Need New Fender System for Pilings

[copb8tx]

This weekend I was tied up to the public docks in Clearwater with a 25' Center Console. The wind was stiff and there was a significant wake in the area. They were fixed docks and the pilings were pretty worn. All this was pretty new for a long time lake boy.

Tying the lines wasn't an issue but getting the fenders to stay in a position that stayed aligned to the pilings and didn't roll up over the rub rail with the wake was an issue. We got it done but it wasn't quick or pretty.

I have to think there's a better way out there but haven't been able to find it.

 

[douglee25]

Depending on how the pilings are spaced and how high they are, as well as what the dock setup is near the water line, and the shape of your boat will determine how effective fenders will be at all. Sometimes the rub rail is the only thing touching pilings. At that point, fenders are 'tits on a bull'. Fenders can either be hung vertical or sometimes they can be strung horizontal. Again, depends what you're up against. If you had a picture, maybe we can make some recommendations.

 

[copb8tx]

The rear fenders were strung horizontally to allow for some fore and aft movement of the boat. Had lines tied to both ends of the fender. Boat does have a significant Carolina flair of the bow so getting a fender there has to be vertical. Issue with the pilings was they were worn to the point that the bolts that were originally countersunk were partially exposed.

A thought was using these industrial suction cups tied to each end of the fenders and then stick those directly to the hull.

I have a picture of the boat tied to the dock but it's from the opposite side where you can't see the contact points.

 

[Highliner]

Try a google search for fender boards. Might be the ticket for that situation.

 

[copb8tx]

I'm familiar with fender boards. But who wants to carry around a 3' to 5' board on a small boat. That'll just take up cooler room

 

[Blueone]

So I have to side tie to our spot on the island ……it’s a board not a piling but similar. So I have a rope on top and bottom and I am really good now to tie both very tight….. if you set your spring lines so no forward aft movement….it works well…..pic is all I had…. Not showing a tight tie
They do make piling fenders that strap to the piling and made of fire hose material …..they are okay but not ideal

 

[copb8tx]

I saw these on ebay for protection against the bolt issue but they lack any impact protection which concerns me given the wakes we experienced

https://www.ebay.com/itm/174712130674

This is exactly what the pilings looked like at Clearwater

 

[Jus Cruisin]

A couple of round fenders might work.

 

[Stee6043]

Balls...big balls. As long as the centerline of a buoy fender is below the edge of the dock, it won't ride up.

 

[ttmott]

Tie your fenders horizontal for pilings.

 

[copb8tx]

Tie your fenders horizontal for pilings.

Yes, I mentioned above that is how I hung them.

I like the big ball idea for your large boats but storage is at a premium on a 25' CC

 

[ttmott]

Yes, I mentioned above that is how I hung them.

I like the big ball idea for your large boats but storage is at a premium on a 25' CC

I also have fabric covers on the fenders so they better slide rather than roll.

 

[Skybolt]

Besides tying the fenders horizontally, you can use a fender board. Basically two fenders vertically with a board horizontally across them tied from above. They are a bit bulky but work really well. That said I always tie the fenders horizontally.

Here's a large fender board concept, but they can be much smaller.
https://www.boatus.com/expert-advice/expert-advice-archive/2019/april/how-to-make-a-fender-board

or these molded ones: https://www.overtons.com/raft-cushi...TryMHC-o2hi9uWJsShhoCY-EQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[douglee25]

Besides tying the fenders horizontally, you can use a fender board. Basically two fenders vertically with a board horizontally across them tied from above. They are a bit bulky but work really well. That said I always tie the fenders horizontally.

Here's a large fender board concept, but they can be much smaller.
https://www.boatus.com/expert-advice/expert-advice-archive/2019/april/how-to-make-a-fender-board

This would be an easy one to implement! Pretty compact.

 

[Creekwood]

https://ezboatfenders.com/

 

[Quint4]

I used old 2 ½" firehose on m y home dock. I inserted foam pipe wrap insulation then screwed it to the pilings. I have thought about making up a few 3' pieces with a strap on top and bottom for use when I'm away from home.
View attachment 125346

 

[Blueone]

Tie your fenders horizontal for pilings.

No…. I don’t like them against the gel coat… if you raise them to the rub rail they can pop up. I would have never thought vertical but it works well on the rub rail if you can tight tie and have tight spring lines

 

[ocgrant]

Inflatable long fenders hung horizontally is your safest and easiest answer for a boat your size. Hand pump or foot pump and easy to store. 60”x18”

 

[copb8tx]

I wonder if I take 2" web straps and buckles and use that to tie traditional 8" fenders tight directly to the piling. That maybe be a good solution

 

[Woody]

So I have to side tie to our spot on the island ……it’s a board not a piling but similar. So I have a rope on top and bottom and I am really good now to tie both very tight….. if you set your spring lines so no forward aft movement….it works well…..pic is all I had…. Not showing a tight tie
They do make piling fenders that strap to the piling and made of fire hose material …..they are okay but not ideal

View attachment 125299

I carry those fire hose ones for weird transient docks but they do squeak.

I use these vertical on the home dock posts, work great