Equipment: These types of fenders are available and provide optimum protection for the hull
Good fenders belong to every boat like the lines or the sails. Without the air-filled rubber buffers, nothing works on the jetty or quay wall. It is therefore all the more astonishing to realise that hardly anyone actually considers the form and function of their boat fenders. For some owners, they are merely disposable items that are bought as bargains at trade fairs and disposed of in the harbour's bulky waste container if they leak or become too dirty.
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It is often due to incorrect use or unsuitable dimensioning that fenders do not fulfil their intended purpose. Below we show you the most common types of fender and explain the situations in which they are used.
Long fender
The classic Long fender is probably the most common type. Depending on the size of the boat, it is available in all conceivable sizes from around 20 centimetres to two metres in length. It combines a good protective effect with moderate dust resistance. Equipped with longitudinal ribs or special fender covers, the risk of rubbing on the side of the boat is reduced. However, long fenders also have disadvantages due to their narrow, cylindrical shape. On sheet piling in particular, they tend to roll into the gaps along the ship's side without authorisation. In this case, they are useless. The same applies to all quay walls or jetties with large indentations.
However, the main advantage of the long fender is also its shape - which can be easily stowed away in a back box or special fender basket - and its length, which eliminates the need for constant readjustment when water levels fluctuate. Long fenders usually have fastening options at the top and bottom so that they can also be tied crosswise.
Special versions also have a pronounced longitudinal groove with which they can be attached to handrails or railing supports, for example. And there are even telescopic long fenders that can be pushed together when not in use and then hardly take up any space in the cockpit.
Ball fender
The second most common types are Ball fender. They are also available in various diameters from around 30 centimetres to one metre. Unlike long fenders, they can also be used on sheet piling if they are correctly dimensioned. They also offer a better damping effect due to their significantly larger diameter.
Ball fenders are also the first choice when towing alongside. Likewise when steaming in or out of the spring. Or for Roman Catholic mooring manoeuvres to protect the stern from the quay wall. The disadvantage is their poor dustability. Spherical fenders cannot be stored in fender baskets or in forecastle boxes to save space. They are usually lashed to the deck or the pushpit.
Cushion fender
With the Cushion fenders are plastic-covered foam sheets, usually made of polyethylene. Unlike conventional fenders, they are not air-filled and are therefore significantly harder, which reduces the damping effect. Depending on the design, they are available in thicknesses of between five and ten centimetres. Cushion fenders can be used in a variety of ways, for example as seat pads, back cushions or buoyancy aids.
Depending on their shape, they are attached lengthways or crossways. Pillow fenders are well suited to sheet piling or in locks, for example. They are also easy to stow. They are not the right choice as stand-alone fenders, but are useful as additional fenders.
Bow and stern fenders
Bow and stern fenders protect the particularly impact-sensitive areas of the fuselage. Usually provided with three attachment points, they are attached below the rubbing strake. This ensures that they cannot slip upwards. As these fenders are used permanently, there is no need to stow them away. They are available in different shapes, sizes and colours depending on the length of the boat. For traditional boats, they are also available in a braided manila version.
Due to the fixed mounting height, bow and stern fenders are only intended as additional protection. They are not suitable as a replacement for conventional fenders.
Ring fender
Ring fender are usually used on the anchor. They are intended to prevent damage to the hull by the anchor gear.
Ladder or staircase fenders
Ladder or staircase fenders combine the function of a fender with that of an on-board ladder. They can be used as surface fenders, for example on quay walls like a cushion fender. Or as an on-board ladder. In this case, they are useful wherever a low walkway makes it difficult to get on and off the deck.
However, they are only suitable for use as a swimming ladder to a limited extent, as the steps do not reach under water due to their own buoyancy. Sufficient space is required for stowing them on board.
Bar fender
Bar fender are suitable for owners of a fixed mooring. They are usually cylindrical and have a recess for fastening. They are usually bolted firmly to the jetty. However, in harbours where this is not possible or permitted, they can also be reliably secured with lines or large cable ties. They offer good protection and can be adapted to the conditions at your own berth. For special applications, they are also available in an angled form, for example to defuse jetties or piles.
RIB fender
RIB fender were specially developed for inflatable boats. In principle, they are curved cushion fenders, although the foam material is usually thinner. Due to their semi-circular shape, they fit snugly against the support tubes and thus prevent chafing on the inflatable boat hull.
Multifender
Multifender fall into the flat fender category. Their advantage is the flexible shape that they have due to the individual buffer elements. This means that multifenders can also be placed around piles or particularly vulnerable parts of the hull such as the bow. The protective effect is average, but the dust resistance is good, as multifenders can also be rolled up.
Good to know
What all air-filled fenders have in common is that they can only be used with the correct Air pressure develop an optimum protective effect. Fenders that are inflated too hard are just as useless as those filled with too little air. You should always pay attention to the manufacturer's instructions and check the pressure with a pressure gauge if necessary. This applies in particular to dark fenders in direct sunlight, where overpressurisation can quickly occur. UV resistance is also important. Cheap fenders are not sufficiently protected against sunlight and can release sticky substances.
By the way, fenders squeaking on the side of the boat don't have to be a problem. A temporary remedy can be achieved with the famous splash of washing-up liquid on the fender side. Better, however, are so-called Fender socks, into which the fender is inserted.
Another solution is Teflon coatings, which are available from accessory dealers. To the Fender cleaning It is best to use special products to remove stubborn stains; stubborn stains can be tackled with sponges. Boat wax or comparable car polishes offer protection against new stains.
