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Your pontoon boat has likely experienced wear and tear, scratches, scrapes, and other types of damage. Most of this damage is caused by collisions with other boats or the dock. One effective solution to safeguard your boat is to use fenders and bumpers. These protective cushions can absorb the impact of collisions and help extend the overall lifespan of your boat.
Pontoon boats come in different shapes and sizes, so finding the right fender or bumper can be challenging. This article will discuss the best fenders and bumpers available in the market, including their top features. Hopefully, you will be able to decide which one is the right choice for your dear boat.
Fenders and Bumpers: What Must You Know?
Bumpers or fenders, which are affixed to the sides of a boat, serve as protective cushions and act as a barrier between the vessel and other boats or docks. These are essential parts of any boat as they help maintain its overall condition.
If you frequently dock your boat or navigate through heavily populated waterways where other boaters may not exercise caution, installing bumper guards is always advisable.
The Ideal Size of Bumper for Your Boat
When selecting the size of your boat’s bumper, it’s essential to consider the length of your boat. Larger boats will require heavier bumpers to provide adequate protection against impacts during docking and mooring. A general rule of thumb is to use a bumper pad with a diameter of one inch for every five feet of boat length.
To determine the appropriate size of bumper for your boat, you can use this simple calculation. For example, if you have a 20-foot boat, you would need bumper pads with a minimum diameter of 4 inches.
It’s worth noting that the type of boating activities you participate in can also impact your bumper needs. For instance, if you frequently dock in rough water conditions or alongside structures with sharp edges, you may need to use larger or more durable bumpers to ensure your boat stays protected.
How Many Fender Bumpers Do You Need?
Ideally, the more the merrier but you should use at least three bumpers on your boat. One should be attached to the fore, one at the aft, and the final one at the widest part of your boat. Experts recommend using one bumper for every 10 feet of waterline.
Clearly. Having more bumpers provides increased protection against impacts and scrapes. For a 20-foot boat, it’s recommended to use at least four fenders, with two on each side of the boat.
Types of Boat Bumpers
Before you hit the market, knowing what kind of bumpers you need for your boat is a good idea. Let’s take a look:
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Fence-saver Fenders
Fence-Saver Fenders are a type of fender designed to protect fences from damage caused by livestock or vehicles. They are longer than other pontoon boat bumpers as they drop all the way down to protect the aluminum railings. Typically made of sturdy rubber, they can absorb heavy impacts from livestock or heavy machinery.
Apart from the safety, fence-savers can also be aesthetically pleasing, as they come in various colors and styles, giving a fresh look to your boat.
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Side Fenders
Crafted from sturdy materials, these fenders are intended to be attached to pontoon side railings for safeguarding your boat against various forms of damage. They are designed to endure rigorous usage and maintain resilience, ensuring your boat is well-protected even in harsh conditions.
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Corner Fenders
Corner fenders are designed to protect the corners of pontoon boats from damage caused by impacts with docks, other boats, or other obstacles. They are instrumental in crowded marinas, where boats are often in close proximity to each other and have a higher chance of colliding.
These fenders are usually made of durable materials such as dense foam or PVC and attach safely to the corners of the boat. The unique design of corner fenders allows them to absorb the impact of collisions, reducing the risk of damage to the boat.
Here is a Fender protection guide that will help you understand more clearly:
Top 5 Pontoon Boat Fenders & Bumpers in 2023
FENDER/BUMPER | PRICE | Size |
SandShark | $64.99 | 22″×7″×7″ |
Taylor Made | $45 | 9″ x 16″ |
KEMIMOTO | $139 | 8″ x 17″ |
Dock Side | $60 | 8.5″ x 24″, 7″ x 16″, 12″ x 12″ |
PWC | $44.99 | 6″ x 14″ |
1. SandShark Inflatable Boat Bumpers for Docking
SandShark fenders are engineered with a high-quality, patent-pending modular design using top-grade PVC that resists UV radiation and chemicals. Each kit includes two fenders that measure 22″×7″×7″, two dock lines measuring 3/8″×5″, a pump, and two needles, making it an all-in-one solution for your boating needs.
The fenders feature six hanging points and reinforced eyelets, allowing for maximum customization to suit various boat docking requirements. Additionally, the fenders are easy to install and inflate using the pump and needles provided, and the included dock lines ensure secure attachment to any boat up to 27 inches.
Price – $64.99
2. Taylor Made Products Pontoon Boat Fender
Taylor made fenders are designed with molded ridge hooks underneath the pontoon deck to help keep them securely in place. They also feature optional securing points to accommodate a wide range of pontoon boat styles, ensuring a perfect fit.
The fenders’ contoured shape is precisely engineered to hug the rounded shape of the boat, providing optimal protection against impact damage.
These fenders are made from high-quality, marine-grade vinyl that is UV-resistant and durable. An integrated rubber football-style valve makes inflation easy, while the fenders’ compact 9″ W x 16″ L size ensures a sleek and unobtrusive profile. Overall, these pontoon fenders are a practical and reliable solution for protecting your boat from damage.
Price – $45
Check out this complete review video of Taylor made fenders:
3. KEMIMOTO Boat Fender
The KEMIMOTO Boat Fender is a high-quality fender that can provide ample protection for pontoon boats. It is made of durable PVC material and measures 9 inches by 16 inches.
The fender has an adjustable strap that makes it easy to attach to the pontoon boat’s side rails. It is available in different colors to match the boat’s color scheme.
Price – $139
4. Dock-Side Dock Bumper from Dock Edge
This dock-side bumper is a durable, robust solution for protecting against heavy impact. Its heavy wall-molded PVC construction is air-filled and rugged, providing excellent resistance to impact. The bumper also features an integral inflation valve, making it easy to inflate and adjust as needed.
The bumper’s angled ends are designed to deflect watercraft and offer superior gunnel protection. It is a versatile accessory that can be used for heavy impact protection and is easily mounted thanks to pre-molded holes and slots on the bottom. This ensures that stringer boards can be easily attached, making it a convenient and reliable option for those looking to protect their watercraft.
Price – $60/piece
5. Affordura PWC Parts Ultimate PWC Fender & Bumper Kit
The PWC Parts Ultimate PWC Fender & Bumper Kit is an all-in-one solution for protecting pontoon boats. This kit includes four boat fenders, dock bumpers, and fender lines.
The fenders and bumpers are made of durable marine-grade vinyl and come in different colors to match the boat’s color scheme. The fender lines are made of high-strength nylon and have a loop at one end for easy attachment to the fenders.
Price – $44.99