Fenders

laika

laika

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I have a motley collection of scruffy fenders, some of which came with the boat, others of which were found randomly floating and some have obscure valves I don’t have an adaptor for.

After polishing my hull I’m planning on treating myself to a smart new set with socks (12m sailing boat). Any recommendations for suppliers of fenders which won’t go sticky and nasty quickly?

I recognise this may seem a daft question to those that see nothing wrong with cheap scruffy fenders, a position I respect but on this occasion am distancing myself from
 
I have just bought some from marinescene. Were delivered quickly. One valve was faulty and the fender was very quickly replaced. If you buy deflated ones I would get the valve as well as not one I had seen before.

Fender Specials - Marine Scene

No connection etc.
 
Are socks a good idea? I would worry they pick up dirt and stuff, which then results in worse abrasion of the topsides....
 
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I get a year of smart looks from a set of DIY/kit fender socks and a couple more of er shabbier useage
But def stops the sticky fender syndrome
 
Just do not raft against me please. I have had enough of scratches from grit in fender socks marking my gel coat. Owners claim to wash them regularly, but it only takes a couple of sharp bits & it could happen the day before the "wash". I have had owners turn up with torn socks anyway, which shows complete disregard for care
There is no viable reason for them & if it is one of sticky fenders then the chances of grit sticking to the sock is even greater due to the sticky fender. Get a new fender of decent quality. Mine are 17 years old & are NOT sticky. They are all reasonably clean, except for the 3 that sit against my permanent berth.
 
+1
For the ones from MarineScene.
I bought a whole set (white, with blue ends), and they are very good quality. Standard valve as far as I could tell.
 
01_Anna said:
+1
For the ones from MarineScene.
I bought a whole set (white, with blue ends), and they are very good quality. Standard valve as far as I could tell.
Click to expand...
+2. I've had two sets on different boats over 10 years, white and blue and silver (grey really). Valve type is a bit irrelevant, pull the valve out with an M2.5 bolt, inflate with an HP airline, thumb over hole then push valve back in. Top up with a bike pump pressed against valve with no adapter.
 
On the subject of blue and white...a problem with the blue and white ones I have is that the blue rubs off blue onto my white gelcoat if pressed with any force: not usual for the tops I know but it can happen when people are chucking them into the cockpit quickly. Does this not happen with "good quality" ones?

For the benefit of others, I noticed today that YBW seem to have a short article about fenders (though focusing on smaller ones):
Best boat fenders: 7 of the best options for protecting your topsides

Daydream believer said:
Just do not raft against me please. I have had enough of scratches from grit in fender socks marking my gel coat.
Click to expand...

Intersting...so there's a whole segment of the sailing community who wouldn't raft against me if my fenders had socks.

Noted ;-)
 
laika said:
Intersting...so there's a whole segment of the sailing community who wouldn't raft against me if my fenders had socks.
Click to expand...
I'm tempted to say I must get some fender socks ;)

I just ordered new ones from here 6 x HURRICANE Boat Fenders: Grey PM04 - FREE ROPE + INFLATED | eBay because the Admiral doesn't approve of the scruffy, but perfectly sound ones that came with the new boat. The theory is that the dark colour will protect from UV, but I've no idea if it will
 
Our boat lives in the Crinan Canal so we carry two sets of fenders, one set of fat naked ones for the locks and a set with fender socks if we ever have to raft up but this thread has reminded me that it is donkeys years since we have needed to do that. the stowage problem is managed by hanging them on the pushpit nestling inside the dinghy. The cuddly ones are useful in the locks too, on the off side if it is crowded.
 
A friend swears by Primark larger lady sized leggings cut up and modified as fender socks. Apparently you can get 4 out of one pair. Not sure about durability though ?
 
laika said:
I have a motley collection of scruffy fenders, some of which came with the boat, others of which were found randomly floating and some have obscure valves I don’t have an adaptor for.

After polishing my hull I’m planning on treating myself to a smart new set with socks (12m sailing boat). Any recommendations for suppliers of fenders which won’t go sticky and nasty quickly?

I recognise this may seem a daft question to those that see nothing wrong with cheap scruffy fenders, a position I respect but on this occasion am distancing myself from
Click to expand...


The socks I prefer are fixed with cable ties, the material is on a roll and will do up to six fenders:

Fender Sock Kits > Fender Sock Kits - Fender Socks

The roll material that is just cut to length and self fixing is easier but can slip and look unsightly. Fender socks do fade in a season and can look rough after a couple of seasons so maybe the max life is, 3 or 4 years. But I do like them.

.
 
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