How to choose fenders for your yacht?

Why are fenders needed?

Mooring is a difficult process, which without due care can lead to damage to the yacht's hull. To prevent this, fenders are used.

Fenders are made from various materials. They can be hollow, hard, elastic, spongy, or have an internal air chamber. 

Types of fenders for yachts

Each type of fender has its own characteristics of use. Let's look at the different types of fenders: 

Cylindrical fenders

These are the most popular fenders, characterized by an elongated shape and are made mainly from PVC. Cylindrical fenders are ideal for fixed berths with constant ebb and flow of tides, i.e. altitude changes. 

Thanks to their shape, they protect the yacht's hull along its entire height. Typically, such fenders have an internal air chamber, the rigidity of which can be adjusted using a valve.

Spherical fenders

These fenders are more flexible and more impact resistant than cylindrical fenders. However, due to the peculiarities of the shape, it is necessary to constantly adjust the height of the fender to the height of the berth. Just like cylindrical fenders, spherical fenders are hollow inside and have an air chamber.

Flat fenders

Flat fenders, usually rigid with a robust design, are an excellent solution for mooring in confined spaces. Typically made from polystyrene foam, sometimes lined with nylon. 

The main disadvantage of flat fenders is their low impact resistance and low weight, which makes them vulnerable to strong winds and shocks.

Fenders for stem

These fenders are essential for yachts and boats that are moored stem or transom forward. Although a separate spherical fender can be used for the transom, dedicated curved stem and transom fenders will provide better hull protection. 

They come in different shapes and sizes and can be mounted in different ways, which requires taking into account the individual characteristics of each yacht. Typically made from PVC or rubber and may have an air chamber.

How many fenders do you need on board a yacht?

This is one of the most popular questions. The main thing is to find the optimal balance between protecting the sides and maintaining free space on the yacht. Remember that when fenders are not being used for their intended purpose, they must be stored somewhere on board.

So, a simple rule for using fenders: for every 2.5 meters of side there must be at least one fender, at least three per side. For example, for a 10-meter yacht, you will need to install three cylindrical fenders with a diameter of 20-25 cm on each side. The number of fenders may vary depending on:

• boat dimensions
• mooring locations and conditions
• personal preferences of the yachtsman.

In addition, the fender length should be equivalent to ⅔ of the freeboard height.

Where to store fenders on a yacht?

When inflated, fenders can be too bulky to store on deck. Before hiding the fender in the locker, you need to bleed the air from it and carefully lay it down, avoiding the formation of bends and kinks in the rubber. The locker must be reliably protected from moisture and direct sunlight.

If the storage space is already occupied by water toys, yacht clothing or provisions, then you can leave the fenders on the deck or in their places. However, it is important to remember that while the fenders are not in use, they should be packed in special cases. These covers will protect the fenders from ultraviolet radiation and other elements. You can also use special meshes (as in the photo above).

You will learn more about fenders from our video:

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02.05.2024