Boat fenders for the AR 195

[stevenk2]

What would be the recommended way to go with fenders/bumpers for the AR 195? I keep seeing the Mission Sentry fenders mentioned, but my concern is that they won't be long enough to fully protect the freeboard from hitting the dock. I did see where folks were finding that they were good for protecting the stern by the swim platform, since that part sits relatively low to the water.

If not the Sentry fenders, what are you all using? The traditional round inflatable type, the flat, formed type, or something else? I'd like to get something that first and foremost protects the side of my AR 195, but I'd also like something that is handy to deploy and use. The Sentry fenders seem like they'd meet those qualifications, but given the price, I want to make sure that they'd fit properly before I purchase 2 or 3 of them (nearly $200 bucks). Given my investment in the boat though, that's pretty cheap insurance for protecting the gelcoat.

 

[jEt_jAk]

I just picked up the sentry fenders. They look pretty nice haven't tried yet. Previously was using standard Taylor made fenders which also worked ok.

 

[d_coyne1984]

I've had the best luck with the old fashioned round inflatables, but I never have them against my boat for very long. Only when stopping for grub while on the lake. People look at me funny sometimes, but I always try to attach them to the dock where the dock could contact the boat, that way they cant roll off to the side and leave the boat with some dock rash. I made the mistake of thinking the wood piers would be safe but they scratched the hell out of my stainless rub rails.i have some flat foam fenders I use to tie to the posts.

 

[SCP1]

I just picked up the sentry fenders. They look pretty nice haven't tried yet. Previously was using standard Taylor made fenders which also worked ok.

Keep us posted on these and send us some pictures.

 

[SCP1]

What would be the recommended way to go with fenders/bumpers for the AR 195? I keep seeing the Mission Sentry fenders mentioned, but my concern is that they won't be long enough to fully protect the freeboard from hitting the dock. I did see where folks were finding that they were good for protecting the stern by the swim platform, since that part sits relatively low to the water.

If not the Sentry fenders, what are you all using? The traditional round inflatable type, the flat, formed type, or something else? I'd like to get something that first and foremost protects the side of my AR 195, but I'd also like something that is handy to deploy and use. The Sentry fenders seem like they'd meet those qualifications, but given the price, I want to make sure that they'd fit properly before I purchase 2 or 3 of them (nearly $200 bucks). Given my investment in the boat though, that's pretty cheap insurance for protecting the gelcoat.

If going traditional go 8.5 inch they seem like overkill but they are really not.

 

[stevenk2]

If going traditional go 8.5 inch they seem like overkill but they are really not.

Thanks - I'd rather err on the side of caution to protect my gelcoat. From the Mission website, the Sentry fenders are 22" long, 9" wide and 5.5" thick, so I think they should be large enough to meet that. I did also email Mission's sales/support team to see what they have to say about using them on 19-foot jetboats - I'll update everyone as soon as I hear back from them.

The other thing I'm hoping to get from them is some kind of discount code or something to help knock the price down a bit. Is anyone here aware of any discounts they may currently be offering (March 2019)? I did see someone else post info about a Black Friday sale during the holidays last year, but nothing current.

 

[Blue Hawaiian]

Thanks - I'd rather err on the side of caution to protect my gelcoat. From the Mission website, the Sentry fenders are 22" long, 9" wide and 5.5" thick, so I think they should be large enough to meet that. I did also email Mission's sales/support team to see what they have to say about using them on 19-foot jetboats - I'll update everyone as soon as I hear back from them.

The other thing I'm hoping to get from them is some kind of discount code or something to help knock the price down a bit. Is anyone here aware of any discounts they may currently be offering (March 2019)? I did see someone else post info about a Black Friday sale during the holidays last year, but nothing current.

that will be a great if any update, get a

Thanks - I'd rather err on the side of caution to protect my gelcoat. From the Mission website, the Sentry fenders are 22" long, 9" wide and 5.5" thick, so I think they should be large enough to meet that. I did also email Mission's sales/support team to see what they have to say about using them on 19-foot jetboats - I'll update everyone as soon as I hear back from them.

The other thing I'm hoping to get from them is some kind of discount code or something to help knock the price down a bit. Is anyone here aware of any discounts they may currently be offering (March 2019)? I did see someone else post info about a Black Friday sale during the holidays last year, but nothing current.

that will be great, small investment better than damaged to repair as boating season is short !

 

[2kwik4u]

I use the 'el cheapo black inflatable rubber ones on my AR190. They work just fine either rafted up with other boats, or tied off to a dock.

 

[Dough]

5.5 inches thick for 64 bucks! I'll stick with the Taylormade $14 ones. And keep 8 inches between boat and dock.

 

[Dean P]

I've been thinking a lot about the size of these fenders. My issue is most dock/slips have pilings on the outside. These pilings have growth and incrustations on the outside. Wouldn't it make sense to get a fender that is larger in dia than the piling? Yes, that means 13" dia. I've searched and they're like $66 each. IDK, Just thinking out loud...

 

[icemanj16]

I just bought the Yamaha branded 20" white inflatables paired with the airhead suction cups for the window mount. I think this combo should work well as i only dock for food typically... I went back and forth but found anything with a Yamaha logo to be cooler

 

[tabbibus]

5.5 inches thick for 64 bucks! I'll stick with the Taylormade $14 ones. And keep 8 inches between boat and dock.

Maybe I'm looking at the wrong ones, but the taylor made that I found are expensive!

https://www.amazon.com/Taylor-Made-...2069783&s=gateway&sr=8-4&tag=googhydr-20&th=1

 

[Dean P]

These were the ones I was thinking about but it takes up a lot of room. Check out their site, you may find better pricing.

LD Series Buoy - Polyform US | Fisheries Supply

 

[2kwik4u]

Some buddies of mine use these......$10/each, they're larger than most other "marine specific", and they are easily deflated to store. Work great bungee'd to the tower/cleat/etc.

The jokes of having to "blow the balls" before docking/rafting are endless though, be prepared.

 

[Dough]

Wal-Mart around me has Taylormade fenders in the spring. 10-20 bucks
Edit: I mean the solid white ones

 

[Jilly Ruby Jane]

I saw my dad used ShoreLine marine ribbed inflatable fender, it fenders pretty well. UV resistant so no damage when exposed to the sun and color not bleeding, the color of old fender used to be bleeded, so he replaced it with this product.

 

[SCP1]

Security Check

These are awesome, easily inflate/deflate to save space.

 

[zipper]

Maybe I'm looking at the wrong ones, but the taylor made that I found are expensive!

https://www.amazon.com/Taylor-Made-Products-Inflatable-Fender/dp/B000MJJLE0/ref=sr_1_4?hvadid=153699911260&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=1015249&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=12662118291490085067&hvtargid=aud-648454669636:kwd-3547815705&keywords=taylormade+fenders&qid=1552069783&s=gateway&sr=8-4&tag=googhydr-20&th=1

Jelcoat repair and time lost during repair will be more expensive. You get what you pay for. There are different grades of TaylorMade fenders. Boat guard, super guard, storm guard, big b etc. Choose what you are comfortable with for leaving your boat docked for more than just a lunch stop. If you look around you will find package deals on fenders. West Marine usually has some, but they are usually more expensive anyway.

I've been thinking a lot about the size of these fenders. My issue is most dock/slips have pilings on the outside. These pilings have growth and incrustations on the outside. Wouldn't it make sense to get a fender that is larger in dia than the piling? Yes, that means 13" dia. I've searched and they're like $66 each. IDK, Just thinking out loud...

How about tying an 8 x 26 or a 10 x 30 in a horizontal position when pilings are involved. If using in conjunction with spring lines you will stay in position. I have seen these which is similar to tying horizontal... Taylor Made® - 15"L X 15"W X 6.5"H Fender Cushion
Or try this one, I don't know how much protection it will provide, but it will certainly start a conversation.

Security Check

Funny link name.

 

[Dean P]

@zipper Definitely an interesting idea. Place 1 on each pole, add a couple spring lines and walk away. I like it.