What type of bumpers are best?

[tmcalavy]

Almost through repainting/refitting the Texas Maid...pix attached. Now the question is what kind of bumper works best with this old-style hull? Round, traditional bumpers or the newer, long rectangular style that flexes about 6 inches from the top end? Now that the Maid has a new set of clothes (topside paint), I want to keep her off of rough dock edges at area lakes. Thought I'd ask the experts.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: What type of bumpers are best?

can't tell if you have cleats, but i would mount cleats where i have the red marks, and use the regular round bumpers, 6 or 8"

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: What type of bumpers are best?

Well, the best bumpers are made out of chrome steel, so I don't think you want bumpers for your boat. Now as far as "fenders" go, yep rectangular, 6" diameter minimum. I have some by TaylerMade and they even have a recommended sizing guide in most of the marine catalogs I have seen. I also thought I preferred the kind you can air up and down. But, I will warn you, the last three TayloerMades I have bought have leaked air. So I am not 100% certain that is the way to go.
Adding cleats in those positions is a great idea. Plus one or two and the bow would be even better.

 

[45Auto]

Re: What type of bumpers are best?

I tried the nylon-covered rectangular ones with the 6 inch "flex" feature last year. Turns out 99% of the docks around here are rough, weathered wood which rips the heck out of them as the boat rubs back and forth. They only lasted about 2 trips. Went to the 6" diameter round Taylormades and they don't have a mark on them after using them all this year.

The rectangular ones would probably be nice if all you used them for was tying up to other boats or real smooth (good luck with that!) docks.

Best thing I found to use with fenders is these Folbe fender clips that let you quickly adjust the height of the fenders to match the dock or rail.

http://folbe.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=5&zenid=8bf752fa42586bc5114537db1348ece8

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: What type of bumpers are best?

taylor made have a life time warranty. they will exchange them.

 

[salty87]

Re: What type of bumpers are best?

if you're adding hardware for the fenders too, i like these fender locks.

http://www.iboats.com/Fender_Locks/...26327844--**********.357371610--view_id.39363

screw the plate to the hull, run your fender line through the clip...you just slide the clip into the plate and you're done. they're always at the right height, slide out just as easy when you're ready to go.

for fenders, whatever name brand is sold locally and exchanged with no questions asked. i like taylor made too.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: What type of bumpers are best?

Thanks for the input on uhh...fenders. Put in 9 hours on the Maid this weekend, and between that and other chores guess I had a brain fart on terminology. I'll go with round fenders and install cleats and clips as recommended. If I can get some time tomorrow morning, I'll roll the Maid out of the garage and snap a few pix of her in new paint with twin vintage OMC's on the transom. Have to cross my fingers and hope for some open warm weather soon for a water run or she'll wind up parked in the garage until spring.

 

[Beefer]

Re: What type of bumpers are best?

I use 2 of the rectangular type fenders. My boat is small (16'), and I found they stow easy then the round type. I also use the fender locks, which makes it a snap to put them on.

 

[mickjetblue]

Re: What type of bumpers are best?

I use both the rectangular blocks and the 6" round ones.

The rectangular are for in season boating when the docks are usually
in good shape and fairly smooth. Maybe even some rubber siding.

The 6" round bumpers offer more protection when loading alongside
docks with protruding mounting brackets in off season, or when the
docks might be somewhat uneven.