What size boat fenders do you use for docking?

[Russ]

Note that, because of the toxins that would enter the water, it is illegal to build a dock out of Pressure Treated wood in some areas (like here). But the rule might or might not apply to the wood of fender boards. Something to consider when choosing your wood.

That makes sense. Where the pressure treated wood chemicals (formaldehyde?) touch the water, it could be toxic to marine life. The fender board, however, shouldn't touch the water.
I wonder if it's legal to use pressure treated wood for dock decking?

[seahouse]

PT decking on the dock is not allowed either, based on my observations of the actions of the local clubs. When it rains, or gets wet, the toxins will still get washed down and into the water. I was never comfortable seeing bare feet, particularly when wet, on pressure-treated decking anyway. (Absorption through the skin). I keep my personal use of PT wood to a minimum, and there are usually better material choices anyway, so it's fairly easy to keep its use down.

The main chemical used in PT has changed in the last decade, and different fasteners are needed for it, as the new formula will corrode the old ones fast. Also, the PT formula for wood that is intended for ground contact (like 6 X 6 posts) is different than the usual one, but I think that even it is not approved for use in something like a dock or its deck.

[Russ]

PT decking on the dock is not allowed either, based on my observations of the actions of the local clubs. When it rains, or gets wet, the toxins will still get washed down and into the water.

Again, that makes sense.

Around here, we see mostly redwood and cedar for decking. When I lived in the east, that stuff was prohibitively expensive.

[Tomfoolery]

Nope! Quite serious.

Seeing as our boats are the same size, what are the dimensions of the boards you use?

Ray

I don't use them. Never needed them. But I've crewed on boats that do, and they're usually 2x8's or 2x10's, maybe 4 ft long. But those boats were bigger than a Mac. That pic is just one I grabbed off the net, for illustration purposes.

Oh, and I did notice new docks in the canal, or major repairs on existing docks, were not using PT wood. That caught my attention, because I would have expected PT for the pilings at least, but they're just plain doug fir or some other type of common framing lumber. At least the ones I noticed the last time I was out.

[NiceAft]

Found this

Ray

http://www.practical-sailor.com/news/bu ... 681-1.html

[ris]

Thanks again for the help. The idea about the fender boards was very helpful. We will for sure carry 2 fender boards. Also like the boat hook with the loop thanks Herschel.

[dlandersson]

Ditto. Great minds think alike.

I don't know what size fender I have. However, everyone's docking needs are different.

I keep fenders on the dock and not on the boat. 8" sounds about right, however I don't remember what I have. I also put dock guards on the dock so nothing hits when I come in.
Most boat ramps I use are cushioned and I don't need fenders.

Look at your needs and find a solution from there.

[Y.B.Normal]

Another method is to use 3 fenders hung horizontaly, 2 on top with one below them, bridging the gap between the top two. This method prevents the piling from spreading the two upper bumpers apart.

Using a fenderboard will also work when rafting with another boat. Put fenders on both sides of the fenderboard and the boats will be kept farther apart; very usefull when one boat has a large flare at the gunnel.

I have 4 6" and 4 8" fenders for normal use. I like the 8" for rafting up with other boats as it allows more space between boats and less chance for the boats to "kiss" when @#%$&* powerboaters with large wakes pass too close.

I store the 6" fenders in a net behind the companionway stairs for easy access. The 8" ones are kept in the "aft cabin".

[Herschel]

Also like the boat hook with the loop

Just a word of caution. The loop on this type of boat hook is a rubber-like material that is very good for what it is designed to do--grab a piling (or horn cleat) when approaching at a reasonable speed (i.e., slow idle). But, if you over stress it by using the engine to twist into a spot or just overshoot the mark, the stress on the loop can cause it to crack and fail over time. I think I am on my third one in about 7-8 years I have been using them. When they show "stress" cracks, I get out the old duct tape and "reinforce it" for another season or two of use.

[MCO98]

I was looking at some of the flat fenders. Anybody have any experience with them ? Seems they would be alot easier to store.

[Loala]

Maybe for a small lake those would be ok.

To the OP we've gone through the trials with fenders and have found the bigger the better. Not necessarily easy to store but small fenders become extremely problematic. Esp.with more movement at the dock! (Tide, waves, passing boats, winds etc.)

Right after I threw the fender over the side I watched it literally work its' way upward and pop up and rest on the dock whist my boat started scraping until I could get over to it to re-insert. I've done this many times and experimented with lots of different types and sizes of fenders. They typically will roll back & forth with the boat against the dock and work themselves up.

What has worked for us, maintaining an easy ability to store, is to go with a ribbed fender and make sure they are no less than 8 to 8.5" wide. The TaylorMade brand fenders work really well for us and are very strong but will run $60-$80 each if I recall. But, we bought 4 and never looked back. Problem solved!

[Obelix]

We use the "Landing Loop" to catch poles, if there is no help at the dock. Works a treat
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGcaDSo ... annel_page

Obelix

[Herschel]

We use the "Landing Loop" to catch poles

I checked this out. Does have the nice feature of using your line. I asked my "crew/Admiral" to check it out and see if she wanted to switch. We'll see.

[Ixneigh]

The flat foam type fenders WM sells don't hold up. The concept looks good and could even double as a seat cushion but they fall apart too quickly. Junk in other words.
I keep two inflatable fenders in the off chance I may have to dock. I do not tie up very often.
In fact I've never used them.
Ix

[Russ]

I'm going to say this for the reputation of all macgregor owners. For the love of God and all that is holy, once you leave the dock, lift the fenders up. Do not let them hang over the side like the urban gangster underwear look above their jeans. Lift the boys up and get them stowed. No need to allow yourself to be photographed with dangling.......um fenders. That would be embarrassing.


--Russ