I just did that
route 2 weeks ago going the other way (Niagara on the Lake to Port Colburne) on my
Hylas 54 Flying Lady. The fenders get covered with rust, slime, dirt, grease, cement etc. and rotate while going up/down so they rub up against the
gelcoat causing lots of scratches. So, I had a skirt made for the side of the
boat to go under the many fenders I used. The skirt had
canvas on one side and a soft felt on the side that went against the hall. I installed it between the fenders and the
hull. It cost about 400. I used 5 fenders, 3 big ball fenders for the stern and bow and 2 cylindrical fenders for the beam. The fenders were trashed but the skirt saved the
gelcoat from any scratches at all. The skirts was really dirty and gritty and really worth the
money. I used the same system for the 30+ locks in the Erie
canal too.
Safe travels.