Boat Fender Question

[hostage]

I am looking at two fenders from iboats:

5-1/2"x20" Super Gard Inflatable Vinyl Boat Fender Hunter Green - Taylor Made - $18.40
http://www.iboats.com/5-1-2-x20-Sup...5370862--**********.679066227--view_id.169095

vs.
5.5"x20" Hull Gard Inflatable Vinyl Boat Fender Hunter Green - Taylor Made - $13.99
http://www.iboats.com/5-5-x20-Hull-...5370862--**********.679066227--view_id.197720

They are both the same size, color, and made by the same company. Other than the $5 difference, is there any real big difference? I have a 19ft Cuddy, these are rated for 15ft to 20ft. Wanted to get some new ones that match my boat in color and aren't covered in mold.

Thanks,

Hostage

 

[jondavies]

Re: Boat Fender Question

Go with the cheaper ones and don't give it a second thought. Put the extra $$ towards something really useful, like gas

 

[scutly]

Re: Boat Fender Question

they have different part numbers. the one with the black ends is ribbed to help keep it from rolling. i think they look better as well. how many ya buyin? 4? spend the extra $20 and be the envy of others.

the cheaper ones look like this

the more expensive ones look like this

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Boat Fender Question

Yep, ribbed versus smooth. personal preference. I have had both, liked them both. The ribbed ones rolled just as much as the smooth ones.
I will say, I did have 2 Brand New TaylorMade with the ribs LEAK right from the factory. Both around the filling valve. The smooth ones were no problem. That was 8 years ago, though. Just pay attention.

 

[hostage]

Re: Boat Fender Question

ribbed vs smooth...it sounds like we are talking about different contraception. I trailer my boat and stay docked only a couple days out of the year. I want something to look nice when I am docked or launching. I currently have 3 bumpers, all white with mold and none of them are the same. I have 2 smaller and one larger one. I can use the old ones if I want to ever rent a wet slip.

 

[gdombroski]

Re: Boat Fender Question

Wanted to get some new ones that match my boat in color and aren't covered in mold

Go to auto parts store and get a spray bottle of crud-cutter (or similiar product) $3-4. Spray on heavy when dry let sit about 5 minutes and use a magic eraser to scrub. Bet you it cleans them pretty good.

 

[bekosh]

Re: Boat Fender Question

I'm not touching ribbed vs smooth. :facepalm:

But I will say that bigger is better. Those little 5 inchers are useless. Step up one size to the 6 inch, or better yet, the 8 inch ones. There is nothing worse than someone showing up to a raftup with undersized fenders.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Boat Fender Question

If you go with the ribbed, turn them inside out. Why should she have all the fun??

 

[veritas honus]

Re: Boat Fender Question

Look up Hull Huggrz on iboats. I've gottem and they're great!!! I've got a pair of them for when I raft up. If you have no intention of ever rafting up, you only need one.

 

[freelancer]

Re: Boat Fender Question

If you are concerned with how dirty the fenders get, you can always get fender covers to go with your new same size fenders. Mix and match fender and cover to find the look you desire.