Fenders and how to use them

[Bigperm]

So brand new boat 195sx
I had a 2000 SL2000 loved the boat but beat it up a little at docks I used fenders but never was really happy with any of my set ups .... no middle cleat
Any suggestions I really need to keep this one dock rash free as long as I can thanks

 

[Andy S]

I use davis fender tender II and clip on the top rail of the side window for a middle fender. You can gets these in almost all boat shops or online for about $10 for the pack of 2.

 

[mark_m]

get some babz BABz Fenders

 

[2kwik4u]

I hang one of the stern cleat. One off the tower at midship, then one off the front cleat. The front cleat bumper rarely gets touched, but it's there in case. The tower one takes most of the "beating", and the one at the stern is usually "in the water".

I use the tall cylinder style from WalMart. I think they are like 8in diameter or so.

Biggest benefit I learned is to not make your dock lines so tight. You need the boat to "not escape", you don't need to be tight to the dock. You can "reel it in" when you're boarding or loading, and have someone stand there and hold it. No need to have it tied as tight as possible to the dock, just adds opportunity for damage.

 

[BakedZiti]

I also use "fender tenders" and I use bungee dock lines which helps with keeping the boat from smashing the dock.

 

[Scott Huse]

These work great at allowing you to place the fenders exactly where you want it. The downfall is you have drill a hole in your boat, but they are convenient. I have 3 available at TACO Quick Release Fender Lock [F16-0151-1] – Transom Time and more on order but unsure when they will be in.

 

[kgower]

get some babz BABz Fenders

Will it work on the stern cleats better the standard fender?

 

[mark_m]

Will it work on the aft cleats better the standard fender?

I like to use them amidships and aft, especially when tying up to pontoon boats.

 

[Sotally Tober]

Only fenders I use are: SENTRY :: Boat Fenders

I keep four onboard and wont go back to the traditional style.

 

[AZMark]

Only fenders I use are: SENTRY :: Boat Fenders

I keep four onboard and wont go back to the traditional style.

Do the Sentrys work on the stern cleat or do you have to put it on the tower or something?

 

[Sotally Tober]

Do the Sentrys work on the stern cleat or do you have to put it on the tower or something?

Honestly, I don't remember. I think I have routed through the grab handle on the stern. They are super versatile since the rubber line attached to them is extra long. It allows you to hang them from almost anywhere.

Edit: Actually............ I do remember. Yes, I have used on the stern cleat.

 

[IvanRZB]

Do the Sentrys work on the stern cleat or do you have to put it on the tower or something?

I have a Sentry, didn't work for me at all at the stern--it's too close to the waterline so it floats up and works itself loose. The Mission ICON does work quite well at the stern, so that's my current setup and I've been pretty happy with it. The Sentry works well at the middle cleat, and I have a cheapo bumper at the front.

 

[kgower]

Only fenders I use are: SENTRY :: Boat Fenders

I keep four onboard and wont go back to the traditional style.

I think @HangOutdoors uses those as well.

 

[RobbieO]

So brand new boat 195sx
I had a 2000 SL2000 loved the boat but beat it up a little at docks I used fenders but never was really happy with any of my set ups .... no middle cleat
Any suggestions I really need to keep this one dock rash free as long as I can thanks

I use these clips. Fast and secure. I have the round fenders that came with the boat, but they are useless on the rear cleat. I bought a fender with a hole through it and will try to use that horizontally. We’ll see how that works. The clips are awesome, and adjust easily

Danik Hook Universal Mini Hook, 2-Pack

Danik Hook System makes it easy to adjust your line length. Simply attach one end of your line to your anchor point and slide the other end through the line passage in the Danik Hook.

www.campingworld.com

 

[Crob83]

I like to use them amidships and aft, especially when tying up to pontoon boats.

Yep I use Babz also and love them will keep any vessel or dock far away from your beloved boat

 

[fvcoachv]

Here is what I am using these days. 2 sentry bumpers which seem to do ok with low docks. With higher docks I also use 2 black traditional bumpers with danik hooks on suction cups. Adjusts quickly and easy to move around where needed. I also use bungee lines that give the boat a little bit of flex with all the rocking.

 

[kgower]

Favorite Bungee line?

 

[fvcoachv]

Favorite Bungee line?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071KGTJ4K?pf_rd_r=FRGSYYWEEF5R3JTCBGJ0&pf_rd_p=5ae2c7f8-e0c6-4f35-9071-dc3240e894a8&pd_rd_r=3113fdb2-e943-46ed-b1df-638fd7d74715&pd_rd_w=mpvlU&pd_rd_wg=717so&ref_=pd_gw_unk

 

[Julian]

I agree with @2kwik4u you don't want your boat forced onto the dock, that just invites rubbing and abrasion. You want it evenly tied and floating off the dock. For this reason I'm not a fan of bungee dock lines used at the dock. I'm fine with them when tying up to other boats.

I'm a fan of your typical cyindrical shaped fat fender. They roll with motion, drop down and gravity positioned. When you bungee a boat to the dock, the fender is pressed in between the boat and the dock. Any rocking can cause a fender to ride up, then when there is gap, it just drops back into place, but with a bungee, it can't do that (not sure I'm describing that well).

I use a danik hook and a fender from my tower for an additional mid point fender.

 

[tabbibus]

This is how I do it. Just those two. I use the fender tenders. I stopped using the bungee lines because I didn't like not having absolute control over boat position. Now I just tie the docking lines as I want them and boat stays put.