scratches from rafting???

[mfreez]

I have a 230 select with the dark blue on the sides. We raft up with others on weekends, and as a result, the sides are covered in very shallow scratches in a vertical pattern in the areas of the bumpers.

I have tried canvas covers, the large vinyl bumpers, my bumpers, other peoples bumpers and all of them end up scratching my boat? So two questions

1. How do I fix the glass, its a two year old boat and I dont like the scratches? They are very shallow, waxing covers them up, but only for a couple of days?

2. What can I do to prevent this?

Thanks,

 

[JV II]

First, you are talking about fenders, not bumpers.
For now, your best option is to get a Porter Cable buffer and use compound and wax to remove it. There are some suggestions in other posts on specific products.
Did you have your boat rafted with spring lines and fenders at the rub rail or cleats straight lashed to adjacent boat's cleats with fenders below the rub rail? Guess which way is better.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Not saying your fenders aren't, but they need to cleaned - spotless - especially since you have a dark color. It can still happen, but it will happen much, much less.

 

[Morpheus]

You have a dark hull you will see everything. I have lots of these scraches mine are mostly from dock rash and barnacle build up at docks (wish people would keep the docks cleaner) I just get them buffed out when they build up to a certain point.

 

[SearayPaul]

Hard to avoid with a dark hull, I have a blue hull and dont worry about it. The Porter Cable takes removes the fender marks quickly, that is until next time. Just consider them a sign of enjoyment.

 

[mfreez]

Thanks for all of the feedback, we do have brand new fenders:smt001 and have tried all types, I like the "consider it the price of having fun" approach. Sounds like some elbow grease a couple of times per year.

As to the spring lines vs. direct to the cleates, on our size boats generally the fenders need to be as high as possible to keep the boats apart at the rub rail. I suppose the spring line keeps the fenders from pulling vertically under pressure????? If so, I see the rationale but dont believe it will help.

Thanks,,,, Mike

 

[Hampton]

You need fender condoms - the good ones. They cover the fender and all but eliminate scratching. Buy the cheap ones, and continue buffing. The condoms are made out of a nice, soft cloth and are stretchy. They make different sizes and different colors. They are called fender covers, I believe.

 

[mawyatt]

You need fender condoms - the good ones. They cover the fender and all but eliminate scratching. Buy the cheap ones, and continue buffing. The condoms are made out of a nice, soft cloth and are stretchy. They make different sizes and different colors. They are called fender covers, I believe.

I second John's advice. Had dock rash with a blue hull and got the fender covers from WM and they have helped.

 

[Asureyez]

Rafting Rules:

#1 Bring your own fenders
#2 Have big fenders, bigger than you think is necessary, and have at least three set for your side.
#3 keep fenders clean
#4 Hang them vertically from your boat life lines, stantions and cleats.
#5 align your fenders so the middle of the fender is equal to the rub rails of both boats.
#6 Set fore and aft spring lines tightly
#7 Bring bow and stern lines in tightly
#8 Don't let anyone raft to you that is not properly equiped
#9 Raft to boats of similar size to you where your gunnels are of a similar height.
#10 set your own anchor

Excessive chafe or rub rail damage is generally a result of not following one of the above.

 

[At Ease]

Saw these fenders on Ship Shape TV the other day. Nice because they are easy to deflate and inflate which saves on storage. They can be used horizontally or vertically. Get the Fendasox with them and keep them clean. They are the soft plush ones that you see on certain fenders.
http://www.praktek.com/