Choosing and maintaining inflatable boat fenders
by Boating and RV 21 Sep 2019 17:16 NZST
Luxury yacht fenders © Jason Vosper - stock.adobe.com
Choosing the right fenders for your boat can be tricky and there are a few things you need to consider. The length of your boat, the weight, and the mooring conditions. The most popular fender for recreational boats is a standard double eye cylinder. These fenders can be mounted vertically or horizontally.
When using cylindrical fenders, a common recommendation from fender manufacturers is to have 25mm diameter for every 3 to 4 feet of boat length. So for a 6 metre boat, an ideal size would be a 160mm fender. There should also be a fender every 10 feet across the water line with at least 3 on each side. While this is just a rough guide, if your boat is heavy for its size or mooring conditions are harsh, use more fenders as required.
It's always best when storing your fenders to keep them in a dry place such as in a fender basket, locker, or under a boat seat. If your fenders become dirty, grimey, or marked with oxidation stains, then clean them with an inflatable boat/fender cleaner. Fenders, if well looked after, can last for many years.
Shop fenders and accessories here.