boat fenders

[jeffster]

I got a new rig Pro V 1800 and I am heading to Lake Vermilion the 2nd Week of Sept. and I need boat fenders for it. I looked in the Cabela's catalog and don't know which one to buy. What are you using and what works the best.

thanks in advance

[Wile E.]

Jeff, Try Northern Hydrolics, but it has changed its name now, its Northern something. I'm sure that someone else knows the name. There is one in Rochester Mn. where I've got parts and I did see that they had fenders in there and they do have a catalog for ordering from them. They have lots of trailer parts. They have good stuff that is very reasonable. Hope that I helped some. Wile E.

[REW]

Because of the very large differences in different types of docks, the general rule of thumb for fenders is "big and fat".
They need to be as large as is reasonable to store to accomodate the different heights of docks, etc. They need to be "fat" to accomodate the wave action, the ups and downs of different docking levels as well as different bow and gunnel thicknesses.

One of the nicest fenders are the new models that Cabels have which are l shaped and rather long.

The advantages of these, are that they store in a relativly small space, the l shape protects the gunnel, and the length, protcects the dock height problems that are common with so many dockages.

In addition, I believe that these new style fenders are basically made of a semi compressable foam, as opposed to simply being an air bag of plastic. That is why they are so much thinnner, than the air bag style.

The key thing is that the fenders be long enough and positioned correctly so that any "rubbing" is absorbed 100% on the bumpers. Easy and cheap to replace worn out fenders as opposed to a new paint job, or other hull damage.

Take care

REW

p.s.
One of the things that you need to be particularly careful of - is the use of "tires" for dock bumpers.

Although the tires do a great job of preventing significant dents on your boat due to wave action, they can make a significant mess of your boat due to the rubbing action of the tires, as well as the deposition of black marks on the boat finish.

If you get into this situation, it is a good idea to actually hang the bumpers on the tires - to provide a bumper from the tires to the boat.

[cisco]

Take note of the caution about auto tires . Never leave your boat tied on to a dock with tires between boat and dock. You'll mess up the paint (or gel coat) something fierce.

As boaters we should all start a campaign to get rid of all tires used as bumpers on docks. They suck.

[jeffster]

thanks for the info

jeffster

[johnr]

I had a set of Cabela's boat finders and the suction cups kept coming loose. They kept the dock from chewing on the boat. They come with some mylar stickers, but they didn't seem to help. I took them back. Hope that helps.

[Islander]

If you live close to a Mills Fleet Farm they have them, Bought
mine through Bass Pro as Fleet Farm did'nt have a very good selection. Mine were made by Taylor Made.

[JAG]

I think I bought a couple from Gander Mountian last year. Long and fat, just the way I like my fish.