suction cups for bumpers

[not enuf toys]

i dont currently have good points or spots for bumpers. i dont really want to add cleats or bumper hangers just yet because they are permanent.

so i stumbled accross these suction cups that hold the bumper lines. they seem like they may be a neat idea but i have my concers....

to they fall off as the boat drifts up down left right with the dock? now i dont plan on using them with the boat tied off for hours, rather simple docking and maybe a visit at the local water hole on the lake.

has anyone used these before?
any suggestions (besides cleats that collapse in bc they are too expensive)

likes these

http://www.iboats.com/Suction-Cup-F...41609419--**********.909211332--view_id.39006

i have a set of four fender locks from the last boat but dont know if i want to mounth them yet....dont really have good places to "hide" them so they dont stand out like a sore thumb

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: suction cups for bumpers

I have found that suction cups seldom work well in boats, except on very small applications. Even then, you need back-up. I'd think any serious action will pull the cup off. But if you do use them, tie that bumper as well in case it does fail.

 

[Stachi]

Re: suction cups for bumpers

tie a piece of dockline from bow cleat to stern cleat and attach fenders to the line.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: suction cups for bumpers

If it was to protect the side of my boat, I woudn't trust suction cups. Lot's better solutions that are more robust.

 

[takirb]

Re: suction cups for bumpers

tie a piece of dockline from bow cleat to stern cleat and attach fenders to the line.

Agreed. IMO this by far is the best solution, and it's what i see done in most situations. Adjustable, removable, and you can add as many bumpers as needed for the different types of docking/tying off you may do.

 

[QC]

Re: suction cups for bumpers

I am with the rest of these guys and I am kinda thinking that suction cups lead to many floating Fenders (sorry like that word so much better I have to be a weenee).

Could we see a better pic of your gunnel/sides full length? I hang a Fender in the stern on that cleat, with a lighter line than the bow line. Done properly the cleat still allows room for the dockline to be looped in and over the cleat. Also works on a mid-ship cleat. I also use my bow rail, and I use any Bimini mounting stuff to accomplish what you want, and I don;t have to add anything.

 

[rallyart]

Re: suction cups for bumpers

Perko make a fender lock that you screw onto the boat. It's very small and quite flush. I have several of these on mine.
They also make a fender hook that you screw on but it sticks out more.
I like many of the Quik Tek products, but not the suction cups.

Edit
iboats sells these fender locks that are stainless rather than the Perko chrome plated ones.

 

[Texas Parrothead]

Re: suction cups for bumpers

Thanks for starting this thread not enuf! I have been looking at the same solution as you!

Seems not many are in favour of the "wonder cup!"

I am thinking for the price I might still try them. I only need them for about 10 minutes while launching and retrieving. My family just never puts into a dock otherwise.

If they don't work I will only be out the $10. I'll check back later in the season and give an update.

 

[not enuf toys]

Re: suction cups for bumpers

i have heard from several people on the line from the bow to the stern and that sounds like a great idea, however may involve a lot of trial and error untill you get it right. once right i would think that you could tie off little eyeletts for fenders with clips, so this may be good!

im with texas parrothead, for the majority of my use will be while loading and unloading so for ten bucks i think i am going to try them.

i will however do the bow line for longer stays

 

[cpubud]

Re: suction cups for bumpers

i used the suction cup fenders on the side of my boat for the jet skies when no one is ridding them and they are tied to the boat . you have to get them good and wet before sticking them to the boat or they come loose. but they have worked ok for me so far.