vinyl for boat fenders?

[dthrckt]

I'm going to make some bumpers (for my aluminum boat) from the foam tubes I've seen used as water toys. I think most people call them water or pool 'noodles'.

I'm not especially fond of the standard vinyl fenders that are made to hang from gunnels and I'm also trying to end up w/ more coverage and something that looks a little different.

I took one and sprayed it with aerosol plasti-dip (since I want white, and the foam isn't very abrasion resistant). The result is satisfactory but I'd like to avoid the hassle and cost of spraying a couple dozen feet of tube.

So, I thought I'd use some sort of white fabric to coat them. Basically abrasion resistance is the most important attribute.

I've been checking out threads about marine vinyl and saw a couple brand names in there, but if anyone could say which one might be more suited to this sort of use I'd like to hear why.

Thanks

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: vinyl for boat fenders?

IMHO..

Your'e re inventing the wheel..I kinda like the pool noodle idea..I get you there..Some have used them as under deck foam flotation..

But Marine Vinyl is pricey!!! I think it may be more $$ in the long run for you to go through this..But if ya do..Post some pics!

 

[dthrckt]

Re: vinyl for boat fenders?

I think it may be more $$ in the long run for you to go through this..But if ya do..Post some pics!

you're right about the wheel...but it is fun

will probably look a little tacky, too but that's nothing new for me

the foam is on clearance locally so I can do one wrap of the whole boat for $15. if the fabric is wide enough to wrap 3 tubes then I'll need 4.5 to 5 yards, so i might spend $75 at $15/yard.

I can probably wrap 5 tubes (3" dia ~ 10" circumference) w/ 55" fabric so I'd be down to $45. Plus adhesive...say ~$100 total.

I figure the plasti-dip will cost the same as vinyl, or more, and although easier to touch up won't last as long.

yup, will cost more than attwood fenders, but everybody's got those

pics won't come until after I paint, which will be this winter...but they will come...

 

[dthrckt]

Re: vinyl for boat fenders?

guess i found my answer, this one sounds perfect and is <$10/yard, 60in wide on fleabay
http://www.glenraven.com/surlast.php?lang=en
didn't find any posts that mention it but if i get it and it won't work i'll make a motor and seat covers...

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: vinyl for boat fenders?

I wanted covers for my fenders but didn't want to pay what they wanted for the terrycloth covers, 20 a piece seemed way over the top to me. So I headed to the big and tall store and bought a few pairs of white tube socks in like a xxxl and they went on perfect total deal was like 8 bucks and they have been on for two seasons now..

 

[erikgreen]

Re: vinyl for boat fenders?

The thing to watch for with the pool noodle stuff is that it seems springy in your hand, but it will crush down to nothing under enough force. Air filled fenders get firmer the more they're compressed.

You could look at your local boat store or anywhere with a good selection of boat gear for other types of fenders, like for docks. They have some that "wrap" around your hull, around corners, and look a bit better than a chandelier of vinyl.

Erik

 

[dthrckt]

Re: vinyl for boat fenders?

but it will crush down to nothing under enough force.
other types of fenders, like for docks.Erik

that much force on my little aluminum boat and i'll be in bad shape, but that's a REALLY good idea. i prefer function to form but that's probably better for both...thanks

bought a pile of the tubes yesterday. they'll probably end up under the floor.