Pontoon fenders & covers

[paultallett]

I think you may be an exception to the rule! A lot of fender socks round the marina appear to date back to Nelson and not have been washed since then.

Blimey you must see some sights around your way?? As I said in my earlier post, I'm with wakeup on this. I guess it's like everything, if you look after them, they will do a sterling job. Neglect and it'll cost you in the long run.]

At least we appear to universally dislike dock fenders (apart from the corner bumper ones)

 

[mparrish]

Only good reason for dock fender is to stop your nice 'washed' fender socks getting worn through by the edge of the pontoon ! Works a treat at holding the boat off the pontoon and protecting both boat and fender socks !

Otherwise agree entirely.

 

[maby]

Only good reason for dock fender is to stop your nice 'washed' fender socks getting worn through by the edge of the pontoon ! Works a treat at holding the boat off the pontoon and protecting both boat and fender socks !

Otherwise agree entirely.

Not sure I agree with that. The good thing about pontoon fenders is that they are fixed and will not ride up if the boat slides against them. If you are being blown onto the pontoon as you approach and only have fenders attached to the boat, they can ride up as you slip in and leave the hull vulnerable to the pontoon edge.

I do agree that it's not a good idea to rely on the pontoon fenders while you are moored. We have had them fitted in our previous berth to protect as we enter, but then drop fatter tubular fenders in once moored to protect the hull long term.

 

[mparrish]

Having read my earlier post I was not particularly clear - what I meant to say was that we have fixed dock fenders AND normal tubular fenders with socks. We position 2 of the tube fenders with socks onto the dock fenders when we are moored up - this then stops the pontoon edges from cutting holes in the fender socks !
I fully agree - just having dock fenders grinds your gel coat down !