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????

[hard1]

I think you'd better wait till you get your £35K + investment out there in inclement unfriendly docking conditions with blue chip clients on-board that have fairly high expectations before you cast judgement on a £32 "bit of foam".

Reading about it and theorising is one thing - putting your hand in your pocket and having to pay out £3,000 for new tubes is quite different.


Plastimo, you see, invested quite a lot of money in a high tech piece of "foam" (as you fondly call it) which not only has amazing shock absorber qualities immediately returning to it's original shape, but is non hydroscopic as well which basically means it won't absorb water and hang there like your rained on pants.

£32? A bargain!

[Chopppywaters]

the flat ones seem like a great idea.

[Bou]

Originally Posted by hard1

I think you'd better wait till you get your £35K + investment out there in inclement unfriendly docking conditions with blue chip clients on-board that have fairly high expectations before you cast judgement on a £32 "bit of foam".

Reading about it and theorising is one thing - putting your hand in your pocket and having to pay out £3,000 for new tubes is quite different.


Plastimo, you see, invested quite a lot of money in a high tech piece of "foam" (as you fondly call it) which not only has amazing shock absorber qualities immediately returning to it's original shape, but is non hydroscopic as well which basically means it won't absorb water and hang there like your rained on pants.

£32? A bargain!

Nice to see and hear what you are using to protect your RIB.
I think you all mean fenders like the picture below...?
The small one coasts €15.75 and the big one €33.00

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by hard1

Plastimo, you see, invested quite a lot of money in a high tech piece of "foam" (as you fondly call it) which not only has amazing shock absorber qualities immediately returning to it's original shape, but is non hydroscopic as well which basically means it won't absorb water and hang there like your rained on pants.

£32? A bargain!

Closed cell means exactly that - won't absorb water. It is also pretty common to find foam that has "amazing shock absorber qualities"!!!

With rubber tubes you don't even need shock absorption - all you need is abrasion resistance.

"Plastimo invested quite a bit of money" - mmm of course they did!!!!!

[hard1]

Like I said, it would be best to get some practical experience under your belt first before rubbishing paid members choice of equipment.

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by hard1

Like I said, it would be best to get some practical experience under your belt first before rubbishing paid members choice of equipment.

I am NOT rubbishing people's choice - I just find it distressing that people are conned into parting with £120 for a set of fenders that should only cost them £10!!!

I know it's down to people's choice but if I can help people save a few quid and avoid being ripped off then what's the problem???

Let's face it - some of the best fenders in the world are actually FREE - and they DID cost millions to develop = Just ask Michelin - Firestone - Avon - Goodyear etc!!!

[CJL]

I just use 3 fenders. Two small cylindrical ones and a large spherical one for the bow. Holds it nicely alongside.

On the other side I have a small sign that says "No Mooring. Berthholder Returning." This I have discovered works wonders stopping el nobber from tying up his 60ft Gin Palace to my rubber tube cleats!

[Hightower]

You cheeky devil Chris! If I saw that sign I'd hang it on my outside tube and tie alongside using bicycle locks!! Then I'd hunt you down and it's drinks on you all afternoon untill you get me legless enough to pinch mi padlock keys .

[Richard B]

Originally Posted by CJL

I just use 3 fenders.

I use 4

Originally Posted by CJL

On the other side I have a small sign that says "No Mooring. Berthholder Returning." This I have discovered works wonders stopping el nobber from tying up his 60ft Gin Palace to my rubber tube cleats!

I like that...a lot!

[tcwozere]

Originally Posted by hard1

..before rubbishing paid members choice of equipment.

That has to be a qualifier for the "head in arse" award of 2006..