Fender holders

K

khaynes

New Member
Aug 25, 2008
70
Henderson, Ky.
Boat Info
1994 270DA
Engines
7.4 Bravo II
I was wondering what fender holders people like on the front of the boat. I've got four fenders to store. That will create alot of storage room in the boat if I get them on the deck. I've seen several types for sale. I'd like to see what they look like on the boat. Any pictures would be great. Thanks.
 
What I would like to find is a small all weather locking box I could mount to the railing next to the fender mount, so I could stuff the fender lines into the box while they were still attached to the fenders. Or maybe even attach the box to the fender mount itself.
 
Great for increasing storage, but I don't use 'em because they restrict visability. If you have a higher helm, it wouldn't be a prob. Besides, that's what deck hands are for.....
 
I store three large fenders under the stern seat with ease. I have my stern fender line fixed in length so it attaches to the stern cleat and most times we just flip it inside the boat. The starboard side is out of the way. But even when I remove it from the cleat, it fits fine with the other two under the seat. I personally do not like the looks either and our boats don't have an abundance of room on the bow to mount them out of the way. Just my opinion.
 
dpvandy01 said:
Don't use them, They limit visibility and I think they wreck the lines of the boat. I think they just look terrible
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mrsrobinson said:
"because they restrict visability"

+1
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See this just goes to show different responses to the same item. I have them and I have to say the amount of visibility restricted (at least where mine are mounted, on the bow) is negligible in most cases.

I can see it could be more restrictive if one is sitting at the helm, but typically if I am in crowded or docking conditions I am standing at the helm.

So as they oft say, "to each, their own." :thumbsup:
 
khaynes said:
Thanks. Looks like you just saved me some money. Thats why I ask. Thanks again.
Click to expand...

I have the same holders as tobnpr showed from Defender.com. I have had them on two boats the past ten years. They sit far enough back where I do not have restricted visibility (your view may vary). But I don't "see" a concern in that they would not completed block your view... Kinda like a windshield post in your vehicle.

DSC08616.jpg


I don't see a need for two holders to hold four fenders at the bow. Hang a couple of fenders by tape or line and see what kind of restricted vis you may have before spending the money.
 
I don't like them because for me they'd be blocking visibility. Also I'm not too keen on the look of them, but I still go boating with Doug(a good friend). I stow two in the transom locker and will start stowing the other two in the anchor locker. We anchor very seldom and when I need the additional two, I'll have the time to either moor, and get secured, then go to the bow and retrieve the other two and deploy them. Also if anchoring, get them out and deploy them before dropping the hook.
 
I have the same boat as Todd. I used to keep my fenders in the transom locker, but I found they impeded access to my stern anchor, spring lines, etc. I can't keep them under the rear seat, as that's where the PFDs are. (figure they're the most important to have close at hand) Since I now have a dedicated set of fenders permanently attached to my slip, I've started keeping them in the vee-locker in the cabin. I'd like to try a set of the rail mounted brackets, but I don't think they'd work when positioned far enough aft to be reachable, as the rail curves pretty low at that point. If anyone with a 260 has installed a set, I'd love to see pictures.

As a complete aside, my brother's Four Winns bowrider has a slick fender storage solution. Right in front of the windshield on either side there's a round plastic quarter-turn hatch cover on a lanyard. When removed, there's a cylindrical compartment just big enough for one fender and its hanging whip. Pretty cool.............. If I thought there was enough room between the hull and the interior fiberglass "tub", I'd be tempted to try such an installation. It would be really convenient to just pop a cover on the gunwale and pull out your fender, close to the point of use.

Cheers,

Bill
 
I kinda like the the way they look on the front rails. I would like to see some more pictures if anyone has some. I like the ones that lean forward. That should keep them from sticking up so high. I need all the storage i can get. Thanks again.
 
I think this has to do with how you boat. If you raft up a lot, like we do, these come in handy. If you do not raft up a lot I do not see any added value to having these (on the bow).

I have seen boats where there are fender holders on the stern of the boat, molded into the fiberglass. Looks odd to me.

In the one pics you can see the fenders on the port side, plus the hatches are open. When seated they do block visibility. When standing not so much
 

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I built some custom holders using 1" stainless tubing. I will get some photos this weekend and post.
 
I bought the 9' SS fender racks from Taylor Made. They do obstruct my wifes view but not mine. Excellent construction, easy to install. I just have no storage at all on the deck so I had to have them. We raft up at least two times a week during the summer and I am stickler for protection. I agree they don't add any appeal but I really don't care. I would rather have the function and protection they offer. I think I paid $250 for a set.
 
khaynes said:
I kinda like the the way they look on the front rails. I would like to see some more pictures if anyone has some. I like the ones that lean forward. That should keep them from sticking up so high. I need all the storage i can get. Thanks again.
Click to expand...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOLNEcRph9c

I think on small boats these are very benificial when it comes to storage. Yes we raft up quite a bit plus at Marinas on Lake Erie and the Islands many times when you dock you may be rafted four boats deep.
 

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My dad is an old coast guard guy and he is pretty good about minimizing the gear on his boat and storing it very compact. He told me he would disown me if I installed fender baskets... Needless to to say I am beyond my rebellious years. So - I have no fender baskets.
 
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