Tips for Boat Fender Care
While the purpose of your boat fender is that of protection, this does not mean it is indestructible. Improper care and practices can lead to disrepair of your fender. Doing so will result in needed repairs, which is a cost we always wish to avoid. If you keep your fender from getting damaged, then you are well on your way to not needing to pay for repair costs. By taking precautions and implementing wise fender usage, you can avoid any unnecessary damage. In this article, we will go over a few strategies you can use to keep the damage minimal.
The best thing you can do to make sure that your fender is not going to be damaged is to be sure that you have the right size in the first place. If you have the wrong size fender on your boat, you will almost certainly experience issues that result in harm done to your fender. It will be wise to make sure the fender you get is the right size for the boat you want to attach it to. Generally, it is recommended for the fender to have one inch of diameter for every five feet of your boat’s length. If you do not meet this recommended size, it may be best to go with a different fender than what you currently have.
Once you know the size is alright, you can take another easy step towards a safer fender, which is to get a cover for it. The fender cover will keep your fender safe from much of what would amount to general wear and tear over time. In addition to this, tar and dirt might stain your fenders, which may then accidentally be rubbed off on another boat. Beyond that, the UV light coming from the sun actually damages the rubber material that is present in your fender. The money saved over time with damage prevented by a cover will well outweigh the cost of the cover.
You will also want to implement safe practices when docking your boat. When the dock in question has a flat face, vertically oriented fenders will be your best bet. Conversely, a dock with pilings calls for horizontal orientation of your fenders. You can also use a fender board for this purpose, as this will increase the overall area of protection your boat has by connecting your fenders with a layer of lumber.
The care of your boat should always be of utmost importance to you. Furthermore, you must also protect that which protects your boat. Taking simple steps to care for your boat fenders can result in heaps of money saved over time, and it will also ensure the safety and protection of your boat. By using the tips above, you will have an easy path towards safe and proper fender care.
