Which fender should I choose for my boat?
→ Boat fender: how to choose the right size?
Knowing which size fender to choose isn't always easy. As is often the case, the choice of fender should be based on your boat's size and sailing schedule. A fender should occupy 75% of your boat' s freeboard.
Essential protective equipment, fenders and bumpers fall into the category of . They are used to prevent impacts against the hull when maneuvering in harbor, docking, mooring or stopping at the quay or against a pontoon.
Fenders are essential products for yachtsmen, protecting boats both in port and at anchor, by acting as a shock absorber between the boat and an external element.
With its shape, the is easily identifiable. It is part of the basic equipment of every pleasure boat. And when it's not installed on either side of the boat, it's usually found in the aft lockers. Cylindrical or spherical in shape, and usually white for color, the fender does the same job as your car's bumpers in the event of contact with another vehicle, hence its essential nature.
→ Boat fenders, origin and use
Originally made of woven hemp, the fender is now rigid and made of rubber, filled with Eva foam, or designed in white or black PVC material. They come in many different shapes: flat, elongated or round, cylindrical or spherical, and are generally navy blue, red, black or white.
Fenders and bumpers are part of every boat's standard equipment, and all sailors must equip themselves with them at all costs, or risk being unable to park safely alongside the quayside. The is, for its part, used in harbors as a dock fender, whether fixed, screwed or suspended, and you'll need to protect your boat with a suitable fender.
To prepare for your arrival in port and with complete peace of mind, don't forget to contact the harbour office. The harbor agents will be able to tell you which berth has been allocated to you and how to position your equipment.
→ How many fenders can I fit on my boat?
Space is limited on a boat, so it's not always possible to take on board as many fenders as you'd like. However, we recommend that you store as many as possible. There can never be too many fenders on a boat. We recommend at least 3 fenders on each side of your yacht.
If space is limited, we recommend 2 fenders on each side for boats up to 10 meters, and 1 or 2 additional flying fenders. For a boat longer than 10 meters, you'll need up to 3 or 4 fenders on each side, plus 2 additional flying fenders for added safety.
Fenders and fenders are positioned along the hull when the boat is docked or at anchor, and you are considering the use of additional protection in case of heavy swell. It's not uncommon to use fenders of different shapes and sizes, depending on the sailing conditions and the weather. On our site, the average price of a fender is less than 25 euros, like the available online.
Storage: where should I store my fenders?
In most cases, fenders are stored in the rear trunks. Even if it takes up most of the space, it's essential to have sufficient stock. So don't let lack of space prevent you from having enough. It's not uncommon for a fender to be missing, making it difficult to park in port or anchor alongside.
Decks, foredecks, balconies or cabins are the alternatives for storing them without getting in the way. Stainless steel fender baskets are very practical and easy to mount on pleasure boat balconies.
→ Which fender shape for my boat?
As mentioned above, it's not uncommon to use boat fenders of different shapes or sizes, depending on the sailing conditions. Each model has its own specific use, so it's important to choose carefully. The shape of the boat, for example, will determine the type of fender to adopt.
The most common models are spherical or cylindrical. The is also widely used to solve the problem of space on board. Once the model has been chosen, the fender size must be the same so that your fenders can be installed on either side of your boat. Depending on the shape of the boat's hull, larger sizes are also available.
The size of the fender depends on the length, displacement and freeboard of your boat. Clearly, the higher and longer your boat, the greater the wind load. This naturally implies more substantial fenders.
→ Cylindrical fender
The cylindrical fender is the most widely used model. Easy to install and easy to handle, it can be used vertically or horizontally if fitted with eyelets or a through-end. The main advantage of the through-beam is that the fender can roll around the end, which serves as its axis, allowing it to follow the boat's movements.
Thanks to its elongated shape, the cylindrical fender guarantees a large protective surface area for your boat, while taking up little space on the quayside or underway.
→ Spherical fender
Made of black or white PVC and reinforced at the eyelet, the spherical fender offers, thanks to its shape, very good defense and can be moved easily. The point of contact can be reached by rolling the fender along the length of the boat.
This type of fender is very practical and will be much appreciated when maneuvering in areas where space may be at a premium (such as locks, for example). The spherical fender can also be used as an additional mooring buoy or fender.
→ Flat fender
The flat fender is the ideal accessory for additional fenders on board. It's particularly useful in locks, or when launching and retrieving boats during the winter. Easy to handle and install, the is easy to store and takes up very little space on board.
Most models can be used both horizontally and vertically. Generally made of foam, flat fenders are very light. Although their low weight is very useful when maneuvering, it becomes a disadvantage in high winds.
→ Pontoon fenders
Depending on the space available on your boat, it may be useful to take on board pile fenders, pontoon fenders or even a bow fender. These types of fenders will enable you to deal with any eventuality when maneuvering in port.
Note that a is just as useful as a fender, protecting your bow from the pontoon during mooring maneuvers and also preventing the anchor from striking the bow. A bow fender is usually made of flexible white plastic.
→ What length of rope should I use for my fenders?
The length of rope you need for your fender will depend on its diameter. The thicker your fender rope, the greater the length you'll need. Consult our recommendations below to find the right length for the diameter of your fender rope:
➡️ Diameter 6 mm = Length 1.5 m
➡️ Diameter 8 mm = Length 1.5 m
➡️ Diameter 10 mm = Length 2 m
➡️ Diameter 12 mm = Length 2.5 m
→ What kind of rope for a beater screen?
When it comes to choosing the material for your beater screen rope, we recommend polyester rope. The is ideal as a fender rope, thanks to its composition which guarantees high abrasion resistance.
Its low elongation and robustness make it the material of choice for fenders. Choosing fender rope with a loop means you won't have to tie a knot every time you install a fender, not to mention saving time.
→ How do I attach my fenders?
Once you've got enough fenders, you need to find the right location and close them. Fenders are usually attached to stanchions, spinners or frog rails, with a fender at each point of contact.
Be sure to adjust the height of the fenders to improve gelcoat preservation.
The is the most common way of attaching fenders. It tightens easily when called upon and can be loosened effortlessly. Once you've found the right location, use the capstan knot to adjust the fender 's height.
→ How do I clean a fender?
At the height of the boating season, a boat fender is put under particular strain due to the large number of anchorages made. Even though maintenance may seem tedious, it's essential to clean the fender thoroughly before wintering your boat. Soapy water and a little elbow grease will remove most traces of paint, rubbing and rust along its entire length.
The Starbrite brand, which specializes in , also offers a highly effective threshing machine cleaner for such surfaces. This product removes dirt and deposits a protective layer on PVC, vinyl, rubber or Hypalon beater guards.
→ Fender accessories and fender support
From to pumps and fender covers, fender accessories are an indispensable link between your fender and your boat.
➡️Why use a fender sock for your boat?
The , or fender cover, is the most widely used fender accessory. And rightly so, since it protects both the fender and the gelcoat on your boat. A fender sock is therefore very useful, as well as being easy to put on. Machine washable, the fender cover greatly reduces the noise of friction between the hull and the fenders.
As for color, you'll most often find them available in black, white, navy blue or red. The price of a fender sock can sometimes be higher than the fender itself. This is due to the technicality and performance of the fabrics used to make them. This product is truly one of the best accessories to offer your fender, especially to extend its life.
➡️ Fender shield
A fender shield resembles a plank suspended in front of two fenders to prevent them from slipping when in contact with a rough dock or pile. A fender shield can also be used as a gangway.
➡️ Which rope for fenders?
The is usually sold separately. It is specially designed to secure any type of fender. It is an essential fender accessory to have in stock before heading out to sea. It will enable you to make a to tie down your fender before mooring.
→ The best brands of fenders are on Nautisports
With fenders being such a popular product online it can be difficult to know which brand or manufacturer to turn to. The brands we carry guarantee the highest quality finish to ensure the best possible protection for your boat. The main manufacturers we offer are Plastimo, , 4Water and .
These same brands all offer at least one model of flat, spherical or cylindrical fender, bow fender and associated accessories. With its performance range, French rigging manufacturer Plastimo guarantees excellent value for money. Like the Plastimo inflatable fender which, with its sewn-on strap, can be used as a two-in-one device.
When it comes to color, most of our suppliers offer white, black or navy blue. Although other brands offer different colors, it's best to stick to neutral tones that match the color of your boat's hull.
