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Choosing the correct fender for your yacht Posted on January 11, 2016

Choosing the correct fendering system is often overlooked when providing protection for yachts of any size. It is important to ensure that the fenders are of a good quality and are in place correctly to prevent any costly damage.

Fendequip is an expert in providing yachts with high quality mooring solutions to suit every circumstance and has provided some top tips on how to choose the correct fenders for your yacht.

Fenders

Fenders protect the finish of a yacht from damage whilst it is approaching another yacht or when mooring. Fundamentally a fender acts as a shock absorber that prevents damaging marks and breakages to the side of a yacht.

Choosing the best fender for the job

Choosing the best fender for a particular yacht requires a number of factors. The size of the yacht, the number of fenders and the type of fender are all aspects to be considered. As well as this, it is also recommended to look into how the fender will be secured to the side of the yacht to prevent abrasions.

Sausage fenders are an elongated fender complete with rope tie at either end. When used correctly, these fenders can be in the vertical or horizontal position and can be easily stored in racks or lockers on the yacht. The larger sausage fenders are available with air foam interiors to provide additional strength, as well as offering more space between the yacht and dock and/or other yachts for increased safety.

Round fenders are known for providing the largest degree of protection due to the distance they create between the yacht and the berth. Particularly when used on larger yachts, they provide excellent protection when fending against other yachts. However, the downside of round fenders, are due to their shape, they require more space to store them safely.

Hybrid fenders are, as the name suggests, a cross between round and sausage fenders. The diameter of the hybrid fenders allow for more protection, and unlike the round fenders, can be stored easily.

Inflatable fenders are a great addition to any sized yacht. They are light and easy to handle when inflated, as well as being easy to stow into a smaller space when deflated. Inflatable fenders are made from a polyester fabric with an abrasion resistant surface, yet are hard wearing to ensure a long and trouble-free life.

Fitting fenders

When fitting fenders vertically, always ensure that they are just above the surface of the water and are tied correctly to the relevant rail, stanchion or cleat as low as possible on the yacht. This will help to prevent the fender from swinging in a wide arc and ending up on top of the quay or pontoon as well as preventing abrasion.

How many fenders?

When going to a marina, yachts should have at least three fenders on each side plus one for roving. As captains and crew will know, in the event of engine failure, the yacht may need to drift close to a pier or quickly manoeuvre port or starboard. Therefore, ensure the safety of the yacht and always be prepared.

Fender covers

FenderCovers, or fender sox as they are sometimes called, provide protection to topsides and gel-coats from fender scuff and wear. Following this tar and dirt can stain the fenders and transfer the grunge onto another yacht, therefore fender covers are a must! Cosmetically they add a matte finish to the fenders and can come in an array of colours.

Last but not least, always consider seeking advice from the professionals. More often than not, the larger superyachts will need custom made fenders. Following this, always ensure the fenders are correctly inflated. Over-inflated fenders are as dangerous as under-inflated fenders. Over inflating fenders can increase the likelihood of leaking or busting, leading to unwanted movements on the yacht.

Source: http://www.yachting-pages.com/content/fenders-tips.html