Poll: Which Fender Camp Are You In ?

[roger.waite]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

Much of the disagreement here stems from the difference between folks who stay in one berth and come and go repeatedly, and cruising folks who seldom if ever utilize a berth more than once.

Exactly.

Half of all fixed views stem from fixed and limiting assumptions.

[psneeld]

Originally Posted by callmecrazy

I was taught to NOT put any fenders out while docking, and to pull them in before leaving the slip. The idea being they can get caught up and cause general havoc, and not to mention, you shouldn't really be bumping into things in the first place...It made good sense at the time, and I haven't seen any cause for concern since.

But, as I read the many thousands of posts about docking on this and other forums, it seems like everyone else puts their fenders out BEFORE they come into the slip.

Is this the reason people look frightened when I come into a slip? or is it just my Cpt. Ron-esc approach

Agree....I don't like them out when entering slips or manuevering in fairways as they may hang up at the wrong time.

If going to a long open dock then yes.

You most certainly can use spring lines in and out of slips...do it all the time... and they are especially useful when single handling BECAUSE you may not be able to scramble around to fend off or tie to...you just have to be set up for it.

[Extemporaneous]

Originally Posted by canucksailor

I have a nine foot inflatable fender - yes, I said nine feet - which I use in canals, and on rough docks when in other countries, it's great when rafting. In Cuba, I called it my 'chorizo grande' as it's bright red. Got lots of laughs, but protects the sides. It's called a Hullkushion, made in Canada and quite a bit cheaper than the competition's products. Highly recommend one on board any boat.

Originally Posted by Johnathon123

Where do you store them in the size and quantity required.

I have these Easystow Fenders
4 @ three feet and 2 @ five feet.
Hopefully I get to stow them soon.

Regards,
Extemp.

[rgscpat]

I can see how fenders could hook on pilings in a narrow slip but there should be solutions for that, such as fender boards or using rope and other material to "fair" your slip, assuming the marina isn't anal about you customizing your slip. I generally have fenders out or are coming into a slip that has fenders attached to the slip. Variables include wind strength and direction, waves, amount and competency of crew.

[psneeld]

Originally Posted by rgscpat

I can see how fenders could hook on pilings in a narrow slip but there should be solutions for that, such as fender boards or using rope and other material to "fair" your slip, assuming the marina isn't anal about you customizing your slip. I generally have fenders out or are coming into a slip that has fenders attached to the slip. Variables include wind strength and direction, waves, amount and competency of crew.

Not only narrow slips are problems....sometimes you get forced against pilings/obstructions enroute to your slip. Fairing a slip good enough to avoid snagging fenders? I'd like to see that setup...

[rgscpat]

So another variable... floating piers vs. piers supported by pilings especially pilings outside the pier deck and frame.

[simonmd]

Not going to get into a slagging match, you do what you're comfortable with. I will just ALWAYS er on the side of caution and I can't see how anyone could argue with that. There's a very slim chance you'll ever sink or fall over but I bet you have lifejackets and a life raft, 'just in case'.

That's my point, if in doubt, do it 'just in case'. It's not likely to make any situation worse is it? Anyway, the poll is now over SIX to ONE in favour of doing as I suggested so I think the subject is mute.

[psneeld]

Originally Posted by simonmd

Not going to get into a slagging match, you do what you're comfortable with. I will just ALWAYS er on the side of caution and I can't see how anyone could argue with that. There's a very slim chance you'll ever sink or fall over but I bet you have lifejackets and a life raft, 'just in case'.

That's my point, if in doubt, do it 'just in case'. It's not likely to make any situation worse is it? Anyway, the poll is now over SIX to ONE in favour of doing as I suggested so I think the subject is mute.

Yes that's EXACTLY my point...till you have had a fender snag and swing your bow around into something unexpectedly then you haven't had the pleasure.

I am a towboat captain and am constantly working around boats in marinas. When towing I have to constantly debate whether to use fenders or not. Towing single handed puts me in a situation where if I have to tend my tow at the stern...I can't race to the bow of my boat to keep it off other"yachts" and a mere touch with the black rub rails sends verbal nasty-grams flying my way.

Anyway...the lifejacket comparison is great...there are many times people should be in lifejackets but due to their racing around the boat...the jacket is a danger to them because it keeps snagging on things...so it doesn't get worn...just placed in a handy place so it's at the ready if needed.

And IF you do ANYTHING based on an internet poll....goor luck out there...

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by Extemporaneous

I have these Easystow Fenders
4 @ three feet and 2 @ five feet.
Hopefully I get to stow them soon.

Regards,
Extemp.

Nice looking!

Thanks for that info.

[Curmudgeon]

It's 10K to have your boat awlgripped. The people who recommend no fenders must be in the awlgrip business.

[zeehag]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

It's 10K to have your boat awlgripped. The people who recommend no fenders must be in the awlgrip business.

who paints their hull??? the gods made perfectly good gelcoat to destroy on docking---nor do i dock often. i do not use my fenders until i am docked and tied, as i was taught. then i deploy fenders to protect the wood and rig.


besides, if i were to paint my hull, i would surely NOT pay 10k for the dubious honor of having my gelcoat covered with paint.

[psneeld]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

It's 10K to have your boat awlgripped. The people who recommend no fenders must be in the awlgrip business.

Might be $50K to awlgrip the boat you smashed because your fender hung up on a piling..

Not saying don't use or have fenders at the ready...but they can be an issue in some situations. Some slips...no big dea..l but many of the narrow, piling filled often cross current marinas you find here in New Jersey...fenders can cause more problems than they prevent if you have them out EVERY time you head for a slip.

In most of the situations that I DON'T use them...a boat with a decent rubrail doesn't need them anyway.