Bumpers Tips for The Average Joe
Factors to Consider When Choosing Inflatable Fenders for your Boat.
Water bodies are quite turbulent, and for this reason, they can cause your boat to ram into another boat or the wall of the dock. Inflatable fenders placed around the boat can be used to prevent these risky collisions which cause damage to the boat. Here are some guiding tips on choosing boat fenders.
First, you need to take into consideration the size of your boat when choosing inflatable fenders. The length of your boat and its weight will guide you in choosing the number of fenders you will acquire for the boat. You will definitely require to purchase more inflatable fenders if you are to properly secure the boat from colliding with other boats or a hard surface. The best installation method is having a single fender for every four to five feet of your boat length.
The shape of the inflatable fenders is the second factor you need to take into consideration when choosing inflatable fenders for your boat. With regard to the shapes and sizes of the fenders there are round fenders, cylindrical fenders such as the double eye and the hollow fender, hybrid cylindrical round fenders and mooring fenders. As they generally reduce collision some have specific purposes. Sausage shaped and cylindrical double eyed fenders are the best fenders for small vessels. Round, cylindrical hollow fenders, and the hybrid cylindrical fenders are the preferred choice if you have a large and long vessel.
The shape of the fenders also determines the orientation they will be tied on the boat as either horizontals or vertical. The best orientation to hang your fender when you are about to hit the docks is on a vertical position. If you are protecting your vessel from a structure such as a piling; you ought to choose fenders which can be tied in a horizontal position.
Thirdly, take into consideration the conditions your boat will be exposed to during docking or when you leave it at the docks during your selection process. Take into regard the conditions you experience during docking and match the shape and the size of the fenders to these conditions.
The last factor you need to take into consideration is the price of the fenders and the associated gear you need to acquire during the acquisition of the fenders. With regard to price go for affordable fenders as they are generally available and fair prices are charged for them. Purchasing from a reputable brand seller is highly recommended. The necessary gear which comes with the fender includes a hand operated fender pump for inflating air into inflatable fenders, a fender cover for covering its surface after docking and a fender rack for positioning the fenders on board during cruises out at sea. It is also advisable to choose fenders whose color match that of your vessel.
