Best stainless fender holders for Sea Ray 380?

Haden

Haden

Active Member
May 27, 2020
482
Madison, Alabama
Boat Info
2001 Sea Ray 380 Sundancer
Engines
Twin 8.1l Mercury w/V Drives
Options wanted. Looking for quality fender holders that will attach to front starboard and port rail.
 
Polyform worked great for me. They are modular so you can put as many as you wish together.

Study what they sell and the mounting options to determine what you need. They do not sell a one size fits all. You must set up your configuration then order all the parts.
 
MonacoMike said:
Polyform worked great for me. They are modular so you can put as many as you wish together.

Study what they sell and the mounting options to determine what you need. They do not sell a one size fits all. You must set up your configuration then order all the parts.
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I will take a look at them now. I currently have polyform fenders and covers.
 
The polyform look a little on the flimsy side. Are they?
 
Thoughts?
upload_2020-8-10_11-50-51.png
 
MonacoMike said:
No. If you use adequate secure points to the rails they are very sturdy. I thought the same thing in the beginning but came to appreciate the more minimalist approach visually.
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There are aspects of the minimalist aspect I like! I mainly want quality 316 stainless, and good form/function. My kids/teens seem to be extra rough on things. Haha. The wife and kids are my deck hands.
 
I had fender holders and sold them. I found I didn’t like the forward view being blocked. Maybe on your 380 they won’t be as in the line of sight. I don’t miss them, but that is just me.
 
Haden said:
Those are beautiful!!! I would love to have something like that. Where would start? I do know of a shop 15 minutes away that builds stairs, stainless rails, etc. Should I ask them?
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I would be interested in a set for my 380 if we can have them save costs with a group order. I would just need the pieces and could get it welded by a local shop. I currently have Taylor made 10" x 26" Big B fenders, i could get others if need be though
 
I am not a fan of the look. I keep mine in the anchor locker ..4 big ones fit in there nicely
 
Haden said:
There are aspects of the minimalist aspect I like! I mainly want quality 316 stainless, and good form/function. My kids/teens seem to be extra rough on things. Haha. The wife and kids are my deck hands.
Click to expand...

I have been very happy with mine. When they are properly secured together to the rails they are very strong. I would not tie my boat on it but neither would I have my old big tube stainless ones either. Not sure what they would do to hurt them. Does anyone here broken them before?

It would be interesting to me to see a strength analysis of the solid material versus tubular material. My old tubular racks were held on with thin metal J straps. Those straps also permanently marred the stainless railings on the boat.

I did opt to do four of the connection points to the rails on my Pollyform racks.
 
MonacoMike said:
I have been very happy with mine. When they are properly secured together to the rails they are very strong. I would not tie my boat on it but neither would I have my old big tube stainless ones either. Not sure what they would do to hurt them. Does anyone here broken them before?

It would be interesting to me to see a strength analysis of the solid material versus tubular material. My old tubular racks were held on with thin metal J straps. Those straps also permanently marred the stainless railings on the boat.

I did opt to do four of the connection points to the rails on my Pollyform racks.
Click to expand...
I’m going to the marina today, and see if I see any of the polyform holders.
 
Haden said:
I’m going to the marina today, and see if I see any of the polyform holders.
Click to expand...

my last boat had the polyform holders. A weld has broke on each of them. still worked good and if i had kept the boat, i would of had my buddy weld it back.... they worked fine for the 2 years i had the boat.
 
MonacoMike said:
I agree, that is not my preference but You must have a massive anchor locker to hold those big fenders.
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I think they are 10.5 x 21...for sure not smaller. There is 250’ of chain in there and a coil hose. The locker is deep so they go in on a bit of an angle...two in each side... I have two hatches.
I wouldn’t drop anchor with them in there. ...but no big deal pulling them out and putting in...it’s not cramped by any means
 
Blueone said:
I think they are 10.5 x 21...for sure not smaller. There is 250’ of chain in there and a coil hose. The locker is deep so they go in on a bit of an angle...two in each side... I have two hatches.
I wouldn’t drop anchor with them in there. ...but no big deal pulling them out and putting in...it’s not cramped by any means
Click to expand...

That is awesome!
 
I’m at the marina now and I will admit, most of the fender holders I have seen look rough. Some are chrome, which has begin to rust, and others are almost as thin as metal clothes hangers. Still a few more dock slips to look down. Like I said, I would like something to last many years, easy or no maintenance. If I add something that requires maintenance, then I feel like I’m defeating the purpose. I want no maintenance, strong, 316 stainless, and years of use. So far “The Bill Collector” is top choice.
 
Haden said:
I’m at the marina now and I will admit, most of the fender holders I have seen look rough. Some are chrome, which has begin to rust, and others are almost as thin as metal clothes hangers. Still a few more dock slips to look down. Like I said, I would like something to last many years, easy or no maintenance. If I add something that requires maintenance, then I feel like I’m defeating the purpose. I want no maintenance, strong, 316 stainless, and years of use. So far “The Bill Collector” is top choice.
Click to expand...

The fenders themselves are made out of solid stainless steel. All hardware I received was marine grade stainless steel.

Is it the holders themselves or the polymer material that attaches them to the rails that has you afraid of them? If it is the polymer material you were worried about I would say one word, Glock. LOL

Good luck.
 
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