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Old 09-11-2012, 04:19   #1
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Inflatable Fenders

Hi there,

Just wondering if anyone out there uses inflatable fenders? The type that when underway can be quickly deflated and stored away. The inflated when you need them quickly.
This is an example I found..
Stowaway Inflatable-deflatable fenders Hardware review by Practical Boat Owner Jul 2008

Are they any good? Fenders are large and take up a lot of storage.

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Old 09-11-2012, 04:40   #2
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Re: Inflatable Fenders

i store mine , inflated, on my transom.
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Old 09-11-2012, 04:57   #3
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Re: Inflatable Fenders

We have the Avon fenders that were made in the mid-80's. They were made with the same fabric and inflation valve as the inflatable boats.

As I remember ours are the 18" x 48" size. They have kept us off rough concrete walls, used in heavy weather including hurricanes and during raft ups. They have survived without being holed or damaged.

Best thing we ever bought!
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Old 09-11-2012, 04:58   #4
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Re: Inflatable Fenders

We had AERE' brand on the Selene I used to run

The good
Light weight (aprox 7lb's)enabling easy, one hand operation ,if needed for the crewman to use as a roving fender
Good protection from scratching for the nice blue awlgrip

The bad
The 18x42 size we had cost over $300 each
Under higher wind conditions at the dock they could flip up and land on the dock not good
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Old 09-11-2012, 05:37   #5
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Re: Inflatable Fenders

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.
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Old 09-11-2012, 05:45   #6
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Re: Inflatable Fenders

I have 1, seems like too much work (time) to inflate. but space is a premium on my smallish boat ,so I'm in the market for for a few flat ones that should stow better. What think ye all regarding how these flat ties stow and function?
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Old 09-11-2012, 06:04   #7
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Re: Inflatable Fenders

Quote:
Originally Posted by mrohr View Post
I have 1, seems like too much work (time) to inflate. but space is a premium on my smallish boat ,so I'm in the market for for a few flat ones that should stow better. What think ye all regarding how these flat ties stow and function?

i found most of my fenders floating in san diego bay after severe storms--seems the fender holders that are sold in many chandleries do not work..lol--good for me, bad for those using them..... i found some flat fenders floating by--i caught one and now i use it for under my generator when in use--padding to prevent vibration noises in house while running on deck......
i found old tires work quite well on many wharves--and some inflatable fenders pop under load.....
the flat ones do stack nicely in bilges and make good padding for stuff you dont wish to have break during passages.....
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Old 09-11-2012, 06:59   #8
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Re: Inflatable Fenders

Quote:
Originally Posted by zeehag View Post
i found old tires work quite well on many wharves--and some inflatable fenders pop under load.....
You must not like having people raft up on you
A boat with tires out won't have any company lol

We used 8 to 12 inch spiral reinforced pvc suction hose for fenders on the company's fish packer
Heavy duty to cope with steel galvanized wharfs ,and they sunk down in the water for tying up to logs
They don't mark up the paint like tires
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Old 09-11-2012, 08:48   #9
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Re: Inflatable Fenders

We also have several large (2' x 5') EasyStow fenders that we obtained for added topside protection during heavy weather. (We also have two large regular fenders that we use most of the time.) The inflatable fenders work well.

FWIW...
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Old 09-11-2012, 09:28   #10
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Re: Inflatable Fenders

"You must not like having people raft up on you
A boat with tires out won't have any company lol" and most accurate, both counts...
i have normal fenders of all sizes that fell off and blew off snotty boats in sd, with and without the snazzy fender holders that never work....
tires are better than regular fenders for canal work and for storms with big winds in a marina situation---pilings will tear up anything else.
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Old 10-05-2013, 05:16   #11
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Re: Inflatable Fenders

Inflatable ones are great, however, go for Stratocaster first, if you're looking for a fender!
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Old 10-05-2013, 05:39   #12
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Re: Inflatable Fenders

Quote:
Originally Posted by zeehag View Post
"You must not like having people raft up on you
A boat with tires out won't have any company lol" and most accurate, both counts...
i have normal fenders of all sizes that fell off and blew off snotty boats in sd, with and without the snazzy fender holders that never work....
tires are better than regular fenders for canal work and for storms with big winds in a marina situation---pilings will tear up anything else.
I'm with Zee on the usefulness of tyres , of course not everyone likes rafting up next to them , but that's what a fender board is for . Of course that can look a little daunting at first sight, and definately puts off those who don't like to use own fenders. or have them in mini size and number.
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Old 11-05-2013, 14:31   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MehmetCan View Post
Inflatable ones are great, however, go for Stratocaster first, if you're looking for a fender!
Surely you meant Telecaster...:-)
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Old 11-05-2013, 15:04   #14
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Re: Inflatable Fenders

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Originally Posted by iamadifferentbreed View Post
Surely you meant Telecaster...:-)
Not the first time that I got into this debate. Although tele's are great, my heart will always belong to Strats...
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Old 11-05-2013, 15:48   #15
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Re: Inflatable Fenders

No, don't have inflatable fenders although they need to be "pumped" every year or so.

Normally carry them on the deck when not deployed.



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