Dock Fenders

[rwidman]

Originally Posted by ranger42c

Does depend on the boat configuration, but those bumper strips are what we installed too (post 7, or so).. and only the rubrail ever touches. And even then, only occasionally, usually at way higher than normal tides, in our case, before I adjust lines again.

They make some of those for floating docks and along edges of finger piers... I could imagine they might touch hull sides in some instances... but then I'd also guess it'd be better than hull sides against wood or concrete... and line adjustment could still minimize hull/rubber contact.

Not really a recommendation, just an observation...

-Chris

In my experience, most floating docks have rubber or plastic rub rails all around the dock. Still, fenders should be deployed. Otherwise the boat rubs on those rails and you end up with black streaks on the hull that have to be removed with a solvent (acetone).

If you are in a double wide slip or a face dock, there's no amount of line adjusting that will keep your boat off the dock. You are going to rub and sometimes rub hard because of wind or waves.

[CaptTom]

First, "fenders" is perfectly correct. Bridges have fendering systems, as do many commercial piers. Around here saying "bumpers" makes you sound like a lubber. But if that's local usage where you are, then when in Rome...

I've found that fenders can cause a boat to bounce, and ruin a perfect docking. Another solution is old fire hose, fastened accordion-style along the outermost edge of the floating dock. You can buy expensive plastic edging, but as WesK points out it can leave marks after a while. Once safely docked, then you can deploy fenders.

[psneeld]

Whether attached to the dock or vessel, any fender can leave a mark if not clean might have oxidation..

A vessels rub rails should determine when and where and what kind of fenders could/should be used.

Most of the time a vessel can be tied up to put minimal pressure on fenders except in extreme conditions. Understanding how tight spings can pull a vessel away from a finger pier is advanced seamanship, but used by experienced boaters regularly.

[rwidman]

Around here. with floating docks, many marinas will tell you (over the radio) to "Set your fenders to the waterline." Rub rails will have no contact with the docks or pilings with the floating docks around here.

Personally, I disagree with Captain Tom about when to set out your fenders. I deploy them prior to entering the marina. That's for floating docks. Fixed docks with pilings could be a different situation.

Obviously, it's the captain's choice and based on the situation at hand.

[psneeld]

Obviously the captain has to prepare his vessel for the expected situation.....

Once there, often a quick change in rigging fenders and lines might be necessary....but we digress...

The OP was intetested in permenently installed fenders for a home dock...lots of possibilities, some not like what people from other areas can fathom.

Each situation is so different that a guess is just that, ultimately motion is the enemy and dirt on boat or dock fenders is bad. Rubbing transfered to rubrails is better...rubbing on flat surfaces is bad.

[CaptTom]

Originally Posted by WesK

Personally, I disagree with Captain Tom about when to set out your fenders. I deploy them prior to entering the marina. That's for floating docks. Fixed docks with pilings could be a different situation.

Actually, we agree. On my Down East Loop last year, I learned to deploy every fender we had, both sides, some high and some low, when approaching an unknown marina. You just never knew where you'd end up, or how much time you'd have to prepare.

If you have good comms with the marina ahead of time, you can hash that all out. When the marina is either sparsely staffed, or there is a language barrier, it's best to be ready for anything.

Obviously things are different at your home dock. There you can set it up in advance, just the way you like it. I find the fire hose the best solution I've used yet.