Boot fenders are protective bodies that act like bumpers on the car and prevent damage to ships and boats on the fuselage and outer skin. When maneuvering and mooring they block the direct contact between the boat and the quay wall or another ship. Boat Fender are mostly made of plastic and are available in different colors and shapes. Their filling of air makes the fenders buoyant. But what designs of boat fenders are there and what are the advantages and disadvantages of the individual forms?

The different fender shapes

The standard model under the boat fenders is the long or roller fender. It is easy to handle and therefore very practical. The long, tubular fenders have reinforced attachment options at both ends to attach the fender line to the railing. Boats with a high freeboard should be equipped with long fenders. Especially with swell this fender shape protects the hull area better.

Ball fenders provide a safe distance even when current or strong wind exerts a great pressure on the outer skin of the ship. They are spherical, one or even barrel-shaped and, like Langefender, are filled with compressed air. A high damping effect and a wide cross section offer the hull a great protection against damage. In addition, a ball fender can roll off perfectly under pressure due to its shape. Ball fenders are therefore often used when maneuvering or mooring.

Flat and cushion fenders are very versatile and have the great advantage that they do not slip so easily. They are made of foam and a coating that is often made of nylon. Cushion fenders are mostly used for sluicing, slipping and craning. Due to their construction, they are not very robust. In addition, they are lighter than other fender species, so a strong breeze can blow them away. They offer the boat wall a large-scale protection and can be after catching as well seat cushionsuse.

What should be considered when buying a fender?

Basically, Fender belong to the water sports basic equipment and should be numerous. For reasons of space, however, it is advisable to reduce the number to an upper limit appropriate to the size of the vessel. A boat with a maximum length of 10 meters is sufficiently supplied with two fenders per side, larger boats should carry at least three or four per side with them. It makes sense to always have one or the other replacement fender with you.

Whichever fender style you choose, be sure to always use fenders of the same shape and size. Fenders of different shape and size do not catch loads evenly and therefore lose their effect. A rule of thumb when selecting a fender is: the more swell and swell, the larger the fender should be to ensure reliable protection against damage.

The color of the fender is certainly a matter of taste and has no effect on its functionality. However, if you want to use the Fender as an anchor buoy, you should guess a striking signal color. Those who choose light colored fenders should consider that they are dirtier than dark finishes. Another tip for storage: If you do not find a good way to stow your fender on the boat, you can attach special stainless steel fender baskets to the deck and railing.

Have to Boat Fender getting cleaned?

Depending on the load, the fenders can be seen with which obstacles they were in contact with: rust marks from sheet pile walls, dirt build-up from the neighbors‘ bay or algae make it necessary to clean the fenders. Commercially special Fender cleaning products are available. These should only be used with gloves. Is the pollution the Boat Fender strong, a pre-cleaning with water is recommended. Need beyond this regular cleaning Boat Fender no special care.