Fender covers- Yes or No?

[Rich Stidger]

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.

I am considering making covers using a soft boat blanket material from Sailrite, but I would like opinions from you smart people.

 

[jssailem]

If it makes you and your boat happy.. Go for it.

Will there be a little more maintenance. Well yes. Everything you use to blling out your boat will be a compromise. A small price to pay for happiness.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Never noticed any effects on our painted topsides always using fleece covers. Even a dirty cover has less friction and therefore will abrade less than plastic.

 

[Justin_NSA]

Someone liked mine more than me. They were taken.

 

[dlochner]

We use Ares Aere inflatable fenders made of Hypalon and use fender covers to protect the fenders. They do get dirty, but they have not done much if anything to the hull while protecting the fender.

We chose to use the covers because we would be transiting 65 locks and lock walls are seldom nice and smooth and never clean.

 

[jssailem]

Someone liked mine more than me. They were taken.

Don't you just hate it when someone shows "they love you" by taking your stuff to have something of you to admire.
It would be so much better if they just left a "Friendship Bracelet".
Then you could walk around wearing the item and they would know that you care...

 

[dmax]

Read a tip somewhere along the way that you can make fender covers from sweat pant legs - buy some cheap sweat pants and you can probably get 4 covers out of them. I haven't tried it yet but I will at some point.

 

[Rich Stidger]

Read a tip somewhere along the way that you can make fender covers from sweat pant legs - buy some cheap sweat pants and you can probably get 4 covers out of them. I haven't tried it yet but I will at some point.

I read the same article. But my three fenders are 10x27, so I would need to find some really large sweat pants for a three-legged person. And with my luck the diameter would be wrong or tapered too much. I have ordered some Boat Blanket material from Sailrite that is manufactured to withstand salt water and UV. A bit pricey, but I already have a sewing machine, thread, and needles so it will be an easy afternoon project.

 

[WayneH]

Fender covers help keep your boat clean. Or at least my boat. Something happened to my beach ball fender and it was leaving "gunk" on the boat. The Admiral used Boat Blanket to cover the ball with and no more black gooey stuff on the boat. YAY!

 

[jon hansen]

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.

 

[jaysweet]

About a month ago, I bought 2 large, cheap beach towels. Planning to use them to make 4 fender covers. I figure it's soft, washable, and about the cheapest way to buy fabric to cover the things. As a sewing project, I don't think it gets easier than this. One seam to make a tube, and a folded-over seam at each end of the tube to hold a draw-string. It's a winter project, though, so I haven't done anything other than buy the towels.

 

[JoeWhite]

I added covers as UV had broken down the rubber and it was leaving gumlike residue on the topside. I made my own. I saw others who had their vessel name embroidered on the cover. That hopefully will stop others from liking them too much.

 

[Tally Ho]

I have 2 large fenders with terry cloth covers. One is mounted on the dock to keep my boat from rubbing, and if anything, it seems to polish that area of the hull…wish I could get that shine on the rest of the hull
And mine sit out 6 months of the year and never get washed (exceptbwhen it rains).


Greg

 

[capta]

I always thought fender covers were to keep the fenders clean. When they get that black gunk on them, they are a bear to clean. As cruisers, we rarely used fenders, so they were secured around the base of the mast for storage. If they got dirty and sticky, that stuff would hunt us down and attach itself to us, wherever we were.

 

[Terry Cox]

Do not have fender covers, do not need fender covers. Our white fenders leave no marks on the hull and being Taylor Made, guaranteed for life. No wet blanket here, just another opinion.

 

[Justin_NSA]

We (had) fender covers because they are quiet. When we stay aboard in the slip we keep the boat close to the finger so it's easier to get on and off. The naked fenders make a lot of squeaking sounds when they rub. With covers the are quiet.

 

[Dalliance]

I have fleece covers on my three horizontal dock mounted fenders and have never noticed any abrasion to the hull gelcoat. I do hose them off and rotate them two or three times per season. They are for both abrasion and noise reduction.

 

[RoyS]

Fender covers help keep your boat clean. Or at least my boat. Something happened to my beach ball fender and it was leaving "gunk" on the boat. The Admiral used Boat Blanket to cover the ball with and no more black gooey stuff on the boat. YAY!

Those round ball type fenders seem prone to that.

 

[brazenarticle]

so I would need to find some really large sweat pants for a three-legged person. And with my luck the diameter would be wrong or tapered too much.

Have you shopped at Walmart?

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Have you shopped at Walmart?

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