What size fender do I need for my boat?

Choosing the right fender size depends on your boat’s length and weight: As a rule of thumb, select a fender with 1 inch of diameter for every 4-5 feet of boat length. Smaller Boats (under 20 ft): 4-6 inch diameter fenders are suitable. Mid-sized Boats (20-40 ft): Use fenders between 6-10 inches in diameter. Larger Boats (40+ ft): Choose fenders 10 inches or more in diameter for optimal protection.

How many fenders should I use for my boat?

The recommended number of fenders varies by boat size: Minimum Requirement: At least three fenders, one at the bow, one at the stern, and one amidship. Larger Boats: May require additional fenders for full protection, especially when docking in tight spaces. Fender Spacing: Position fenders evenly along the boat’s side to prevent damage.

What’s the difference between cylindrical and specialty fenders?

Different fender types serve various purposes: Cylindrical Fenders: The most common type, providing versatile protection for general docking situations. Specialty Fenders: Designed forspecific docking needs, including narrow slips, catamarans, or delicate hulls. Flat Fenders: Ideal for rafting up or docking against pilings. Corner Fenders: Protect sensitive areas on boats with complex hull designs.

How do I properly position and secure fenders?

Proper positioning ensures effective protection: Positioning: Align fenders at contact points where your boat might rub against docks or other vessels. Height Adjustment: Hang fenders so they align with the dock or the boat you are tying up to. Securing Fenders: Use adjustable fender lines and cleats to keep fenders in place.

What’s the best way to clean and maintain boat fenders?

Regular maintenance extends the life of your boat fenders: Cleaning: Wash with mild soap and water to remove dirt and salt. UV Protection: Apply a UV protectant to prevent cracking and fading. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use solvents or abrasives that can degrade the material. Storage: Store fenders in a cool, dry place when not in use to prevent wear.

What are the benefits of specialty fenders like flat or corner fenders?

Specialty fenders offer enhanced protection in unique docking situations: Flat Fenders: Great for tight docking areas and rafting up with other boats. Corner Fenders: Protect vulnerable points on boats with angled hulls. Inflatable Fenders: Provide lightweight, adjustable protection for temporary docking. Ball Fenders: Ideal for mooring situations where extra cushioning is needed.

Boat Fenders | West Marine

Shop Our Huge Selection Of Fenders.

Boat fenders (which are sometimes referred to as “boat bumpers”) are inflatable vinyl chambers that cushion and protect boat hulls when they come up against pilings, docks and other boats.

Fender Shapes and Types

West Marine offers a wide variety of fenders to protect boats. You have your choice of diameter, length, color and shape. Available shapes include cylindrical, round, rectangular flat and uniquely shaped specialty fenders.

Cylindrical Fenders

Cylindrical fenders can be divided into two types: Two-eye cylindrical and center rope tube fenders.

Two-eye cylindrical fenders have an eye at each end which gives you the option of using a single fender whip to hang the fender vertically or two whips to hang the fender horizontally. Boaters most often hang these fenders vertically. Examples of two-eye cylindrical fenders include Polyform’s F1, F2, F3, F4, F5 and F6 series of fenders and Taylor Made Super Guard ™ Fenders.

Center rope tube fenders can be hung either vertically or horizontally using one line running through the centerline. A figure eight knot at one end of the fender enables vertical hanging. Alternatively, a figure eight knot at each end of the fender keeps these fenders from sliding along the line when hung horizontally. Taylor Made Big Big B™ fenders are an example of center rope tube fenders.

Round Fenders

Popular with commercial fishermen, round fenders provide lots of cushioning at a specific location. Examples of round fenders include Taylor Made Tuff End™ fenders and Polyform’s line of colorful All Purpose Buoys. Either can be used as fenders or buoys.

Rectangular Flat Fenders

Rectangular flat fenders can be used to protect a large area and are a great choice for use when rafting up to another boat. Examples of rectangular flat fenders include West Marine Modular Flat Fenders, which are made of closed cell EVA foam; and Hull Hugr Flat Fenders, which are made of a tri-laminate material with a polycarbonate grommet at each end. Along with being hung as fenders, these can be mounted to docks and posts too.

Specialty Fenders

Specialty fenders include Taylor Made Low Freeboard Bass Boat Fenders, Pontoon Boat Fenders, Transom Fenders, Mermaid Fenders and their Pontoon Boat Corner Bumpers to name a few. Worthy of mention is Plastimo’s 3-Step Ladder Fenders which can function as a fender and as a boarding ladder for your boat.

Fender Accessories

Available accessories include fender pumps, fender storage racks, fender covers and fender whips and hangers.

Boat Fender FAQ

Choosing the right fender size depends on your boat’s length and weight:

As a rule of thumb, select a fender with 1 inch of diameter for every 4-5 feet of boat length.
Smaller Boats (under 20 ft): 4-6 inch diameter fenders are suitable.
Mid-sized Boats (20-40 ft): Use fenders between 6-10 inches in diameter.
Larger Boats (40+ ft): Choose fenders 10 inches or more in diameter for optimal protection.

The recommended number of fenders varies by boat size:

Minimum Requirement: At least three fenders—one at the bow, one at the stern, and one amidship.
Larger Boats: May require additional fenders for full protection, especially when docking in tight spaces.
Fender Spacing: Position fenders evenly along the boat’s side to prevent damage.

Different fender types serve various purposes:

Cylindrical Fenders: The most common type, providing versatile protection for general docking situations.
Specialty Fenders: Designed for specific docking needs, including narrow slips, catamarans, or delicate hulls.
Flat Fenders: Ideal for rafting up or docking against pilings.
Corner Fenders: Protect sensitive areas on boats with complex hull designs.

Proper positioning ensures effective protection:

Positioning: Align fenders at contact points where your boat might rub against docks or other vessels.
Height Adjustment: Hang fenders so they align with the dock or the boat you are tying up to.
Securing Fenders: Use adjustable fender lines and cleats to keep fenders in place.

Regular maintenance extends the life of your boat fenders:

Cleaning: Wash with mild soap and water to remove dirt and salt.
UV Protection: Apply a UV protectant to prevent cracking and fading.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use solvents or abrasives that can degrade the material.
Storage: Store fenders in a cool, dry place when not in use to prevent wear.

Specialty fenders offer enhanced protection in unique docking situations:

Flat Fenders: Great for tight docking areas and rafting up with other boats.
Corner Fenders: Protect vulnerable points on boats with angled hulls.
Inflatable Fenders: Provide lightweight, adjustable protection for temporary docking.
Ball Fenders: Ideal for mooring situations where extra cushioning is needed.

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Boat Fenders