H260 long foam noodle bumper/fender, fm front to back, anyone else tried

[Davenport]

For marinas with sharp low docks (like Galveston) I am trying foam noodles on long long rope, from front tow hook 2 ft from water to rear corners. SEE PICS. I tried a few rope paths (see pics) including real low, to see what is possible given hull curves and where rope would stay, and went with medium height. A 2nd even higher could be added. Bigger noodles would be better. Can pull this up when sailing. I wish someone sold cushiony rope. I used 6 46 inch noodles, rope is over 20 ft. Overall it seems to work and is better since it sorta replaces 5 vertical bumpers with a single classy 1. D

 

[jssailem]

Interesting idea. Please share what it is you are protecting against.

Most hulls are widest at their deck level. If you have boats entering the slip next to you then it would likely be more protective of your topside to hang several fenders (4-5) long vertical with larger diameter to the bow and stern and 2-3, equally spaced near to the middle of your boats widest point, that are slightly smaller diameter. That way you protect the whole side of your boat with a cushion of 5-7 inches. Also hanging them within 5 inches of the water provides coverage even for the low slung speed boats.

Pool noodles really do not handle UV exposure well.

 

[Joe]

Perhaps one or two pictures of the problem side, showing the noodle actually protecting the boat from the dock would help me understand your plan of action. At this point I'm not clear about it.

 

[rgranger]

Yeah! Great idea. Sort of modern take on fender boards.

I'm imagining the noodle won't hold up very long in a storm with constant chafe. Maybe you could get some old fire hose material and stitch it to the outside of the noodle.

There is a similar comercial product but it is $pendy

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

can’t imagine how much protection a foam noodle would offer but to the point, wouldn’t it be a lot easier and safer to not hit the dock in the first place when entering/leaving? Or properly adjusting dock lines to keep off the dock?