Boat Fenders 101 - Pick Perfect Boat Fenders for Your Boat

When it comes to picking the perfect boat fenders for your boat, the best advice is always to look at what your fellow boaters are using on boats similar to yours in the areas you boat. There are a number of variables that come into play ranging from the exposure of your mooring to weather and wakes, the type of mooring you have and the types of boats in use. Over time, boaters will tend to gravitate towards one or two solutions that work best. By observing what they have settled on, you’ll learn from their experience and save yourself the learning curve.

Need to choose your own boat fenders?

Choosing a style:

Fenders for Trailer Boats: The most common fenders used for trailerable boats, in the 10-25’ range are the twin eye style fenders like the Polyform G Series Fenders or the Taylor Made Super Guard Fenders. Hull Hugrs Contour flat fenders provide good protection for boats with stepped gunwales like bass boats or some ski and performance boats. They help protect the top of the gunwale as well as the side of the boat.

Fenders for Larger Trailer Boats and Cruisers: Twin eye fenders come in sizes to accommodate boats up to 30’-40’, but over 30 feet many boaters switch to medium-duty center hole design like the Polyform HTM Fenders or the Taylor “Big B” fenders. They may also opt for the heavy-duty F series commercial grade fenders.

Fenders for Larger Boats: For boats 40’ and up, the Polyform F Series is a popular option. This is a heavy duty version of the twin eye fender designed for commercial use. The larger sizes will accommodate boats 70’ and up and are used by the US Coast Guard and the US Navy. This class of boat may also opt for the large stand-off and heavy-duty construction of the Polyform A series or LD Series Fenders. Both of these products were designed as inflatable buoys, but they are employed as heavy duty fenders around the world.

Choosing a Boat Fender Size:

Boat fender manufacturers will typically recommend fender sizes for ranges of boat sizes. We publish manufacturers’ recommendations for each of the fenders we offer, which should give you a good starting point. (or compare them all together on our Boat Fender Style and Size Guide) Generally the larger the fender, the more protection it will offer, but the more space it will take up in your boat.

If you are going to be mooring in exposed areas where waves, wind or wakes are likely to drive your boat against the dock or pier, consider choosing fenders at the upper end of your size range. If you always tie up in protected areas, then the lower end of your size range will probably be sufficient. As with any boating decision, you alone can make the call and will need to exercise your judgment in selecting the proper fender size for your boating situation.

Special Situations:

Locks and Concrete Walls: if you frequent locks or tie to concrete walls or piers, consider going with the extra protection of a medium or heavy duty fender with a good amount of stand-off.

Rafting: If you raft or tie up to other boats, it is recommended that you use 2 or 3 regular fenders amid-ships where the two boats are in close contact, and an A-Series or LD-Series fender towards the bow and stern to absorb shock if the boats should swing together.

High Docks: If you frequently tie to high docks, consider the Hull Hugr contour fenders. They will provide protection to your gunwales where they might come into contact with the under side of the dock.