Can fenders/bumpers be too big?

[rsscoggins]

When I had go fast boats, I used BIG fenders to protect that custom gel-coat. I saw guys with $100K boats pull out $5 bumpers from Walmart when rafting up or tying up to the dock. Not me, I wanted BIG ones - I am talking the biggest I could find - 10x30 or 8.5x27. From our last boat, I kept some stuff when I sold it three years ago - life jackets, skis, ropes, fenders, anchor, etc.

With the arrival of the new pontoon expected next week, I went in the attic to take inventory of the items I had. Everything survived but the bumpers - they had several holes chewed in them!

So now I need to buy new ones and I know that if the fenders get above the decking and into the fence, they will do some damage. So the question arose - how big is too big? What size do you guys use? Is 8.5 x 27 too big?

These are like the ones I used with the Eliminator http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-Ribbed-Marine ... Le&vxp=mtr

[Bryden24shp]

Never, to big! I like to protect my investment!
Actually, I use the same ones from my Offshore boat. Never bought new ones for the pontoon boats. I use the same that you mention. 8.5X27's. I figure use what will fit in your storage space....

[ralph]

Yes, I use large ones (8 or 10"). I keep them low enough not to ride up the side. Docking at a floating dock helps keep them in place too. Mine have the air fitting to keep the fenders inflated too.

[bradm]

I agree. Bigger is better. We use 8.5 by 27 fenders. I also keep an extra fender line or two aboard in case we want to hang a fender sideways (parallel to waterline) on some docks that have vertical pilings that stick out. Just tie a line on each end of fender.

Or at least I will when new boat gets here. Just a bit anxious........

[joe20toon]

You may want to try these, they work great for me...

http://www.taylormadeproducts.com/cgi-b ... item_id=32


Taylor Pontoon Rail Fender Adjuster for Square Tube Rails, 4pk:

A fender adjuster designed specifically for the 1" square tube rails of pontoon boats
The mounting structure clamps securely to square tubing yet can be repositioned quickly and easily
Made from quality marine grade components -simple height adjustment for lines up to 3/8"
ABS material will not scratch the railings

http://www.amazon.com/Taylor-Made-Produ ... merReviews

[cajinyank1957]

I used those taylor made ones and they scratched the rails on my new boat.

[joe20toon]

I used those taylor made ones and they scratched the rails on my new boat.

It's ABS plastic... They didn't scratch mine.

[sunedog]

I like the design of the EZ Fender much better than those Taylor made ones. And they were invented by one of our most helpful forum members. He is too nice a guy to just jump in here and promote his own product, so I will.



http://www.ezfender.com/

If you ever even think you want to tie up to a go fast boat with an expensive paint job, you better have big fenders. I like the kind with the hole through the middle. Much easier to tie horizontally.

http://www.amazon.com/Taylor-Made-Produ ... oat+fender

Some of my friends have paint jobs that cost more than I paid for my boat. Evidently, the vinyl fenders can mar their wax job. They appreciate fender covers.



http://www.amazon.com/Taylor-Made-Produ ... nder+cover

I have 8 x 20 or 10 x 26. Not sure which. My son is a fender hound and has an uncanny ability to spot lost fenders bobbing in the water. I haven't purchased one in years.

[curtiscapk]

Bigger the better and EZ Fenders rock! I use them for bumpers and my skier down flag!

[Bryden24shp]

I like the design of the EZ Fender much better than those Taylor made ones. And they were invented by one of our most helpful forum members. He is too nice a guy to just jump in here and promote his own product, so I will.

Bigger the better and EZ Fenders rock! I use them for bumpers and my skier down flag!



http://www.ezfender.com/

Thanks Guys, Ya, I do have scruples, ya know.... -----> Don't tell my wife, she thinks otherwise!

[zoom650]

Big enough to get the job done, and plenty of them!

I use the square Taylor clips for my fence rail. Be sure to tie off the bitter end because under a load those clips can pop off the rail.

[ron nh]

Hells yea, bigger the better.

[rsscoggins]

Thanks everybody!

I will order the bigger ones to replace the ones that the damn varmit got a hold of!

I had already ordered the Taylor fender clips. I will use them and if I find that I am always putting the fenders in the same spot, then maybe order the EZ Fenders. I do like the versatility of being about to put the fenders anywhere with the Taylor clips however.

[mpilot]

Thanks everybody!

I will order the bigger ones to replace the ones that the damn varmit got a hold of!

I had already ordered the Taylor fender clips. I will use them and if I find that I am always putting the fenders in the same spot, then maybe order the EZ Fenders. I do like the versatility of being about to put the fenders anywhere with the Taylor clips however.

I don't know where you are located but many hardware stores around here like ACE or mom and pop places buy their outdoor gear from Elliott Brothers. Sometimes you can get a pretty good price from them if they are ordering them and they don't normally stock them.

[sunedog]

I don't know where you are located but many hardware stores around here like ACE or mom and pop places buy their outdoor gear from Elliott Brothers. Sometimes you can get a pretty good price from them if they are ordering them and they don't normally stock them.

I think you mean Ellet Brothers, neighbor. They are a "wholesale distributor of firearms, shooting accessories, hunting supplies, camping equipment, and marine accessories selling to stocking retailers."

http://www.ellettbrothers.com/Home.asp

I have a friend that is able to buy from them and I have gotten a couple of things through him, but they don't (as I understand) sell retail.