Water Ski - July 01, 2018

46 | BOATINGMAG.COM | JULY/AUGUST 2018

BOAT DOCTOR ///WHAT TO LOOK FOR

BALL FENDERS Ball
fenders are ideal for larger
boats because, when prop-
erly infl ated, they are harder
to crush on impact. They are
also better for boats with a lot
of bow fl are because they are
wide enough to keep the low-
er hull sides from hitting the
dock. The caveat? If left in-
fl ated, they take up more space,
which makes them better for
boats with large stowage ca-
pacities. What size should you
get? For round fenders, West
Marine recommends 2 inches
of diameter for every 4 to 5 feet
of boat length. So, a boat in the
30- to 35-foot range should use
21-inch-diameter ball fenders;
a boat with a length overall of

the waterline. Because they are

slender and don’t require ad-

ditional lines, the Sentry fend-

ers are easier to stow aboard

smaller boats.

CYLINDER FENDERS

Traditional cylinder fenders

are the most popular style

available for boats of all shapes

and sizes. What size should you

get? West Marine recommends

fenders with 1 inch of diameter

per 4 to 5 feet of boat length. So,

a 20- to 25-foot boat should use

50 feet or longer should use the

larger 27-inch size.

MISSION SENTRY FEND-

ERS These new-style fenders

were designed specifi cally for

tow-sports boats, but they can

work for any small-boat appli-

cation. These fenders are made

from closed-cell foam, con-

toured to o er protection both

above and below the rub rail.

They feature a built-in adjust-

able strap that locks in place

when set to the right length for

hanging o boat cleats or the

dock. The contoured shape lets

them provide protection above

and on the rub rail. Below the

rail, they angle inward to pro-

vide fender protection down to

at least 6-inch fenders; a 25- to

35-foot boat should use 8-inch

fenders. Of course, the bigger

the diameter, the more protec-

tion there will be between the

hull and the dock, so get the

biggest fenders you can stow.

Cylinder fenders can be hung

two ways. Horizontal hanging

is best when pulling up side-to

at a dock or pier. Horizontal

hangings work best for sections

of the boat that will potentially

rub up against exposed pilings.

BOAT

FENDERS

PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) COURTESY TAYLOR MADE, COURTESY MISSION, COURTESY WEST MARINE, COURTESY TAYLOR MADE

While you shouldn’t be that guy cruising down the lake or

Intracoastal Waterway with your fenders fl apping for all to see,

you should invest in the fenders that are best suited to protect

your boat. Here’s what to look for in three di erent kinds of

fenders and whether they are right for you. —Pete McDonald

QUICK TIPS

Cylinder fenders with a hole in the center will roll around a line inserted

through them as the water level changes like a wheel on an axle, making

them excellent for horizontal use in tidal water.

Make sure any deck hardware used to secure a fender is through-bolted into

a backing plate to help distribute any pulling load.

MANY COMPANIES, such as Taylor Made, make fender hangers for boats that lack midship cleats.

These are especially useful for pontoon boats. Check out Taylor Made’s Pontoon Rail Fender Adjusters.

$24.99; westmarine.com

CYLINDERS

The most used

fender, good for

both vertical and

horizontal hanging

SENTRY

A new fender

that’s great

for tow-sports

boats, no need

for lines

BALL STYLE

Great for large

boats with lots

of bow fl are and

stowage capacity