Pontoon fenders/bumbers?

Dkrager

Dkrager

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 16, 2010
Messages
110
So I've got some of the regular run of the mill medium sized fenders-bumbers. They work fine for the dock and when rafting up with other pontoons. But when trying to raft up with a runabout, it doesn't work well. The runabout is too high in front and tries to get into the tin on the fencing. :confused:

I've seen those expensive *** ones made just for pontoons, but I want something removable. Most of those they advertise that you just leave them on all the time.????? Don't want that......

What do you guys do? Is there something else that I'm missing?
 
R

Randy J

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Oct 24, 2009
Messages
170
Re: Pontoon fenders?

Re: Pontoon fenders?

wally world get some of those cheap aluminum rope connects ?? dont recall actual name but look like gizmos rope climbers use about a $1.00 or so each and use em to connect end to end of your bouys ?? seems that work or just use cheap nylon rope o(______)00(_______)0< Bouys end to end
 
Dkrager

Dkrager

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 16, 2010
Messages
110
Re: Pontoon fenders?

Re: Pontoon fenders?

So you're saying put one fender on top of the other? Never thought about that. I'd still be nervous that it wouldn't provide enough support not to dent the tin work.

Wondering if anyone has those expensive ones that clamp on to protect the whole fence? How do you like them? Do you leave them on all the time, or can they be removed easily?
 
B

bill and doris

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 7, 2009
Messages
48
Re: Pontoon fenders?

Re: Pontoon fenders?

Fenders will never work to keep the bow from riding up into the tin in that situation. Also the tin work won't take the pressure of the other boat pushing against it. Wave action will let the bow of the runabout try to ride up and over the railing. You need to put two, three or more bumpers where aft section of the runabouts hull does contact your deck edge and keep his stern tied off fairly tight. Also if you are handy rig up a way to mount a boat hook or something solid to your deck that will latch onto the bow of the other boat and hold it away.

25' Voyager center console/115 Merc 4 stroke EFI
Lake Texoma OK
 
L

Lawnmedic

Seaman
Joined
Jan 22, 2011
Messages
60
Re: Pontoon fenders?

Re: Pontoon fenders?

Dkrager said:
Wondering if anyone has those expensive ones that clamp on to protect the whole fence? How do you like them? Do you leave them on all the time, or can they be removed easily?
Click to expand...

I have the pontoon specific fenders, and they work great. I added the quick disconnects and can be moved easily. Most people do not have the proper sized fenders for their boat. I carry 8" diameter fenders on my 23' bowrider, and they are marginal for that size boat.
 
Dkrager

Dkrager

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 16, 2010
Messages
110
Re: Pontoon fenders?

Re: Pontoon fenders?

bill and doris said:
Fenders will never work to keep the bow from riding up into the tin in that situation. Also the tin work won't take the pressure of the other boat pushing against it. Wave action will let the bow of the runabout try to ride up and over the railing. You need to put two, three or more bumpers where aft section of the runabouts hull does contact your deck edge and keep his stern tied off fairly tight. Also if you are handy rig up a way to mount a boat hook or something solid to your deck that will latch onto the bow of the other boat and hold it away.

25' Voyager center console/115 Merc 4 stroke EFI
Lake Texoma OK
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. That's my problem, I have a 22' pontoon, but most runabouts that I raft up with are only 16-17'. I don't have a mid cleat to tie off to, only stern and bow. That would be the best solution, to add a mid cleat to tie off to. This would allow me to do what you were saying to keep the bow away.

I do like the idea of the pole, I might ponder on that one. I'm always fabricating things so I might rig something up.
 
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