Inflatable Fenders

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by Mike OReilly

I started using the Easystow inflatable fenders (heavy-duty versions) this past season. I am very pleased with them. They inflate quickly and easily, are very tough, and (obviously) store in a much smaller space. I can now carry twice as many fenders in half the space.

If you spend more time on the hook than at the dock, then I'd definitely recommend good quality inflatables.

We've had 2 EasyStow inflatables for about 4 years now. They are really useful when you need a large fender, like when against concrete bulkheads, etc. Very rugged and quick to inflate/deflate. Also have bullet proof rubber stems instead of valves.

[markpierce]

My boat came originally with fabric-covered tires for fenders. They were a pain to handle/store and weren't attractive.

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by Paul L

We've had 2 EasyStow inflatables for about 4 years now. They are really useful when you need a large fender, like when against concrete bulkheads, etc. Very rugged and quick to inflate/deflate. Also have bullet proof rubber stems instead of valves.

I agree Paul. We've now gone with 100% inflatables from EasyStow (four of them). They performed admirably last season, and I'm completely sold on them. They are tougher than standard fenders, stow in a fraction of the space, and are more versatile to deploy (more tie-spots). It takes less than a minute to manually inflate them. Prep for docking takes a few minutes extra, but we found it no issue at all.

The only possible downside is in emergency situations where you need to get something out fast. We've yet to run into this situation, but it is possible -- most anything is possible . Given that most of these situations will happen close to shore, and we'd likely have the fenders inflated at that point, I really think the odds are very slim. But it is a negative. The benefits of carrying more fenders that are bigger and tougher in a smaller space outweigh this one negative.

[HoppySailor]

What size EasyStow's are you using? Can anyone comment on the suitability of the standard duty fenders for extended cruising?

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by HoppySailor

What size EasyStow's are you using? Can anyone comment on the suitability of the standard duty fenders for extended cruising?

I use the 10"x36" heavy duty fenders. They are very tough and well built. I bought the heavy duty versions due to our boat's mass: ~28,000#. I would expect the standard ones to be equally well built, but you could ask Ted Corlett at Seoladair (the company). He was always very responsive to my questions.

[MehmetCan]

Did anybody tried MegaFend fenders by the way? They seem to be quite expensive but do they worth it?!?