Repairing Punctured Fenders

[holmek]

Any magic solutions here? Is there a closed cell flexible foam that can be poured into a fender so that it is no longer pneumatic? ! Any other ideas on flat fender repairs?

[hellosailor]

AFAIK no. Nothing flexible. Flexible foams are usually made either by pouring a "pancake batter" into a mold under high pressure and then releasing the pressure, allowing nitrogen gas to fizzle up (like opening a soda bottle) and creating the "foam", or by using a batter with chemicals in it that will fizz up. The chemicals are cheaper but sometimes degrade the product over time.

There's a reason inflateable fenders are inflated, and not simply foam. Of course tug boats use old car tires as fenders, they're more durable and free for the asking.

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by holmek

Any magic solutions here? Is there a closed cell flexible foam that can be poured into a fender so that it is no longer pneumatic? ! Any other ideas on flat fender repairs?

If the penetration is something simple and small, one might use the same repair plugs on the hole as one uses on a tire. Very small leaks might be repaired using the injectable liquid repair material sometimes used on inflatables, injected through the fill valve. Generally, however, I have not found demaged inflatable fenders repairable. Fortunately, they are relatively inexpensive, at least in the USA, and are commonly available at the consignment or second hand marine shops.

FWIW...

[hellosailor]

IIRC they are just heavy PVC, and a good PVC repair kit should patch them. Kits sold for pools are often good quality and price. Clean, apply solvent, apply generous patch and press flat until cured. (Although I've yet to puncture a fender. Yet.)

[xymotic]

If they are Taylor Made brand they carry a lifetime warranty. WM will replace them.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by xymotic

If they are Taylor Made brand they carry a lifetime warranty. WM will replace them.

This only applies to split seams, not punctures.

[xymotic]

Originally Posted by Bash

This only applies to split seams, not punctures.

Most stores don't care

[Canibul]

I patched a puncture yesterday using marine goop and one of those broad, flat headed stainless screws. I put a flat washer under the screw, with generous Goop in the hole, on the screw, and on both sides of the flat washer. So far, it's holding pressure. What are we talking, a few psi?

[zeehag]

i have traded both polyfoam and taylor fenders in for replacement--is the entire fender-not just seams. it breaks, you get new. wm promised many years ago -- they do deliver, gotta hand it to them. most of them do, anyway-- good luck
didnt even need a receipt.

[Paul Elliott]

It can be more than a few PSI when your boat is trying to mash the fender flat!

I would use PVC patching glue and patches. Those certainly worked on my old PVC dinghy.

[xymotic]

Originally Posted by Paul Elliott

It can be more than a few PSI when your boat is trying to mash the fender flat!

I would use PVC patching glue and patches. Those certainly worked on my old PVC dinghy.

Yeah, and jeeze, the last thing I want is a screw flying out under pressure! That could kill someone (quite easily in fact)