SEACHOICE Inflatable Boat Fender, Various Sizes & Colors

From the manufacturer Introduction

Boat fenders, when properly sized for your vessel's length, weight, and docking conditions, will help take the stress out of docking and defend your hull against unsightly scrapes and expensive repairs. Because individual needs and conditions vary greatly, this buying guide should serve only as a starting point. We encourage you to consult with multiple reliable sources of fender and docking information before making a buying decision.

Essential Features

Type: There are two types of boat fenders: inflatable and foam. The most common, by far, is inflatables. They are ideal for almost every type and size of boat and docking condition, and can be deployed both vertically and horizontally. The foam variety, such as folding fenders, are less bulky than inflatables and will come in handy when stowage is limited. Contour foam fenders will be a good fit for bass and jon boats with low freeboards.

Materials: Fenders are expected to take years of heavy use like a champ, so they must be built with heavy-duty marine-grade materials. For inflatable fenders, look for UV-stabilized, rotomolded vinyl or PVC construction with reinforced eyes or center holes. Ribbed sides add strength and resistance. Foam fenders should have tri-laminated vinyl covers, thermal-bonded seams, rust-proof grommets, and reinforced handles (if applicable).

Accessories: Second only to fenders, line is the most important component in your boat's protective equipment. UV-stabilized braided nylon line is best, as it won't degrade during prolonged exposure to the sun. In addition, stainless-steel holders and locks will facilitate the rapid deployment of your fenders, while an automatic adjuster makes adjusting the height of your fenders a breeze. Finally, keep a sports ball air pump onboard. It'll come in handy in case a quick top-off of air is needed.

Choosing a Boat Fender: Boat Length and Weight When determining how many fenders to buy for your boat, the rule of thumb is one for every 10 feet of boat length, plus a few spares in case any are lost or damaged. For boats under 30 feet, deploy no less than three fenders – one fore, one at max. beam, and one aft. For the correct fender size, calculate one inch of diameter for every four-five feet of boat length. So, a 30-foot boat will need fenders of about six inches in diameter. If your boat is unusually heavy for its length, then it's a good idea to go up one fender size or invest in a set of center-hole fenders. For a few dollars more, these will afford greater resistance and deceleration power between your pride-and-joy and the dock.

Choosing a Boat Fender: Dock Conditions Under normal docking conditions, a set of inflatable fenders sized for your boat's length and weight will suffice. However, docking in choppy waters or in tidal surge areas may require a larger fender diameter that offers greater resistance. Use common sense, and when in doubt, always go a size up.

Choosing a Boat Fender: Special Applications Rafting up with another boat can be safe and fun when done right. Use fenders sized for the larger of the two boats, with three fenders deployed in close proximity at maximum beam plus two spherical buoys – one fore and one aft. The buoys will provide maximum protection should a strong current or wake cause the bow or stern of one of the boats to swing toward the other. Bass, fishing, and jon boats with low freeboards will benefit from a set of compact contour fenders, as they are designed to protect the gunwale as well as the hull. Finally, folding fenders, which feature several closed-cell foam blocks, are ideal for deck boats and pontoons. They unfold to protect up to nine feet of hull and can be carried and stowed with relative ease.

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