Fender Facts: 5 Things You Need to Know About Boat Bumpers

Fender Facts: 5 Things You Need to Know About Boat Bumpers

Everyone loves to go about a little fun and recreation after a hectic week. Boating is increasingly becoming a popular way of getting some freedom and adventure out of the city’s hassle. In 2019, the annual sales of boats, parts, and marine services reached in the US reached $49 billion.

In your boating expedition, you’ll find yourself in situations where you need to dock. It can be a stopover for refueling or slipping at a restaurant. Either way, boat bumpers will come in handy to protect your boat from damage during these situations.

Generally, a boat bumper is a plastic, rubber, or foam-made device that cushions the boat from the material you tie it to. Even when another boat comes into contact with yours when docking, the bumper will absorb the impact force to minimize damages.

So, what are the best boat bumpers? How do you know if your boat needs large or custom boat bumpers? Here are five things you need to know before researching boat bumpers near me.

  1. How Many Boat Bumpers Does Your Boat Need?

The number of boat bumpers needed for a vessel depends on the size of the fenders. Some bigger vessels might need multiple fenders even if you go for large boat bumpers. Also, some boat owners prefer going for many small-sized bumpers for easier handling or aesthetic preferences.

Nevertheless, go for a number that is cost-effective and gives your boat maximum protection at the same time.

  1. Where to Buy Boat Bumpers/Fenders

You can start your buying process by researching the best bumpers near me. You can also get a list of reputable vendors with high-quality boat products from online buyer guides. Alternatively, get direct recommendations from your friends who own boats.

Whichever option you opt for, ensure they have the best boat bumpers for sale—you should get value for your investment.

  1. Choosing the Best Boat Bumpers

The best boat bumpers for your vessel depend on their size and how much you’re willing to spend. Large boat bumpers will obviously cost more than small ones. However, the goal is to protect your boat without going overboard in terms of price.

If you have a small boost, you can go for bumpers that are about 12.8” long and 3.5” in diameter. For bigger vessels, a rubber bumper that is about 28” long and 8.5” sounds like a good plan. A mid-size vessel will require any size between these dimensions—get the measurements right.

  1. Different Types of Boat Fenders

There are various types of boat fenders or bumpers, depending on your aesthetic preferences. We have inflatable cylindrical fenders that can offer protection for nearly all types of boats at a low price point. Foam flat fenders are a go-to option if you mind aesthetic designs.

Other types of fenders include molded and open-water tie-up fenders.

  1. Where to Place Boat Bumpers

For maximum protection, you need to place boat bumpers at all contact points when docking or rafting. However, that doesn’t mean that the bumpers should always hang on these points. Only bring the bumpers out when you’re ready to dock.

Some boat owners prefer sailing with hanging bumpers but that only causes distraction when the fenders flap in the wind.

Choose the Right Bumper for Your Boat

A boat is a significant investment that you would want to protect at all costs. Choosing the right boat bumpers will go a long way in ensuring maximum protection during docking.

Remember, it’s better to have multiple bumper devices than one which doesn’t protect your boat from all angles. Find other articles on this site for more tips on buying custom boat bumpers.

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