Fender covers- Yes or No?

[Hello Below]

It appears some of those folks were shopping for fender covers also.

 

[Justin_NSA]

The people of Wal-Mart. It's a thing.

 

[WayneH]

That is why some of us call them "WalMartians". Definitely not living in the same world as us.

Fender boards: Actually I have two sections of 4" PVC pipe for fender boards. One of them is scarred the heck up. Drilled a hole in each end so the fenders could be strung together creating a longer fender.

This was an early docking with the boat. The posts had BOLTS sticking out under the fenders.

 

[DaveJ]

A friend uses Hockey socks, can buy them at a second hand sports store. They fit perfectly over the fenders, and you can either pick your favourite team, or a colour that matches your boat!
Cheers

 

[Rich Stidger]

Thanks for all the comments and info. I have ordered material and will make some covers after I finish all of my canvas repairs.

 

[sail sfbay]

I have heard that using fender covers is bad because they trap dirt and will then abraid the topsides. But rinsing the covers during the season or removing and washing would negate that disadvantage. On the plus side, soft covers should leave the topsides scuff-free if they are clean...........but I would like opinions...........

No dirt trapping and yes they keep your hull and topside scuff-free. I have been using Fender Covers for years with the boat manufacturer/model and boat name on them..........they dress up the boat.

 

[shemandr]

...It'll be hard to get those images out of my eyes...
My wife made fender covers from the Sailrite fender cover material. No problems, durable, good appearance. They kept the fenders from UV damage. When I used them with fender boards to protect the hull from dock poles they did some minor abrasion on the gel coat. You had to get pretty close to the hull to see it. After I noticed that (During layup - you would never see it while the boat was in the water) I stopped using the fender board. The Hunter rail is designed to take that kind of pressure and did so without damage.

 

[wpatch]

you boys ever use fender boards? they are a must at pilings and double so when transiting a lock. they keep your fenders clean

always hang your fenders from the vessel, never from the dock.

So I have fenders on the boat, and fenders on the dock. Why only hang on the vessel?

To be specific they are hung from the side, sidewise to give extra bumper. Also a big one on the front of the dock so I can be a bit more brave docking bow first.

 

[Siamese]

Yup, the fuzzy stuff from Sailrite is great stuff. I sewed mine on my 1972 Kenmore home sewing machine.

I've been using my covers for a half dozen or so Michigan summers, and they look great, with no sign of breaking down. I wouldn't be without 'em.

 

[jaysweet]

.............................. or seen the people at Walmart :

Man: can’t un-see that…