Pontoon Fenders

[mobeydick]

Is there any reason NOT to use something like Plastimo "bumper dock fenders" on your permanent pontoon mooring, instead of having to get normal fenders out each time? These are the chunky ones that you screw to the pontoon. I can't think of why not, but not many people seem to.

 

[Skysail]

Probably the reason is expense, at about &70.00 per fender in addition to the normal fenders which you need anyway.

I think they are a good idea, we normally sail 2 handed, and a fender on the corner of the pontoon and at the bow has been known to be very useful.

 

[Jonny_H]

Surely you would still have your own fenders out. What if you come into your marina and someone is in your berth? Or the wind catches you unexpectedly and you start to drift towards another boat? Or your engine stops (for any of a number of reasons) and you have to stop in the first berth you come to? etc, etc, etc, etc .......

Jonny

 

[Cloven]

Fully agree with Jonny H. They should only be used as additional back-up to main fenders.

 

[jparham]

If you think about it, fixing them to the pontoon means they are static, therefore as the hull moves up and down with the waves/swell, they are chafing the hull, whereas if they are boat mounted, it's the fender that moves up and down. Not a huge problem on white GRP I guess, but coloured, I bet you start seeing scuff marks pretty quick!

 

[pheran]

That was very much my experience. OK on sharp corners but not on the berth you are going to lay alongside

 

[mobeydick]

Price? - Na, only £30-40, and you would only need 3. Not so much in the scheme of things

Movement? Na, pontoon is moving up and down as well. Anyway, if there is pressure on the fender, it grips the rough pontoon edge and slides up and down the smooth gelcoat anyway.

Accidental collision? Maybe. I am on a hammerhead, so not a a big issue. But fender distribution for collision protection would be different than for coming along side. ie if you did not have to have them for the pontoon, you could spread 'em around a bit more.

 

[damo]

Is it your pontoon, or does it belong to a eg a marina? They may have something to say about permanently fixed fendering.

The pontoon will never move at the same rate as your boat if it is windy, so it fixed fendering will chafe the hull.

A boat visiting while you are away could cause a lot of damage eg a hard chined steel hull with a clumsy skipper.

Corner ones are good though /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif