Fender socks

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penpal

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This is rather dull with all that is going on, but hey ho, got to ask. My white fenders look awful and take a mountain of work to clean. I was wondering if fender socks are any good? I assume you have to put them in the washing machine now and then to get rid of the slime.
 
penpal said:
This is rather dull with all that is going on, but hey ho, got to ask. My white fenders look awful and take a mountain of work to clean. I was wondering if fender socks are any good? I assume you have to put them in the washing machine now and then to get rid of the slime.
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Depends if you are berthed in salt water. If so, capillery action will draw up salt water, but when the water evaporates, you are left with salt in the sock and it will turn the soft sock into a soft sandpaper pad gently rubbing (scratching) your gelcoat.
 
I have to say that we've never used them - other than on one old fender we inherited. My impression, after talking to various people, is that they are a good idea provided you wash them frequently (not "now and then") but if you leave them on unwashed for long periods, you might as well polish the hull with sandpaper.
 
We've used them and been happy about it. We're in salt(ish), but fenders are well above the water, so no growth or slime.
We wash them, but not very often.
 
As long as they're not left in the water, then rain water washes out most of the salt, but they do need a good soak in fresh water and detergent at least once a year to minimise their tendency to turn into sandpaper.
 
Bertramdriver said:
As long as they're not left in the water, then rain water washes out most of the salt, but they do need a good soak in fresh water and detergent at least once a year to minimise their tendency to turn into sandpaper.
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Indeed. By 'not so often' I meant not more than a couple of times per season.
Plus the cleaning together with lines and ropes before winter storage, when the boat is on the hard.
 
penpal said:
This is rather dull with all that is going on, but hey ho, got to ask. My white fenders look awful and take a mountain of work to clean. I was wondering if fender socks are any good? I assume you have to put them in the washing machine now and then to get rid of the slime.
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Hi, you'll notice mixed responses above and I also have tried them, I'm not personally a fan either. They look really very smart when new but as soon as they are needed for hull protection in the sort of winds we have endured recently, they slip on the hull but snag on the pontoon, as a result they tend to tear and look awful or grab and pop-out and therefore become non effective. :ambivalence:

The negatives continue, I'm afraid:

1. They are not cheap.
2. They dis-colour the fender underneath when you finally decide to not to replace yet again. So the fenders actually look worse.
3. They do collect salt which can be an abrasive, especially if you allow them to touch the water when moored or if sprayed when left on the side deck while the boat is underway.
4. Dark coloured hulls like dark blue will shows signs of 'fender rash' which is difficult to polish away and will either remove gelcoat or paint.

So, I don't use them now as you can imagine. :encouragement:

RR
 
penpal said:
This is rather dull with all that is going on, but hey ho, got to ask. My white fenders look awful and take a mountain of work to clean. I was wondering if fender socks are any good? I assume you have to put them in the washing machine now and then to get rid of the slime.
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Personally, I wouldn't be seen dead with them - perhaps laughed out the Marina.... Seriously, have you tried a product called "Ribshine"? I find that really brings the fenders back to a reasonable state. Mine came with the boat when I bought her over 10 years ago and they weren't new then.
 
I must admit that I have fender socks..
I have had fender socks on all my boats for a number of years.
I have never cleaned a fender
I have never washed a sock [They wash themselves when it rains]
I have them tied on all the time, Just chuck them on the side deck when I am going along.
I replace them when they get holes in.
I have never noticed any real damage to my boat caused by fender socks
I have 3 different types of fenders, but 1 type of fender sock so they all look the same..
I am not embarrassed by my fenders..

I really like Fender Socks and feel much better for talking about my love for them.. Thank You..
 
Hi
Okay, There are a lot of Myths regarding fender socks, and the biggest one is fendercovers collect salt and act like sandpaper casing damage to your topside and gelcoat. These opinions seem to come from owners and crew that can see the theory of this, but have no actual experience of using fendercovers themselves!

If they really did cause damage do you think that nearly all large luxury yachts and superyachts would use them? They keep those high gloss deep blue/black gelcoats in top condition.

I know I wouldn't get a white white plastic fender and rub it all over my car bonnet! It would scratch the paints clear coat.

Fender covers protect topsides - thats what they do! You just need to know how to use them correctly.
 

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Rivas use em
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Heres another - unmarked
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Mine fender socks @ 10y ( changed every 2 y - fade in the Med )
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" sandpaper " ?? Where ?
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After admitting my love of fender socks on this Forum I decided to share it with my crew..
I suggested the removal of the socks, and the supply of Cif and marigolds to clean the fenders, as they may be damaging my beautiful polished topsides..
They suggested to me that if this was the case, and I went ahead they would severely damage me!!
It would also be back to slippers, and aftershave for Xmas instead of fender socks, and whiskey.
That being the case.. The fender socks stay..
 
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