guest
For the last three years we have been using the Plastimo DIY sock kit, comprising a length of stocking and some cable ties. Possibly it is not as hard wearing as the most expensive socks (we have just bought one special sock for a ball fender) but it lasts very well and we are pleased, at a fraction of the price.
Note:- We don't use cable ties to make them. They tear. My wife makes a hem top and bottom and feeds through knicker elastic or very fine shock cord whichever is to hand. Works well and you can easily remove them for washing or when you don't want to tear the socks apart against a really rough dockside.
Note:- We don't use cable ties to make them. They tear. My wife makes a hem top and bottom and feeds through knicker elastic or very fine shock cord whichever is to hand. Works well and you can easily remove them for washing or when you don't want to tear the socks apart against a really rough dockside.
raquet
Well-Known Member
Thanks for the comment - I think the Plastimo kits look good but do you think they will stop abrasion or do they just keep oil and other gunge off the fenders? I have seen comments which suggest that socks pick up grit and make abrasion worse.
A
Anonymous
Guest
Well, they are only cloth so their ability to stop abrasion is limited. We don't use them in places where there is real filth - either we are at anchor or in a marina alongside fairly clean yachts. When I went up the Seine we used cotton sheets over old tyres, and chucked them later.
Plastimo sock works fine for us, very happy. It isn't a huge investment if they don't work out for you.
Plastimo sock works fine for us, very happy. It isn't a huge investment if they don't work out for you.
davidwf
Well-Known Member
I've only used them on GRP and didn't get any abrasion, got mine from http://www.fender-socks.co.uk/ good value and lasted about 3 seasons.
They are at most of the boat jumbles as well.
They are at most of the boat jumbles as well.
gardenshed
Well-Known Member
Why not try a fender skirt. A piece of tarpauline that you make about 2 -3 m long, attach it to the toe rail and it hangs down below your fender line. Make sure that the side that is against the boat is always clean and grit free and the other side takes the punishement from the fenders so gets scratched and dirty. Works for me.
MapisM
Well-Known Member
Paint abrasion is mostly due to fenders scratching, instead of just rolling, on the hull, typically when moored boats roll, creating vertical movement between the hulls.
Socks possibly have better sliding properties compared to vinyl, but don't expect miracles.
You might wish to consider "ball-style" fenders instead (not sure if that's how they're called... it's the A-series in Polyform line, just to avoid misunderstandings).
They can in fact roll also vertically without scratching, as long as the vertical movement isn't huge - in which case, you're screwed anyway I'm afraid!...
Socks possibly have better sliding properties compared to vinyl, but don't expect miracles.
You might wish to consider "ball-style" fenders instead (not sure if that's how they're called... it's the A-series in Polyform line, just to avoid misunderstandings).
They can in fact roll also vertically without scratching, as long as the vertical movement isn't huge - in which case, you're screwed anyway I'm afraid!...
Sinbad2222
Well-Known Member
Fender skirt for me too. Socks are a worse than no socks as they harbour grit.
alldownwind
Well-Known Member
We're using the Plastimo ones this year too. Very pleased, and very cheap - did 6 fenders with one pack (20 quid or thereabouts?). Interested to see that 'Sailing Today' tested them too a few months ago.
scarlett
Well-Known Member
I second davidwf comments having tried Jimmy Green's and the origonal Fendersox brands. The most hard wearing of the three anyway.
ex-Gladys
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Socks are a worse than no socks as they harbour grit.
[/ QUOTE ]
Absolutely right. The muck that gets stuck in them makes them worse than nothing. At least you dip a fender in the 'oggin rather tan having to take sox home and run them through the washing machine
Socks are a worse than no socks as they harbour grit.
[/ QUOTE ]
Absolutely right. The muck that gets stuck in them makes them worse than nothing. At least you dip a fender in the 'oggin rather tan having to take sox home and run them through the washing machine
raquet
Well-Known Member
Hmmm. I think it might be skirt and socks - or is that like sandals and socks? I did try making a skirt from canvas but I just suceeded in destroying a perfectly decent sewing machine. Thanks to all.
Heigaro
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
My wife makes a hem top and bottom and feeds through knicker elastic or very fine shock cord whichever is to hand.
[/ QUOTE ]
So, how does Mrs LM keep her knickers up, then? - or should I not ask!!
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My wife makes a hem top and bottom and feeds through knicker elastic or very fine shock cord whichever is to hand.
[/ QUOTE ]
So, how does Mrs LM keep her knickers up, then? - or should I not ask!!
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