Buying fenders... Majoni or Polyform U.S. or Plastimo or something else

[AFKASAP]

Hi there,

I am moved, saddened, upset and highly emotional about the cost of fenders.

I really want new ones as the ones I have now look really bad and also not holding their air so well. I don't dare to add air as the valves look like they would break, leaving me with no fenders.

My reaearch has shown that:

Majoni is cheapest,
Plastimo is mid range
Polyform U.S. want blood

I am looking at fenders with an eye on both ends. In terms of size about 23cm wide by 85 long.

What are peoples experiences with these or other bands (that are available in Europe)?

I like the look of the Plastimo Performance fenders, Plastimo 57221 - Foxtrot Marine

[captjcook]

I used Taylor-Made good value IMO, bought several sets over the years, Fendaire is another similar brand. I now have a used set of Polyform from a Megayacht (got a bit dirty for them, scrubbed up nice) now, I found covers at the consignment store so I have a new and a slightly used set of covers...all for less than $100. I feel really confident of the Polyform.
Sorry, maybe not an answer for Europe...
Good hunting!


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[Garrettw]

You can find generic ones on eBay or Alibaba for reasonable prices.

[Stu Jackson]

Taylor has a lifetime warranty. I clean them with paint brush & roller cleaner, much easier than acetone (which I used to use until a dockmate showed me how much easier the cleaner stuff was to use). I've taken 15 year old fenders and made them look brand new. I can do all six of my 6" x 23" ones in less than half an hour.

[captjcook]

Great info Stu...any brand or type...like latex/oil? I'd like to try that!

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[rwidman]

If you buy your Taylor brand fenders from West Marine and they fail, you can just take them to any West Marine store for a free replacement. I couldn't really say anything about Europe except that you usually get what you pay for.

[reed1v]

We used the old rope sennett fenders with a fender board. The board takes the punishment and the rope gets softer over time(which is good). Cheap, reliable, and rather salty looking.

[Cheechako]

I like the Taylor Made that the rope goes completely thru them. Great fenders. Cant remember one going flat. Just get a bicycle pump and needle in case you need it.

[nigel1]

In the UK you could get a set of 6 Polyform F3 sized fenders for about £146 ($210)
As you are in France, would need to figure in delivery charge.

Always worth asking for a good discount if you are buying a few fenders at one time.

[mitiempo]

There is also Danfender from Denmark. Not sure about the US but sold in Canada. Excellent fender and a large range of sizes.

[ausnp84]

+1 for Majoni - I bought eight of the Size 5's for out steel ketch and we've only blown out one so far (and that was courtesy of 50kt sustained wind on the beam, pushing us onto our pontoon).

Every so often they come up for buttons at boat jumbles as well - I picked up two for £5.

As for fender covers, they have a habit of picking up grit in them then scratching the sh*t out of your topsides... just my 2p.

n

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by captjcook

Great info Stu...any brand or type...like latex/oil? I'd like to try that!

Latex only needs water, right?

There's only one can of paint brush & roller cleaner at my hardware stores. Only differences are the sizes.

[Scrimshaw4]

The great thing about Taylor Made is that they are GUARANTEED for LIFE! If the fail in any way just take them into a West Marine store and they will replace them, even without the original sales slip.

[DrDelmas]

Contact the manufacture I am sure you can get replacement valves. I have done this with Taylor Made. I have also had Polyform fender replaced at no charge that burst. I have used both brands over many years with no problems.

[steve77]

We bought some Chinese fenders from a guy at the Annapolis show three years ago. They were about twenty bucks each. No name on them, but for the price they have been a bargain.