How do I quiet a squeaky fender?

[SailRedemption]

I think Manila line fender would rub the paint/gelcoat off the side of the boat right quick! Maybe something smooth and non abrasive like dynema? Though the price and amount of the line needed , you're better off with a typical fender and a cover!

- Ronnie...on the geaux

[Hudson Force]

There is a negative side to fender covers. Any cover, not just manilla line, can increase the abrasion of the gel coat if they are left to become dirty and collecting sand or smaller particulates. The bare smooth fenders are easier to keep clean.

[SailRedemption]

Originally Posted by Hudson Force

There is a negative side to fender covers. Any cover, not just manilla line, can increase the abrasion of the gel coat if they are left to become dirty and collecting sand or smaller particulates. The bare smooth fenders are easier to keep clean.

That is very true.. And a good thing to remember, clean covers regularly or at least rinse them off.

- Ronnie...on the geaux

[rwidman]

The guy I paid to compound and wax my boat several years ago recommended fender covers to lessen the damage to the gelcoat. My slip is a side tie with no way to keep the boat off the dock so depending on wind and current there is often contact and forward and backward motion.

[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by rwidman

The guy I paid to compound and wax my boat several years ago recommended fender covers to lessen the damage to the gelcoat. My slip is a side tie with no way to keep the boat off the dock so depending on wind and current there is often contact and forward and backward motion.

I agree with rwidman's account of the fender covers lessoning abrasion of the gelcoat, but only of you keep them clean.

Also, regarding that "forward and backward" motion, it's important to hang the cylindrical fenders vertically so they can roll and not rub. Horizontal fenders are more likely to be noisy and abrasive.

Here's a photo with a fender board. I would rather have just two fenders behind the board so they can roll freely, but at the location where I took this photo I have some occasional large wakes and I need to give the fender board plenty of support.



You'll notice that I added a couple of stainless strakes to the fender board so that it is not abraded by the piling. I like to hang the board below the rub rail so that the board will not ride up when pressing on the piling. Pressed to the rub rail, only the bottom portion of the fenders are against the gel coat. They can roll some, but if I only had two fenders hanging straight down, then they would do better for rwidman's important concern about the for and aft motion.

[rwidman]

Yes, hang them vertically at least on floating docks. Fixed docks and pilings are another story and that's when a fender board is useful. That's one mistake I made on my last cruise, not having one on board. We cruised to where fixed docks and pilings were the norm and took a pounding at a couple of marinas.

Some of my slip neighbors (floating docks) have installed cylindrical fenders horizontally on the dock to protect their boats. Since it's a tidal river the boats move back and forth as well as up and down and that's not the best arrangement but they haven't asked me so they will have to figure it out for themselves.

[jibstay]

I've been using 5 foot pieces of 4 inch PVC pipe as fender boards for the last couple of years.

They're lighter and easier to store.


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[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by jibstay

I've been using 5 foot pieces of 4 inch PVC pipe as fender boards for the last couple of years.

They're lighter and easier to store.


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'interesting idea. Do you have any problem with them riding up the fenders? I would think that, since they are light and round, they might not stay down. Do you find that you need to tie them in a manner that keeps them down? I always like lighter weight!

[jibstay]

I use stainless snap hooks clipped onto the fender lines, to position the PVC in the vertical middle of the fenders.

Haven't had any problems with them riding up.


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[rwidman]

How about cracking?

I wonder how plastic decking (for homes, etc.) would work instead of "real" wood?

[jibstay]

No cracks in 2 years, including a summer in south Florida and 2 winters in the Abacos.


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[Jon Eisberg]

Originally Posted by Hudson Force

There is a negative side to fender covers. Any cover, not just manilla line, can increase the abrasion of the gel coat if they are left to become dirty and collecting sand or smaller particulates. The bare smooth fenders are easier to keep clean.

Simplest and best all-around solution IMHO is the use of a soft-backed fender 'skirt'... No matter how dirty or gritty your fenders might become, they never make direct contact with the hull... Nice to have in place when bringing a tender alongside, as well...

Crappy pic, but hopefully you get the idea...

[SailRedemption]

Originally Posted by Jon Eisberg

Simplest and best all-around solution IMHO is the use of a soft-backed fender 'skirt'... No matter how dirty or gritty your fenders might become, they never make direct contact with the hull... Nice to have in place when bringing a tender alongside, as well...

Crappy pic, but hopefully you get the idea...

What do you back the skirt with? Micro fiber or fleece? I was thinking something like that as well. Glad to hear it's actually a good idea. Used with a fender board it would be great.

- Ronnie...on the geaux

[Bobby Wandering]

Thanks for all of this. So much many different ways to skin the same cat. The whole reason I signed up here is to glean some basic information.

Attitude of gratitude. Thanks to all.

[fjwiley1]

Jibstay, Hudson Force, I've been using the 4" PVC n the Big Taylors too without any problems. My dock is fixed and runs east to west. I have to always tie abeam/against the St John's River current as there is no way I can tie up with the flow. I actually use 3 Taylors due to the current, wind and some times inconsiderate boaters wakes.
Wish I had a "floating dock" but don't. Just happy to have what I have.

I have the old style wood boards but won't use them any longer as I feel the PVC will last longer, easy to store, no drag from wind nor water. Slide up n down piling easily so doesn't have signs of wear....lovem....👍

Life is good of you Keepa Smilin....😊






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