The Universal Problem Of Dirty Fenders

[acelamps]

I do not like to use Fender Socks as I believe they hold the grit and dust, therefore, end up scratching the hull. I have been told that Brillo pads are great for cleaning fenders - anyone tried it ?

 

[Andydent2000]

No but I will this weekend. I was going to bin mine as unsalvageable. Watch this space.

 

[CX54WEK]

EVM and a scrubbing brush brings them up fresh as a daisy again. Our fenders have taken some abuse in the last 600 hours but they still come up almost as good as new.

 

[rafiki_]

I use CIF. Works well.

 

[landlockedpirate]

New pads can scratch the fender surface which allows even more grit and dirt to be held on the fender and scratches the hull even more.

I use a variety of household cleaners but find Fairey Powerclean to work best.

 

[jfm]

I do not like to use Fender Socks as I believe they hold the grit and dust, therefore, end up scratching the hull. I have been told that Brillo pads are great for cleaning fenders - anyone tried it ?

Fender socks, put through the washing machine reasonably often. You will struggle to find ANY professionally crewed decent superyacht that uses standard fenders without socks on them.

 

[penpal]

Fairy Powerclean is the best too date, I have used a wirewool scourer in desperation. i have been tempted buy fender socks.

 

[Ripster]

I use CIF. Works well.

+1 works for me too.

 

[Ripster]

Tried socks but they ripped very easily against the pontoon edges so I gave up. Perhaps the ones I had were poor quality or something. Anyway, as said, I just clean down the raw fenders with some CIF each year, works fine.

 

[CharlieAlpha]

I use EVM and follow it up with magic sponge the then look like new

 

[DAKA]

Another vote for fender socks (unless you use a dirty lock frequently).

Fenders scratch far more with out socks.

I use these, the material is thinner than many and any grit/dry salt is easily washed away with a hose.

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

I do not like to use Fender Socks as I believe they hold the grit and dust, therefore, end up scratching the hull.?

I've used fender socks for 10 yrs in the Med and, unlike jfm, I never wash mine, ever. I just replace them when they fall apart. I've never seen any scratching on my hull that I could put down to fender socks holding grit or dust. IMHO, regular washing of the boat and rainwater flushes off any particles trapped in the fender socks that could damage the boat.
What I have seen is coloured fenders (eg blue) mark hulls but thats an argument for fender socks, not against

 

[strakeryrius]

Fender socks, put through the washing machine reasonably often. You will struggle to find ANY professionally crewed decent superyacht that uses standard fenders without socks on them.

+1. Mine only go through the washing machine once a year when the boat is on the hard, the rest of the time I spray them thoroughly with fresh water when washing down the boat. I've never had a problem with the fenders marking my hull.

 

[Eurybia]

I use EVM and follow it up with magic sponge the then look like new

+1

 

[DPH]

I use CIF. Works well.

+2
After 5 seasons thought I was going to have to buy new or cover with sender focks. Stuck each in the bath for 10 minutes in hot water and scrubbed with cif and a plastic pan srcubber sponge thingy.

Very pleased with results.

 

[enterprise]

Without doubt the best fender cleaner is 'Starbright's Black streak remover', apply using light pressure from a melamine Magic sponge, no scrubbing required, instant results, look new every time.

 

[AndieMac]

Recently I saw a pristine white hulled motor yacht with large bouy/round fenders covered with black neoprene (wet suit material) fender socks.
They looked magnificent, and I guess would be more robust than the traditional sock material, no doubt more expensive as well.

 

[MapisM]

I do not like to use Fender Socks as I believe they hold the grit and dust, therefore, end up scratching the hull.

If that's your concern, use spherical rather than cylinder shaped fenders.
The influence of socks on hull scratching is nowhere near the influence of the fenders shape.
Oh, and fwiw, I also use socks.

 

[AndieMac]

If that's your concern, use spherical rather than cylinder shaped fenders.

They can be difficult to stow if lockers/lazarette/tiller-flat hatches are small.

 

[OAF]

I thought that fender socks were for keeping the fenders warm in the winter! Shows how much I know......................

I started using them the season before last but didn't seem to notice the hull staying any cleaner with them fitted, maybe I need to wash them occasionally!