Bumper / Fender Question / Ideas for Low Profile Boat.

[DustDiesel]

I have a Low Profile boat that I need some ideas on what I can use to protect it when tieing off to docks and other boats. I have cleats in the areas where a bumper would be best however my cleats are only 1-2" from the edge and my boat only sits about 8" (est.) above the water so standard bumpers just float sideways and do nothing. The right angle / low profile bumpers I have seen would be very hard to attach because of limited space between the cleat and edge of the boat.

Ive attached an image, any ideas or help would be appreciated.

 

[Philster]

Re: Bumper / Fender Question / Ideas for Low Profile Boat.

Standard fenders/bumpers mounted horizontally could be an answer. You tie off to both end of the bumper, so it lays flat. The lines will come up at an angle to the cleats.

I would get oversize bumpers -- bigger than you'd typically need on a boat that size by a small margin -- and tie of on both ends of each bumper so that they sit flat/perpendicular to the water.

On second inspection.... so why can't you just tie off the bumpers with a short am't of line from cleat to bumper?

.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Bumper / Fender Question / Ideas for Low Profile Boat.

Low freeboard design...

http://www.iboats.com/Low-Freeboard-Fender/dm/*******.100966037--session_id.438726220--view_id.40196

I have also seen some that were flatter and in 3 or 4 sections so they could bend and hang down and conform to different shapes, but cannot find a pic now.

 

[DustDiesel]

Re: Bumper / Fender Question / Ideas for Low Profile Boat.

I guess I was used to hanging my bumpers before. I didn't even think about doing them sideways and going a little lower so they didn't squeeze themselves up and over. If I were to use a short line, even "very short" on the end of the bumper the other side would float sideways or towards the bow or stern and not provide any protection. I was using smaller bumpers because storage space is limited on this boat.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Bumper / Fender Question / Ideas for Low Profile Boat.

Here they are...

http://www.iboats.com/Hull-Hugr-Con...00966037--session_id.438726220--view_id.38996

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Bumper / Fender Question / Ideas for Low Profile Boat.

How about tying your bumpers to the taller boat or other structure? surely they won't mind. Just be sure your name and cell # are on them.

I agree that storage space may prevent you from using the best device. In fact, a 14" diameter bumper would be perfect.


you can mount old firehose along the edge of the boat, too.