Best Bumper Type and Size for Pontoon

[Pbober]

Hello,
Just bought a new 20’ pontoon with 25” inch tubes and wondering about bumpers/fenders for docking and rafting. Round, cylindrical or both; size and recommended number to be used for a 20’? Inflatable or not?

We will be trailering to a number of different lakes with various types of docks.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

 

[cyclops222]

Where do you have enough ROOM to store them on the boat ? Would you leave them hanging over the side. Even when motoring around ?
Where you will be docking. Determines SIZE and Type / shape of them.

 

[Pbober]

Where do you have enough ROOM to store them on the boat ? Would you leave them hanging over the side. Even when motoring around ?
Where you will be docking. Determines SIZE and Type / shape of them.

Hello,
Thanks for taking the time to respond to my question.

In comparison to my open bow deep-V which I had for twenty years, I have lots of storage.

I am hoping folks will be able to describe the types of docking situations that determine a particular type of bumper and the size of the bumper since I have no experience operating a pontoon. For example, if a particular docking situation requires a round buoy type how big should I get?

Thanks for helping me to clarify my question.

 

[cyclops222]

When it comes to size. Longer & large diameter matter. With rope holes at each end. Pontoons are difficult to get it right with just 1 size and shape.
List the different edges and heights of docks that require fenders.
List the winds and wave heights slamming the boat against different dock surfaces. At 60 to 80 mph gusts.

 

[jlh3rd]

I have a 24', 25" diameter pontoon. I I use the cylindrical bumpers, mainly two per side, 3 if I need it, but seldom do. My clamp slips over the railing, the rope disengages with a tug , so moving the bumper up or down is easy. Plus the clamp is just sitting on the rail so it also can be moved easily.
So two bumpers work just fine

 

[cyclops222]

As long as you can get to the boat before BAD BAD weather wil slam the boat around.
People NEED to watch boats being slammed against docks with fenders tossed up on the floating docks. Or high winds pulling on dock lines.
Then you can NOT go out and change lines and fenders.
I have fenders permanently tied to the docks so they can NOT jump up on the floating docks. Plus a great insurance policy.