Hmm..bumpy rubbery things

[Chopppywaters]

I was just wondering if any of you guys use fenders with your RIB to give it a little more protection when at a dock? And if so where would you tie the fender that is closest to the bow?

[Jieboy]

Hi Choppywaters,
I use three fenders when at any pier. As long as you have your bow, stern and spring set up right you shouldnt have to worry. I just tie them on to the inner grab line.

[hard1]

Originally Posted by Chopppywaters

I was just wondering if any of you guys use fenders with your RIB to give it a little more protection when at a dock? And if so where would you tie the fender that is closest to the bow?

A lot of us use foam rubber or plastic "mats" rather than circular fenders which tend to ride up over the tube. Mine are 1m long X 1/2 metre deep and I use 2 on the side which takes care of all the dock banging.

Anyone who doesn't bother protecting their tubes against a dock side in a seaway or where's there's boat wash is just ripping up $$$$'s in my view.

[Hightower]

When rafting against another boat/RIB I tend not to use fenders, but dependent on there I berth sometimes I do and sometimes I don't. Usually I do though. There is a jetty/pontoon at Warsash that has some pretty horrific nails and such poking out, I just wouldn't trust one of those mat type things in that situation.

[Andy Moore]

Originally Posted by hard1

A lot of us use foam rubber or plastic "mats" rather than circular fenders which tend to ride up over the tube. Mine are 1m long X 1/2 metre deep and I use 2 on the side which takes care of all the dock banging.

Are those the blue ones with the white 'core'? Can one get them on-line?

[codprawn]

You can buy the foam type but them seem very expensive for what they are. You can buy thick closed cell foam and make your own - just poke some holes through and stick a bit of rope through.

I bought some excercise mats from Lidel - £10 each and they make 4 fenders per one or 2 if you want them really thick.

For an even tougher solution I have thought of using polypropylene sheet bent into shape with an hot air gun - seriously hard wearing!!!

[Richard B]

Originally Posted by codprawn

I bought some excercise mats from Lidel

You will be able to get plenty of exercise whilst waiting for delivery of your RIB!

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by Richard B

You will be able to get plenty of exercise whilst waiting for delivery of your RIB!

Tell me about it!!! Well it IS 2/3rds finished now.....

[hard1]

These are they.

https://sslrelay.com/quaywestonline....prod=PLS_14519

Whilst it's true that I could make up some cheap ones from exercise mat which would do the job in temperate conditions I'm quite sure, they would not take kindly to being stabbed, soaked in sea water, oil, seagull shit and 2 hours on the Town Quay during Cowes Week.

So, I use the Plastimo variety which are guaranteed against all the above and look professional.

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by hard1

These are they.

https://sslrelay.com/quaywestonline....prod=PLS_14519

Whilst it's true that I could make up some cheap ones from exercise mat which would do the job in temperate conditions I'm quite sure, they would not take kindly to being stabbed, soaked in sea water, oil, seagull shit and 2 hours on the Town Quay during Cowes Week.

So, I use the Plastimo variety which are guaranteed against all the above and look professional.

£32 for a bit of foam????