SEACHOICE Inflatable Boat Fender, Various Sizes & Colors

From the Manufacturer: Boat Fender Buying Guide

Proper sizing and selection of boat fenders can significantly reduce the stress of docking and protect your hull from unsightly scrapes and costly repairs. As individual needs and conditions vary greatly, this guide serves as a starting point. We encourage you to consult multiple reliable sources before making a purchasing decision.

Essential Fender Features:

Type: The two main types are inflatable and foam. Inflatables are the most common, suitable for a wide range of boat types and docking conditions, and can be deployed vertically or horizontally. Foam fenders, such as folding varieties, are less bulky but ideal when stowage space is limited. Contour foam fenders work well for bass and jon boats with low freeboards.

Materials: Fenders must be constructed with heavy-duty, marine-grade materials to withstand years of use. Inflatable fenders should have UV-stabilized, rotomolded vinyl or PVC construction with reinforced eyes or center holes. Ribbed sides add strength and resistance. Foam fenders should feature tri-laminated vinyl covers, thermal-bonded seams, rust-proof grommets, and reinforced handles.

Accessories: After the fenders themselves, the next most important component is the docking lines. UV-stabilized braided nylon is best to prevent degradation. Stainless-steel holders and locks facilitate rapid fender deployment, and automatic adjusters make height adjustments easy. Keep a sports ball air pump onboard for quick inflation touch-ups.

Choosing Fenders by Boat Length and Weight: The rule of thumb is one fender per 10 feet of boat length, plus a few spares. For boats under 30 feet, use at least three fenders - one fore, one at maximum beam, and one aft. Fender diameter should be about one inch per four to five feet of boat length. Heavier boats may benefit from one size larger fenders or center-hole designs for greater resistance and deceleration.

Choosing Fenders by Dock Conditions: Under normal docking, fenders sized for your boat's length and weight should suffice. However, choppy waters or tidal surge areas may require larger diameter fenders for greater resistance. When in doubt, go up a size.

Special Applications: For rafting up, use fenders sized for the larger boat, with three at maximum beam plus two spherical buoys fore and aft. Low freeboard boats like bass, fishing, and jon boats work well with contour fenders to protect the gunwale and hull. Folding fenders are ideal for deck boats and pontoons, unfolding to protect up to 9 feet of hull.

product information: