Fitting: The telescopic fender
The five parts that make up the rubber buffer can be pushed into the centre section. This reduces the length from 62 centimetres to 25 centimetres. Four POP fenders then take up less space in the storage space than two comparably sized conventional rubber sausages. The manufacturer claims a 70 per cent reduction in volume. Thanks to the dimensional stability of the ring-shaped segments, the buffer should not flatten under pressure and absorb impacts on the jetty or from other boats just as well as other fenders. Good to know: When dismantled into individual parts, the POP Fender even fits in the dishwasher. Cleaning fenders is that easy.
According to the manufacturer, the telescopic fender is made from TPV (thermoplastic vulcanisates), including polypropylene, and is said to be free from plasticisers and environmental toxins. The absence of plasticisers should have the side effect that the fenders do not squeak against the side of the boat under pressure. All materials are sourced from Europe, resulting in short delivery routes. The manufacturer also promises that discarded POP fenders can be returned for professional recycling. The POP Fender is manufactured in Germany and Austria.
The POP Fender can currently be viewed at Interboot in Hall A4 Stand 405. The trade fair is open until Sunday 25 September.
The POP Fender is available in white and black. However, the different coloured segments can also be mixed, in which case the fender is black and white striped. There is one size with a diameter of 16.5 centimetres at a price of 90 euros per piece. The line costs 8 euros. The manufacturer also offers a care product for 20 euros. Other colours are also available on request. In this case, however, at least five fenders must be ordered.
