Sticky Fenders

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

Two of my fenders are exhibiting signs of breakdown of their surfaces, revealing a sticky substrate.
I suspect that this may have been as a result to the extended periods of sunshine and high temperatures we have experience this summer. I am concerned that they will smear my newly painted topsides but am reluctant to dispose of them. One is a white, standard fender with blue ends, the second is a black Scanform and the third is a pink ball-type, of Polyform brand.
Has anyone come across this problem and found a cure?

 

[pvb]

I don't think there's a cure, or at least nothing I've tried has worked. You could put a fender sock on, but they have their own disadvantages.

 

[tross]

Try removing the surface sticky with some Acetone or try pvb's solution

 

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

Try removing the surface sticky with some Acetone or try pvb's solution

I was thinking fender socks were the way to go, but will first try the acetone.

 

[duncan99210]

Acetone used with a scotch pad or stainless steel scourer will shift the stickiness but only for a time. It’s down to UV damage to the plastic. Change the fenders. Before you use them, make some fender socks out of cheap fleece in a colour of your choice: simple job with a sewing machine, takes me about twenty minutes a fender at a cost of about £10 for 8. The socks will last two years: turn them inside out for year two as the colour will fade dramatically. Wash them if they get covered in grime or grit from a harbour wall, just use a bucket of water.

 

[davidmh]

Duncan, where did you source the fleece and what weight/spec did you use. Is it about the weight of a light fleece jersey or more like a fleece jacket.

David MH

 

[Pinnacle]

I'm afraid its time to buy some new fenders.

You do know what B.O.A.T. stands for...…..well this will be a blessed relief! :encouragement:

 

[sailaboutvic]

This is a problem we get in the Med and not only fenders, dinghy too , they need to be covered , as said use acetone Try a little silicon Grease after you cleaned them and socks .

 

[duncan99210]

Duncan, where did you source the fleece and what weight/spec did you use. Is it about the weight of a light fleece jersey or more like a fleece jacket.

David MH

Bought off eBay, something like this https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/292757186648.

 

[superheat6k]

I have a similar stickiness on my shore power cable. I will try the acetone trick on that, thanks.

 

[Spirit (of Glenans)]

I have a similar stickiness on my shore power cable. I will try the acetone trick on that, thanks.

Just rewire/replace it. My boat came with an extension lead with a marina plug on one end. I've used it previously while working on the boat but the last time I used it it blew the main fuse in the boatyard. On examination it appeared that the insulation and cover had turned to something resembling putty.

 

[thinwater]

Just rewire/replace it. My boat came with an extension lead with a marina plug on one end. I've used it previously while working on the boat but the last time I used it it blew the main fuse in the boatyard. On examination it appeared that the insulation and cover had turned to something resembling putty.

And the female end is probably starting to carbon, which can be VERY dangerous.