The Noob's Fender Questions

[Old Dog]

Well, here are the noob’s first questions. I did do a search on Taylor Fenders and did not come up with the model I would like to know more about. Here is a link to the Taylor Product that is part of my overall package deal: http://www.boatfenders.com/cgi-bin/guid ... =3&Size=21

Now keeping in mind I am a first time boater this is a whole new world to me where I am going to need some feedback from more experienced tooners, both positive and negative comments are welcome. The pontoon I will be getting is a 21-footer and here is a link to what she looks like if it helps: http://www.princecraft.com/aluminum-boa ... rview.aspx

Here in point format are my questions:

1) They are supplying two fenders as in the link above. Does anyone have them that could offer some +/- comments? Even if you don’t have them, what are your honest thoughts on the design?
2) Do you think two are sufficient for a 21-footer?
3) Should I get the same ones for the other side? I will be docking it at a Marina for the season and will have a neighbour. I have no idea what size/type boat my neighbour will have.
4) Even with this styled fender, is it always recommended to bring them aboard when boating? FYI, although it doesn’t show it very well in this pic, the fender has about a 1-inch lip that sits behind the skirt/edge, much like a J-channel I guess you could say preventing it from swinging out.

I realize people will have their own personal preferences for styles/makers, but your opinions and experience can only give me the opportunity to make a better informed decision.

Thanks for your feedback.

Garry

[gramps]

I would pick up 2 round style fenders and keep them stored on the boat, they are easy to throw over the side and you never know when you will need them.
Just make sure that you have a line tied to them before throwing them over, LOL!

[OldePharte]

Well, here are the noob’s first questions. I did do a search on Taylor Fenders and did not come up with the model I would like to know more about. Here is a link to the Taylor Product that is part of my overall package deal: http://www.boatfenders.com/cgi-bin/guid ... =3&Size=21

Now keeping in mind I am a first time boater this is a whole new world to me where I am going to need some feedback from more experienced tooners, both positive and negative comments are welcome. The pontoon I will be getting is a 21-footer and here is a link to what she looks like if it helps: http://www.princecraft.com/aluminum-boa ... rview.aspx

Here in point format are my questions:

1) They are supplying two fenders as in the link above. Does anyone have them that could offer some +/- comments? Even if you don’t have them, what are your honest thoughts on the design? I haven't seen them in real life, so no idea how they are set. Good I guess IF what you are tieing upto/next to is of the same level. I use some 9-inch round units and have some even larger ones, if needed.
2) Do you think two are sufficient for a 21-footer? As long you need only to protect one side. I have 6 available, but only use 2 on a regular basis. You may need more if you are going to raft up.
3) Should I get the same ones for the other side? I will be docking it at a Marina for the season and will have a neighbour. I have no idea what size/type boat my neighbour will have. You probably will need some on the other side if only to protect both of you should one boat get loose.
4) Even with this styled fender, is it always recommended to bring them aboard when boating? FYI, although it doesn’t show it very well in this pic, the fender has about a 1-inch lip that sits behind the skirt/edge, much like a J-channel I guess you could say preventing it from swinging out. Most deffinately. bring them aboard when underway.

I realize people will have their own personal preferences for styles/makers, but your opinions and experience can only give me the opportunity to make a better informed decision.

Thanks for your feedback.

Garry

[cwag911]

Welcome. We had those fenders and in plain english "they suck". We use the plain round type and have no problems. I like innovation but they're just a pain to use.

[Old Dog]

Thanks for your responses OldePharte from this OF, lol.

[Old Dog]

Welcome. We had those fenders and in plain english "they suck". We use the plain round type and have no problems. I like innovation but they're just a pain to use.

Your plain english is very much appreciated cwag911 . May I ask what size (diam/leng) you use?

[Old Dog]

Just make sure that you have a line tied to them before throwing them over, LOL!

Hahaha, I'll sure try and remember that.

[Thin Ice]

Welcome. We had those fenders and in plain english "they suck". We use the plain round type and have no problems. I like innovation but they're just a pain to use.

+1. I got 3 of them when I purchased my toon (24', all on same side). They do not stay on very well. The one closest to the stern drags in the wake and always works itself loose. Also, they dis-color quickly because they are basicly always on the toon, (Its such a pain to tie and untie I never really removed them til the end of season). I got these:

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product ... rchID=4006

and these: http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product ... rchID=4006

.....last season and they are great.

[Old Dog]

Thanks for the comments and links Thin Ice.

[dockholiday]

Got a three pack of these and they do a great job. Only downside is they do take up some room. Probably could go the next size down and be okay. Usually the begining of boating season they have 3 and 4 packs on sale (should be in the next few weeks to a month). If they will mainly be used in a no wake zone, I am sure you could go smaller.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... sNum=50341
These were about the same price on West's site that the ones that were included in your package. Might be able to get the dealer to do an even swap.

doc

[Old Dog]

Got a three pack of these and they do a great job. Only downside is they do take up some room. Probably could go the next size down and be okay. Usually the begining of boating season they have 3 and 4 packs on sale (should be in the next few weeks to a month). If they will mainly be used in a no wake zone, I am sure you could go smaller.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... sNum=50341
These were about the same price on West's site that the ones that were included in your package. Might be able to get the dealer to do an even swap.

doc

Thanks Doc for your input.

[Brandon]

How do yall feel about the pads? The long rectangle ones. They are cheaper at bass pro

[BobL]

......We had those fenders and in plain english "they suck"........

I bought two and after attempting to use for close to a season, took them off and they are sitting in my camp right now. Will figure out a way to use them on my dock one day.