Boat fender size

seratime

Cadet
Joined
Dec 23, 2014
Messages
9
Hi Folks...what fender size would I buy for a 23' Bayliner Cierra cabin cruiser:

6.5x23 or 8.5x27

Thanks
 

thumpar

Admiral
Joined
Jun 21, 2007
Messages
6,138
I would go with the bigger ones. You can't really go to big (At least within reason) but you can go too small.
 

gm280

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 26, 2011
Messages
14,605
With absolutely no other information or pictures provided, I'd go with the larger size any time IF it fits! The larger fender will stop more water, dirt and mud from slinging on the trailer and boat. But to verify that size you either need to provide more info or better yet, post some pictures for everybody to see what you're seeing... Of course this is all useless if you're talking about fenders for the boat itself...
 

dannys2004glastron175mx

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 15, 2014
Messages
307
With absolutely no other information or pictures provided, I'd go with the larger size any time IF it fits! The larger fender will stop more water, dirt and mud from slinging on the trailer and boat. But to verify that size you either need to provide more info or better yet, post some pictures for everybody to see what you're seeing... Of course this is all useless if you're talking about fenders for the boat itself...

I think the OP is talking about fenders for docking his boat .:peaceful:
 

alldodge

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
42,949
Bigger is always better, storage space in most cases is the issue. I use 6.5 diameter ones for my 23 footer, and make sure they pumped up

Edit: after rethinking I think there in the 8 inch size. Boats covered up and don't want to uncover to check
 
Last edited:

JoLin

Vice Admiral
Joined
Aug 18, 2007
Messages
5,146
A good rule of thumb is one inch diameter for every 3 ft of boat length. I'd go with a minimum of 7.5, or in this case the 8.5's you're considering.
 

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Definitely the 8.5. Also investigate the fender mounts that attach to the bow rails. Keeps the stored out of the way. Since any fender tries to roll up off the hull under prolonged docking look for different shapes than round or connected fenders if this is the use to which you will put them.
 
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