What is the best material for boat fenders?

13 May.,2024

 

Fender Material Guide - The Rubber Company

Fender material Guide

Fender Material Compounds

We manufacture fenders from a wide variety of material compounds to give you an option for every application and environment. Depending on your application you may require specific characteristics, or may simply be looking a cost effective solution. In this post we are going to go over the most popular material compounds as well as the benefits and potential applications for each material.

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Coir:

We manufacture our coir fenders from 100% coir fibres to provide a natural solution. Coir is also one of the few natural materials which are resistant to damage by saltwater. This ensures that our coir rope fenders offer the same security as standard fenders but with added levels of durability. The aesthetic appeal of coir fenders help them blend into the sea craft easier, compared to the black and grey colours of rubber fenders. Our range of coir fenders are perfect for smaller and private sea vessels.

EPDM:

A key characteristic of EPDM fenders are their resistance to weathering and UV damage. This is an important factor as these fenders are going to come in contact with the elements more often than not. EPDM also has a wide functioning temperature range which ensures that these fenders will be able to function in any environment. One drawback of EPDM is it's incompatibility with many hydrocarbons. Chemicals such as oils, kerosene, aromatic, gasoline as well as haogenated solvents all case damage to EPDM fenders. However, if you are using this material compound in marine applications this will most likely not be an issue.

Natural Rubber:

Natural rubber is highly durable and the addition of SBR grants this product excellent tensile strength while also making the fender resistant to tearing under pressure. To ensure that a fender functions as efficiently as possible it needs to be able to maintain it’s shape, even after absorbing the heaviest of impacts. The superior tensile strength and high resistance to tearing ensures that our fender is able to return to it’s original shape time and time again.

Neoprene:

Our neoprene fenders are all relatively firm, which enables them to absorb a wide range of impacts with ease. They are also flexible which allows you to install them on a variety of different surfaces. Neoprene is also able to withstand a range of temperatures and weather conditions. This makes it ideal for use in either indoor or outdoor applications. We are able to manufacture neoprene fenders in either black or grey. The grey option provides superior non marking properties, to enable you to preserve the look of your boat or property.

Polyurethane:

Although polyurethane may not be the first material you associate with fenders, it has becoming increasingly popular in recent years. Polyurethane fenders do provide some advantages over standard rubber fenders. Polyurethane offers excellent durability as well as having lowering friction and specific gravity. These fenders feature a skin which is made from polyurethane and the inside is filled with foam. The fenders core has a high density which enables it easily absorb the energy of impacts. A key advantage over other rubber fenders are that the reaction to compression is much lower. This makes it ideal for use on fast moving sea vessels. This material is also non marking and can be produced in a variety of colours.

PVC:

We manufacture our range of PVC fenders from a 100% recyclable compound. We value sustainability when it comes to producing our products whilst still delivering excellent performance. PVC fenders are UV stable as well as phthalate free which make them suitable for use in a wide range of outdoor environments. PVC also provides an excellent non-marking alternative to other rubber D fenders. This will prevent the transferring of smears and marks on either your own boat or any around you.

Silicone:

Silicone is an incredibly high quality and cost efficient material. Typically silicone rubber is a one, or two part polymer which may contain fillers to improve certain properties or to reduce cost. Silicone rubber is generally a non-reactive material which is stable as well as offering great resistance to extreme environments and temperatures from -55 °C to +300 °C while still maintaining it’s useful properties. The strength and durability of our silicone D profiles enables them to be in constant use without deteriorating.

TPE:

Our TPE fenders are resistant to weathering and various chemicals. This ensures that you get a durable product that is easy to maintain as we know you don’t want to have to keep replacing your fenders. This product also features high tensile strength values. Tensile strength refers to the measurement of the force required to pull this material to the point where it breaks. This product has a tensile strength of 7.8 MPa, which is the equivalent of some steel products. TPE fenders also offer superior non-marking properties compared to standard rubber fenders. This make them ideal at preserving the appearance of your sea vessel as well as protecting it.

5 Tips for Finding the Right Size & Type of Fender ...

Every boat owner has likely felt the dread of leaving their prized craft at the dock, only to watch a set of wakes roll in moments later and threaten to mar their pristine gelcoat or, worse, crunch a pricey section of fiberglass. Hopefully you put out a fender or two, but is that enough…and are they the right size and type for the task at hand? 

A lot’s riding on the answer. Here are five tips on how to select the best size, type and number of fenders to protect your boat.

What to Consider When Buying Boat Fenders

Boat fenders may seem like an afterthought, but the right size, material, shape and even placement will go a long way toward giving your boat the protection it needs.

1. Fender Size & Types:

Size matters. Choose a fender diameter based on the size of your boat. An inch of diameter for every 4’ – 5’ of boat length is a good rule of thumb for the classic cylindrical fender. With an eyelet at each end, these can be hung both vertically and horizontally. If choosing ball-style fenders (typically used on larger or commercial vessels), up that ratio to 2” of diameter. An inch or two of added diameter will certainly add peace of mind on a rough day, but keep in mind fenders need to be stowed when not in use. 

Don’t overlook some of the newer shapes on the market, particularly if you have an unusual hull or dock shape. Molded fenders, as well as fenders with segmented foam sections encased in durable covers, may hold a better position, or even wrap around curves of your hull.

What you want: A set of fenders of adequate diameter for your hull length, as well as a shape that best fits its contours.

Boat Length In FeetCylindrical Fender DiameterRound Fender DiameterTypeUnder 10′3″—Cylindrical Double-Eye, Hybrid10′-15′3″ – 4″9″Cylindrical Double-Eye, Hybrid15′-20′5″ – 5.5″12″Cylindrical Double-Eye, Center Hole, Hybrid20′-25′6″ – 6.5″15″Cylindrical Double-Eye, Center Hole, Hybrid, Round25′-35′8″ – 8.5″18″Cylindrical Double-Eye, Center Hole, Hybrid, Round35′-50′10.5″ – 12″21″Hybrid, Center Hole, Round50′-60′12″27″Hybrid, Center Hole, Round60′-72′15″ – 24″27″Hybrid, Center Hole, Round72’ +24” – 32”34”Hybrid, Round

2. Fender Material Options:

A fender’s material will not only impact its performance, but also cost and longevity. PVC vinyl is most common. It’s both durable and affordable, but subject to scuff marks. Larger vinyl fenders can also be cumbersome to store. EVA foam can be shaped to lay better against a hull and take up less room in storage, but can degrade over time.

Flexible, segmented fenders typically feature polyethylene foam wrapped in UV-resistant vinyl but may still fade or tear over time.

What you want: A fender material that not only proves durable, but also meets your budget and storage needs.

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SHOW THEM HOW MUCH YOU CARE –
Nothing says ‘I love you’ like making sure the kids’ life jackets are snugged up and properly buckled.

Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

3. Fender Quantity and Placement:

Use one fender for every 10’ of your boat’s waterline. Consider three fenders the bare minimum, with one placed at the boat’s maximum beam and the others positioned fore and aft.

Secure fenders to a cleat or rail, at a height that will offer the most protection based on the dock. Remember to take into account any tidal changes. Avoid hanging fenders too low or too high. Too low and they may dip into the water and be susceptible to marine growth, too high and they may be pushed up and out of position by wave and wake action.

What you want: An adequate number of fenders, placed at optimal positions to protect your hull.

4. Different Fenders for Different Situations

Pilings tend to roll or push fenders out of place. Fabricate a “fender board” from a pressure-treated plank hung outside two fenders, and allow that board to span multiple pilings. 

When rafting up, deploy fenders first and try to match up against boats of similar size. Watch fender height, placing both cylindrical or ball-style fenders where they won’t roll up over the gunwale or drop too low at the waterline.

What you want: Fenders that are not only properly placed, but stay in position throughout the time they are in use.

5. Proper Stowage

Don’t leave fenders hanging when underway. It’s bad boating etiquette, and will leave them exposed to UV rays or potential loss while underway. When not in use, stow fenders in a storage compartment, dedicated fender racks or trunk where they can be readily accessed and kept in best condition.

What you want: Dedicated storage to keep fenders not only close at hand, but protected from damage.

INVEST TO IMPRESS
A boating course is a great way to gain confidence and boat-handling skills. A little practice now will make it look easy when everyone is watching.

Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Closing Remarks & FAQs:

Find the answers to frequently asked questions about boat fenders, including how to match fender size and quantity to boat length, average cost, as well as suggestions regarding stowage and maintenance

How does boat size impact fender size and quantity?

Fenders should be sized according to boat length, with a minimum of one fender for every 10’ of waterline.

How much do boat fenders typically cost?

Boat fenders can vary widely in cost, based on size, material, even color. A 5” diameter vinyl fender can run under $12; a comparable fender of injection-molded EVA foam with integrated line and locking cam cleat can run as high as $80.

How many fenders should every boat have at minimum?

A boat should have a minimum of three appropriately sized fenders, with a good rule of thumb being one fender for every 10’ of waterline.

Are certain materials better than others?

All fender materials have their pros and cons. Vinyl fenders are less expensive, but can be bulky and hard to store in larger sizes. Molded foam fenders are pricey, but may better lay against the contours of your hull. Best to choose a fender based on your particular needs and budget.

Is there an average cost per fender?

Fender cost varies by material and size.

How should fenders be stowed and maintained?

Fenders should never be left hanging when not in use, but stowed in onboard storage compartments, trunks or racks. Check regularly for damage. Keep inflatable fenders filled according to manufacturer’s specifications.

Are fenders needed for situations other than regular docking?

Fenders are a wise choice any time your boat may come up against any other object, be it a dock, piling or other craft. Fenders are essential when rafting up against other boats, to protect not only your boat but prevent it from damaging another.

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