Boat Fenders For A Sailing Yacht

[ignatiusmael]

Is there a practical reason why some cruisers choose round over cylindrical (or vice versa) fenders? I have been told the guide for fender size is 2.5cm per 1.5m (1" per 5') of boat length for cylindrical, and 5cm per 1.5m (2" per 5') for round; is this an effective measure? Some sailors also seem to think that suspending fenders from the hand railings/wire between staunchions is poor seamanship...is there a modern reason why this may be true? I currently have round fenders on my 53' sloop, but intend to replace them before I move onboard again in just over a month. The tropical sun over the past five years of their almost permanent deployment, has irrevocably damaged the upper surfaces.Any advice welcomed.

[Miami Vice]

Most round fenders are orange. The advantage they have is when they are not in use you can deflate them so they don't take up much room. You fill them up like you fill up a basketball, so it's quick and easy.
The cylinder type take up more room when you store them, because they don't deflate. On the cylinder type they make "fender covers" made of fabric that slips over the fenders so they are not exposed to the sun, and they last longer. The fender covers come in many different colors, and most people pick a color to match their boat.
When your boat is at a dock or at anchor it's perfectly acceptable to have your fenders out. And you can tie the rope from the fender wherever you like just so long as you get the proper height. When you are under way it's proper etiquette to pull them in.
Miami Vice