need boat bumpers?

[strokeoluck]

We are new boaters with a 18.5' runabout. We'll be trailering the boat and using it for fun w/our two young kids on local inland lakes in MN. When launching and trailering the boat - specifically when the boat is floating around the dock waiting for me to park/retrieve our SUV - will we need boat "bumpers"? I notice the boat already has a black rubber strip which I'm guessing is meant to protect the boat from the dock. Is this strip sufficient protection? The boat isn't huge and I'd prefer to carry as little as possible short of saftey items and "fun" items for the family. Thanks.

 

[Splat]

Re: need boat bumpers?

Normally this is a matter of both preference and how the dock is set up.


Wait, first welcome to the forums!!!!!

Ok now on to business. I personally don't carry any fenders. The docks that i use all have rub strips, and they are located in positions that my boat works with them. however your mileage may vary. It's probally not a bad idea to carry a few small ones just in case you get to a launch that's a little dilapidated and your worried about rubbing. Fenders are also especially useful in launches with lots of traffic and wake. They absorb much more impact than that little rub strip on your boat. One good smack into a dock from the wake of a careless boater and you could be talking $1000's in repairs to cracked glass.

Dock rash intimately is inevitable no matter how careful you are, it just happens.

Hope this helps a little.
Bill

 

[mthieme]

Re: need boat bumpers?

I'm going to assume that the wife will be waiting in the boat when you park.
As long as you don't have a lot of wake, there is no need for fenders. She can hold the boat.
If you plan to raft, they are a must. This would be the only other need I could see in your case.
I have at least two 2 on my 'Ray. They are rarely used...typically when rafting.
Last season I kept my skiff at the pier broadside. I had several against the pilings.

 

[642mx]

Re: need boat bumpers?

I carry 6 'bumpers' or fenders as some call them. They are a must have when rafting up with friends. We don't use them at the dock, my wife drives the boat on/off the trailer and we don't stay at the dock any longer than it takes me to jump on or off the boat.

With that said, you can never have enough rope either. I bet I have 300' on board.

 

[Don S]

Re: need boat bumpers?

These are BUMPERS

What you are asking about, in boating terminology is called FENDERS.
They look like these.

OR

Or even these

Having said that, That black rubber strip around your boat will probably be higher than most docks. A couple of small fenders to rub against unprotected docks will save all the scratches on the boat. Just have a small line on them so they can be adjusted to the height of the dock.

 

[strokeoluck]

Re: need boat bumpers?

These are BUMPERS

Too funny! I appreciate the clarification re: bumpers and fenders (truly; still find it slightly humorous that the boating world has a separate and unique word for almost everything; it's a big learning curve). Thanks to everyone for the input. I'll pick up some small "fenders" as we do plan to "raft" with some other friends that have boats.

 

[mthieme]

Re: need boat bumpers?

I like the rope fender.
Never seen one. Looks like an overgrown back splice.
Any recommendation on a "how-to"?
(It's that time of year to do any needed splicing anyway).

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: need boat bumpers?

by the fender that are inflatable, has a plug like a foot ball. Taylor Made fenders are guaranteed for life. there are cheap fenders that are not inflatable, when they go flat, they are trash. i have about 10 fenders of different sizes, on my pontoon boat, to use when rafting up.

also you have to consider the angle of your gunnels, when picking the diameter of your fenders.

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: need boat bumpers?

These are BUMPERS

.

Not sure what you mean.
Your pictures show both bumpers.... and fenders.....

 

[mickjetblue]

Re: need boat bumpers?

I like this somewhat flat style:

http://www.iboats.com/Hull_Hugr_Con...32385720--**********.784580039--view_id.38996

 

[jkust]

Re: need boat bumpers?

With that said, you can never have enough rope either. I bet I have 300' on board.

Another nautical distinction I learned from my Boating Mags I didn't know. Once rope is cut off the roll it is from then on referred to as line. I carry two fenders and do use them at the dock. I am trying to ward off the inevitable first dock rash situation. We already had the 'wife hit another brand new trailer with our trailer situation but didn't know it until the cops called' situation so the fewer problems the better IMO.
Almost forgot to ask what lakes do you plan to boat on? I am in MN also.

 

[strokeoluck]

Re: need boat bumpers?

Another nautical distinction I learned from my Boating Mags I didn't know. Once rope is cut off the roll it is from then on referred to as line.

Almost forgot to ask what lakes do you plan to boat on? I am in MN also.

Oh yeah...the "line". That reminds me I need to buy some and start practicing my knots - I was never a very good boy scout and have forgotten all that stuff. Can I just go to Home Depot and buy regular rope - or is there a special nautical rope?

I'm polling locals and so far it sounds like we'll visit any/all of the following lakes out here: Minnewashta, Waconia, Bavaria, Minnetonka. And you?

 

[642mx]

Re: need boat bumpers?

Another nautical distinction I learned from my Boating Mags I didn't know. Once rope is cut off the roll it is from then on referred to as line.

I haven't heard that one before, but I'll add it to my ever-growing boating vocabulary....

 

[642mx]

Re: need boat bumpers?

by the fender that are inflatable, has a plug like a foot ball. Taylor Made fenders are guaranteed for life.

+1 on the Taylor Made's. Thats the brand I bought. Expensive, but they work.

 

[mthieme]

Re: need boat bumpers?

Another nautical distinction I learned from my Boating Mags I didn't know. Once rope is cut off the roll it is from then on referred to as line.

The term/reference is not limited to nautical use...e.g. clothesline.

 

[Varago]

Re: need boat bumpers?

Ya see the thing is if the LINE has job then its called by a name to fit the job. if it does not have a job to do then its a line, but there aint no ropes on a boat.

Dave

 

[Navy Jr.]

Re: need boat bumpers?

For our new 17.5 footer last year, I just went to WallyMart and picked up a couple of their standard white fenders. They work quite well and those windy days when we worried about the boat getting banged against the side of the dock. If you stay at a resort and have the boat in the water for a few days, they are a must.

Regarding knots, there are a number of good websites you can use. Just do a search on "nautical knots" or something similar. As a newbie boater myself last year, I found the most useful knots were the Cleat Hitch, the Clove Hitch and the Bowline. There are a bunch of other knots, many specifically for use aboard sailboats, but these three get us through the day.

Hope this helps.

 

[cbavier]

Re: need boat bumpers?

For our new 17.5 footer last year, I just went to WallyMart and picked up a couple of their standard white fenders. They work quite well and those windy days when we worried about the boat getting banged against the side of the dock. If you stay at a resort and have the boat in the water for a few days, they are a must.

Regarding knots, there are a number of good websites you can use. Just do a search on "nautical knots" or something similar. As a newbie boater myself last year, I found the most useful knots were the Cleat Hitch, the Clove Hitch and the Bowline. There are a bunch of other knots, many specifically for use aboard sailboats, but these three get us through the day.

Hope this helps.

This is the best suggestion by Navy JR. I bought four of the bigger ones at wallymart five years ago and they work just fine. I use two per side every day on my 19 footer. Two against the dock to keep waves and wind from beating the rub rail. Unless of course you don't mind it looking like Ground Hamburger and two Fenders on the other side to keep anyone else's boat from banging up against mine. I spliced the ends on my two different different length but short lines attached to the fenders. The longer ones for the mid front and shorter for the side and just loop them through the cleats. Then you can adjust them up or down by just wrapping the excess around the cleat. You won't need fenders on the bow cleats just midship and aft at the stern.

 

[strokeoluck]

Re: need boat bumpers?

Thanks guys, this is good info. I love Wal-Mart prices, so I appreciate the tip.

Another follow-up question since someone mentioned "line". Can I buy regular rope/line at a Home Depot or Lowes, or do I need to buy "nautical line" at a marina or Fleet Farm? Thanks.

 

[rtpassini]

Re: need boat bumpers?

fleet farm has a GREAT selection of rope. I would go there.