Protecting painted topsides

[kingfisher]

I have nearly finished with the major overhaul of the Obi-Wan, which includes a nearly perfect two-component topside paint (pics later when the waterlines have been done).

My homeport, Terneuzen, is quite lively as some residual wash from passing container ships enters the harbour. Nothing dramatic, but enough to move the boat about a bit. Given the fact that the boat is moored nose-to the main pontoon, with a finger pontoon on the starboard side, how do I best preserve my 5 coats of paint?

Naked fenders?
Fender sock?
A plastic sheet between hull and fenders?
An idea: roller bearing fenders: a hard plastic inner tube as an axle, with an inflatable outer tube that can rotate round the inner tube?
Foam pad?
Solid fender attached to the pontoon?

 

[Lakesailor]

There you go Docking Whips

 

[kingfisher]

Re: docking whips

I don't know whether docking whips will withstand the conditions of the Westerscheld. They look more suited for inland/sheltered waters?

 

[Lakesailor]

Re: docking whips

Get creative with alloy scaffold pipe.

 

[johnalison]

If I were in this positon I'd go for a fender-sheet between hull & fenders. It would also be necessary to wipe it free of any abrasive material each time of use, including salt.

 

[Stemar]

Having spent a chunk of the winter rubbing down and repainting Jissel's topsides, for the sake of your sanity, I'd strongly recommend getting the first scratch on as soon as you can. I have ( /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif ) - a gust meant the bow wouldn't come round) and I'm far less nervous approaching pontoons and such like now. It was almost worth it.





almost