How do I quiet a squeaky fender?

[Bobby Wandering]

Hello all, I searched the forum and couldn't find this anywhere .

We are having a little wind here and I have a fender rubbing and squeaking between the hull and dock. It's right beside my rack and kept me awake. Now I like the way the boat is moving, the sound of the wind and rain. But what can I do to quiet this fender?

First post with you all. Lots of helpful information here. First boat, I don't even know what I don't know. But, this forum has helped.

S/V Wandering Star
Tacoma, WA

It is what it is.

[jibstay]

Fender covers help.

And, if you're on a budget, buy a pair of cheap sweatpants at Wallyworld, cut the legs off and stretch them over your fenders with the cut end down.

Bonus benefit, they come in a variety of colors to match your boat.

Cheers


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Bobby Wandering.

You might try "Fender Socks" or "Mooring Whips".

[HopCar]

Welcome aboard!
I always use Starbrite Fender Grease.

[rwidman]

Fender covers work but not on ball fenders.

Another option is to move the fender.

[Bobby Wandering]

Thank you for the ideas. LOL I was on the dock at 0100 this morning, looking at the fenders. I did move one but it didn't help. I am heading to Wally's after work today. Thanks again.

S/V Wandering Star
Tacoma, WA

It is what it is.

[David M]

In addition to the sweatpants idea, the flat style fenders with the closed cell foam don't tend to squeak.

[Robin3]

Fairy liquid if you can find a fairy, otherwise Dawn or suchlike. Are you sure it is a fender squeaking not a dock line?

[steve77]

I have my dock lines tied such that there is always a gap between the fender and the dock. When the lines stretch, I may notice when the fenders are starting to touch the dock and I go out and resecure the lines. This keeps things nice and quiet.

Also, my wife made fender covers from the Sailrite kit and I can attest that they prevent squeaking.

Cheers!

Steve

[HappyMdRSailor]

In a pinch:

1- 44 magnum... may not work but will make you feel better...
2- Boat soap, or dish soap - temp fix

Welcome to CF Bobby!

[Yukon Cornelius]

Don't use the dish soap trick if you have Awlgrip - even Awlwash can damage the finish if left to abrade between the hull and fenders all night long.

[Bobby Wandering]

Originally Posted by HappyMdRSailor

In a pinch:

1- 44 magnum... may not work but will make you feel better...
2- Boat soap, or dish soap - temp fix

Welcome to CF Bobby!

LOL
I actually have a .41 mag. It does make me feel better. Gun powder therapy.

Thanks again guys. I see how this works. I will fit in well here.

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by steve77

I have my dock lines tied such that there is always a gap between the fender and the dock. When the lines stretch, I may notice when the fenders are starting to touch the dock and I go out and resecure the lines. This keeps things nice and quiet.

I would like to know how that's done.

[Bobby Wandering]

Originally Posted by steve77

I have my dock lines tied such that there is always a gap between the fender and the dock. When the lines stretch, I may notice when the fenders are starting to touch the dock and I go out and resecure the lines. This keeps things nice and quiet.

Also, my wife made fender covers from the Sailrite kit and I can attest that they prevent squeaking.

Cheers!

Steve

Steve, would you mind posting a picture or drawing of how you secure your craft in this manner? I don't understand how to do that.

Bobby

[GeoPowers]

Originally Posted by Bobby Wandering

Hello all, I searched the forum and couldn't find this anywhere .

We are having a little wind here and I have a fender rubbing and squeaking between the hull and dock. It's right beside my rack and kept me awake. Now I like the way the boat is moving, the sound of the wind and rain. But what can I do to quiet this fender?

First post with you all. Lots of helpful information here. First boat, I don't even know what I don't know. But, this forum has helped.

S/V Wandering Star
Tacoma, WA

It is what it is.

I've used both rum and Irish whiskey before on separate occasions, both with excellent results!

Frank