Re: Fenders and hangers
Sure they can be fastened either way. I prefer the bolt through and a peice of ply wood behind them to decrease the chance of a pull out. You wouldn't want it to pull out.
As far as cost, I understand budgets. Just remmeber that the flush will look better, may enhance the marketability and by all means, I have yet to have a family member or friend bust a body part against one. On my preious boat, at least once a year there would be someone that got a suite caught up in one or knocked a shin up against it.