Automatic Fenders

[DougLas]

I say cute but not really practical. No to docking scenarios are the same. I've used balls, and regular fenders in some scenarios. Or just balls at other times. Also when bringing a boat in it is nice to have someone on the bow for the bow line to be secured.

 

[bobeast]

I say cute but not really practical. No to docking scenarios are the same. I've used balls, and regular fenders in some scenarios. Or just balls at other times. Also when bringing a boat in it is nice to have someone on the bow for the bow line to be secured.

Not sure what is impractical about pushing a button and having your fenders deploy to the exact right position, when single-handing. I would probably think of it as overkill, if I routinely went out with a crew, however.

 

[Chris-380]

I say cute but not really practical. No to docking scenarios are the same. I've used balls, and regular fenders in some scenarios. Or just balls at other times. Also when bringing a boat in it is nice to have someone on the bow for the bow line to be secured.

I often take my 380 out by myself, I can def see an advantage to this system....

 

[MattB92]

Back on topic...

Got the automatic fenders installed and dialed in. Will post some pictures when I get the chance to take some, but really they wouldn't be much different than the brochures.

Bobeast,

In the case of a motor or maybe even an app failure, are you still able to drop the fenders manually? Is that an easy work around or do you have to disconnect anything?

 

[bobeast]

Bobeast,

In the case of a motor or maybe even an app failure, are you still able to drop the fenders manually? Is that an easy work around or do you have to disconnect anything?

I probably should have mentioned that as a negative. There is no "free-spool" feature. You would have to untie one knot in order to do a manual deploy.

 

[MattB92]

I probably should have mentioned that as a negative. There is no "free-spool" feature. You would have to untie one knot in order to do a manual deploy.

Hmm, I think that would be the only real negative to stop me from buying them.
However, if the motor/app/solar panels etc work for a couple years.. then well worth it in my opinion.

 

[DougLas]

I often take my 380 out by myself, I can def see an advantage to this system....

I run my 39 by myself still see no advantage to them. As with any boating the captain is doing the docking not the boat. Even with help the captain is still docking the boat.

 

[beaniemanman]

Back on topic...

Got the automatic fenders installed and dialed in. Will post some pictures when I get the chance to take some, but really they wouldn't be much different than the brochures.

If you single-hand, these things are a real life-saver. (or at least a major stress-saver). No more climbing around on the narrow walkway with your head on a swivel while the wind and current push you around. They have 3 preset positions. Stowed (of course), Rub rail, and Dock. They can be controlled individually, or as a pair. Once you calibrate the presets, you simply push the appropriate button in the app, and your fenders move into the correct position. I raft up quite often, so the Rub rail preset works quite nicely for that. You can also manually control them in cases where the presets do not match the situation.

Once underway, a single button push stows them in their home position which IMO looks a lot better than those upright fender holders.

The motor / battery boxes are larger than I'd like, but with solar panels and a big battery, I guess the volume is needed.

One minor nit, is that the fender end opposite of the control box, needs to be fixed to an upright stanchion. If your stanchion happens to be located forward of the curve on the rub-rail, your fender may be a bit more forward than you'd like. I'm considering going up one size in forward fenders to compensate. I hope this makes sense.

I only installed a single pair for the forward fenders, as I can reach the aft ones from the cockpit. However the app can accommodate 4 fenders.

Please note that no "bumpers" were harmed in the making of this review.

 

[beaniemanman]

Yep...agree. I have them installed on my 320! They are great when single handling when rafting up at anchor or stern in at a dock with boats on both sides. They work really well!

 

[douglee25]

Interesting concept. Granted I don't have a Sea Ray, but I can't deploy my fenders without walking down the gunwale. It really is a pain in the butt when the gunwale is only 6-8" wide. Combine that with any sort of chop and falling overboard is a real concern.

 

[beaniemanman]

Interesting concept. Granted I don't have a Sea Ray, but I can't deploy my fenders without walking down the gunwale. It really is a pain in the butt when the gunwale is only 6-8" wide. Combine that with any sort of chop and falling overboard is a real concern.

That's exactly why I had them installed!

 

[DougLas]

It would look funny with my balls hanging from the railing.

 

[douglee25]

Lol