Fender Socks

[vyv_cox]

Up until a few years ago I never bothered with Fender socks. Until I had a nightmare of a job to try and polish out some scuffs after one particularly bad Winter with our previous boat where it had moved backwards and forwards during storms while being pushed against the pontoon and the fenders had really taken a toll on the gel coat.

While at the boat show I came across the following company - http://www.fender-socks.co.uk/

The guy was really helpful and explained how the material they use is less likely to hold grit and dirt like thicker fender socks on the market yet still maintain protection for the hull and prevent squeeking. The price was fairly reasonable and one pack contained enough material to cover 6 of our fenders. They have had 4 years of pretty constant use and I haven't had a single fender scuff on the hull since. By the end of last season the navy colour had started to fade so I ordered another pack online, only to realise that they could actually be turned inside out and the that the other side was still like new. Unfortunately we had a temporary berth over the Winter which had no plastic fendering on it and the rough wood edge managed to wear through a couple of the socks quite quickly.

The pontoon fendering seems to make a big difference to how quickly the socks wear through so I would say this is pretty essential. The socks also prevent the irritating fender squeeks which is enough of a positive alone.

No connection with the company etc, just a very happy customer.

Yes, they are excellent. Our original set is now worn out and their replacements await fitting, maybe later today. In Greece we sometimes berth alongside walls, more often alongside another boat when in port. One thing is certain, there is always plenty of dust blowing about, some of it inevitably reaching the fender socks. Despite this our topsides are in perfect condition. We very occasionally tow a few fenders astern for a wash, which takes care of any deposits.