Fenders? Best clips? Storage?

tony1b2000

Active Member
Oct 10, 2007
243
Salem MA
Boat Info
Carver C37
Engines
Mercury Diesel 4.2 TDI, inboards
Hi,

Yes, this may be a silly topic. But, me still being a novice, I would like some good advice.

I have a 280 Sundancer with 3 fenders. Two are tied to the cleats and one to a rail in the bow. A real pain to remove while underway and even more so to put back when getting ready to dock with this size boat.

Any suggestions on a fender grip type hanger thats good and easy to use? Also, I do a lot of short trips (1-2 hours). I really don't want to put them in a rack on the deck only to take them back out. What do you guys normally do on short trips?

Thanks for you feedback!
T
 
I also have a 280 Sundancer.

I have two 8 ½” Taylor fenders. In the slip I keep one at the higher rear cleat and one tied to the bow rail about where the rail meets the boat closest to the helm.

I’m not happy with my current storage set-up but I’m struggling to find something better.

Away from the dock I sometimes put my fenders in the stern storage locker. They take up a lot of room.

Sometimes I put one in the locker and wedge one between the bow rail and the bow with the line still attached to the rail incase the fender works its way loose. This looks a bit red neck.

Sometimes I keep the rear fender attached to the higher stern clear but flop the fender over the gunwale so the fender is inside the boat, still tied to the cleat.

I have considered the rack idea. The 280 Sundancer is an express cruiser, not a sedan. In my opinion, bow rail mounted fender racks would reduce visibility if they are at all forward. I’m still considering this idea.

I’ve also considered trying to stuff one fender in the forward locker. I have not tried it yet.

If you come up with something better let us know.
 
Last edited:
wait, you mean those bumper things??? don't you just leave them hanging all the time??:lol: I spent the better part of yesterday trying to figure out the same thing. I put two in the transom locker and I may get a can for the other two on the bow rail though I'm not carzy about what that does to the lines of the boat??:huh: Taylor made makes a snap-on quick set fender line thingie but I can't remember what it's called. They work well, better than the "fender buddy" which are plastic and I don't trust them
 
http://www.taylormadeproducts.com/dockprod.html

ratchet_fhanger.jpg



Ratcheting Fender Hanger
Constructed from 3/4" polyester webbing with UV protection. This unique hanger allows you to adjust your fender height from 6" to 24". Simply loop the strap over any size rail or lifeline, feed the end of the strap through fender eye or tube and pull strap through buckle to desired length. Slide tab into release buckle until you reach the tightness around your rail or lifeline that you desire.
Stock No. #1089
 
I have a 27 foot Sun Deck and here is what I do:

For the front and rear bumpers I use 8.5 inch diameter long cylindrical bumpers with the rope through the core (it comes out the middle of the bottom of the bumper). I mark the front and the back accordingly with a sharpie. I set each to the exact height needed in the front and back and then cut the rope at the bottom of the fender and knot accordingly. Now, each is at exactly the right height and all I need to do to put them on and off is slip the loop through the bottom of the front and rear cleat and wrap around the wings of the cleat.

Now, for the middle of the boat, I recommend installing a small "fender only" cleat where you can reach over the windshield at the helm seat area. Label it clearly with a P-Touch or similar. Now, using the same height and marking technique as for the front and rear, measure, set, knot and mark.

When leaving the slip I keep the bumpers on until I am clear of the marina and then idle to remove. Upon return, I idle a safe distance away, drop the bumpers and then return.
 
I have a 27 foot Sun Deck and here is what I do:

For the front and rear bumpers I use 8.5 inch diameter long cylindrical bumpers with the rope through the core (it comes out the middle of the bottom of the bumper). I mark the front and the back accordingly with a sharpie. I set each to the exact height needed in the front and back and then cut the rope at the bottom of the fender and knot accordingly. Now, each is at exactly the right height and all I need to do to put them on and off is slip the loop through the bottom of the front and rear cleat and wrap around the wings of the cleat.

Now, for the middle of the boat, I recommend installing a small "fender only" cleat where you can reach over the windshield at the helm seat area. Label it clearly with a P-Touch or similar. Now, using the same height and marking technique as for the front and rear, measure, set, knot and mark.

When leaving the slip I keep the bumpers on until I am clear of the marina and then idle to remove. Upon return, I idle a safe distance away, drop the bumpers and then return.

:huh: You never have to adjust the hieght of your bumpers? With the tide hear swinging 2-4 feet from low to high and with every dock built different I have to adjust mine according to the tide and where we are docking there is no way for me to set it and forget it.
 
I use a combination of the standard fenders which I keep in the locker, and the inflatables (Stow-Away Inflatable & Deflatable ) that are on the sea ray owners site. I think there are 4 in the bag and they inflate quickly and deflate just as fast..In a pinch they are great to use.
 
I've never had to tie a bumper to my bow rail... I use the 10" dia. fenders using the center and rear cleats. Never had any problems either at the dock or rafting up.
 
I dont buy those things, I think they're crap, they bind and rust. Learn to tie a knot. Sometimes depending where you are you may need more fenders out than you have cleats.
 
I dont buy those things, I think they're crap, they bind and rust. Learn to tie a knot. Sometimes depending where you are you may need more fenders out than you have cleats.

Anyone can tie a knot. Its getting a knot out that a, um, helpful guest tied that’s the issue.
 
Gotcha, thats why my guests take their seats and I or my crew do the rest. (wife and daughters)
 
We have used these for years, they work great. You can position your fenders where you need them on the bow rail. My fenders go where ever the boat goes.



West Marine link: http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...Tag=Category:Fender Accessories&storeId=10001
I have used these for 5 years also. I have them set so at their lowest setting, the bottom of my fenders are just above the water which works for almost all docks. My inexperienced guests have very little to do except for snapping the vinyl strap over the bow rail. My stern fender is attached to a line preset so all you have to do is hang it on the cleat- again - no fuss. I store the fenders under the stern seat while underway. They fit nicely and the lines tuck in under the seat.

Mark
 
:huh: You never have to adjust the hieght of your bumpers? With the tide hear swinging 2-4 feet from low to high and with every dock built different I have to adjust mine according to the tide and where we are docking there is no way for me to set it and forget it.


Me, too.
 
:huh: You never have to adjust the hieght of your bumpers? With the tide hear swinging 2-4 feet from low to high and with every dock built different I have to adjust mine according to the tide and where we are docking there is no way for me to set it and forget it.

I am wet-slipped in the same place all the time and I do not need to reset the bumpers at the home slip.

I do occasionally dock up at restaurants, etc., but I have never had to adjust the height of the bumpers yet. I will, however, watch for that in the future and may start to carry an extra bumper with a longer lead that will allow adjusment, just in case.

Thanks,
Gregg
 

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