Inflatable Fenders

[hmason]

The wife has a troublesome back which makes it difficult for her to place and remove our current set of fenders. They are the familiar Polyform/TaylorMade styles and are pretty heavy. I've been considering inflatable fenders. Online research indicates the leaders in the field are Aere, Easystow and Fendertex. Do any of you have experience with these? Any recommendations? Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[DDW]

I have a number of Aere, don't know about the others though they are probably similarly built. They are light, and far more durable than you might suppose. I'd still use the molded PVC ones absent another consideration, but if weight is an issue I'd also have no problem using the Aere routinely. One difference is the inflation pressure varies with temperature just like an inflatable boat (the construction is similar). They will get hard in the sun and soft when cold. If they do puncture they have almost no cushioning action, while PVC ones still have some. I have only managed to puncture one - ripped it end to end actually - due to some very unwanted "help" leaving the dock in Nassau.

 

[hickleyboy]

I have fendertex. Used them for two years now and very happy with them. Easy to move, light as air, and kids and older adults can grab fenders and move them easily, as necessary. They are easy to store and take up no space if you are cruising and have no need for fenders.

 

[hollywood8118]

I wouldn't think light fenders would be a good choice in windy places and areas prone to a swell
Hollywood

 

[hmason]

I wouldn't think light fenders would be a good choice in windy places and areas prone to a swell
Hollywood

Yes, that is my concern. FL can get quite windy and I would worry that the fenders would blow out of position.

 

[DDW]

They certainly do blow around more than a heavier fender.

 

[Retriever]

We have some ProStock fenders. Similar to Aere. I've been impressed with their durability.

If it's windy we add water to the fenders to keep them weighted down. Defeats the purpose of using lightweight fenders, though.

They inflate/deflate rapidly with a shop vac.

 

[Flatswing]

We use North Atlantic Inflatables. 4’ long, robust USA build but light & easily inflated/deflated. We use them when docking against pilings. By partially deflating, they conform to the pilling enough to stay in place.

 

[Shrew]

I had a set of StowAway inflatable fenders. They were ok, but a bit inconvenient as a primary set of fenders. i've been considering keeping the existing four in the fender holders, and a second set of four inflatable. Right now I carry spare polyballs.

 

[twistedtree]

We have some ProStock fenders. Similar to Aere. I've been impressed with their durability.

If it's windy we add water to the fenders to keep them weighted down. Defeats the purpose of using lightweight fenders, though.

They inflate/deflate rapidly with a shop vac.

Same here, and same caution about them getting blow around when it’s windy. Bi that does hand in hand with lightweight.

 

[DDW]

They inflate/deflate rapidly with a shop vac.

I've been using a little Milwaukee battery powered shop vac for this - it works brilliantly, and for the big fenders (I have a couple that are 6' long) you can easily take it to the fender and deployment location.

 

[wkearney99]

I've had Aere units for a while and have been pleased with how they've performed. Held air well and are durable. Their fleece covers have been about as durable/sun-resistant as others I've used. I use the same inflator to fill them as paddleboards and the RIB. I've also use a Ryobi hand-held inflator, in a pinch.

My latest air pump is this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09W8SKXMF It's threaded the same as various others I've used, so I've got a slew of adapters to fit just about anything now.

As for their weight, they are certainly easier to lug around than the typical ones of the same size. Mine were hung horizontally to accommodate being on a T-head dock. Wind wasn't ever an issue for them staying in place.

 

[Circumnavigator]

We use North Atlantic Inflatables. 4’ long, robust USA build but light & easily inflated/deflated. We use them when docking against pilings. By partially deflating, they conform to the pilling enough to stay in place.

We use these on Fintry -- not year round, but when cruising. They're five years old now, used 30-50 days a year, and are still going strong. However, I don't think they are made in USA -- the web site doesn't claim that. Recommended.


Jim

 

[crusier3650]

Have Easystow and they are wonderful and amazingly durable and American made.

 

[Iggy]

I have fendertex. Used them for two years now and very happy with them. Easy to move, light as air, and kids and older adults can grab fenders and move them easily, as necessary. They are easy to store and take up no space if you are cruising and have no need for fenders.

I saw them at the Newport Boat Show. They seem a lot more heavy duty than anything I have ever seen. My friend bought one from Northern Atlantic which can easily tear. They had a video of a tractor running one over and it did not burst. They also sell wights to attach at the bottom. BUT, I am sure you could add your own.

 

[MVDarlin]

I recomnend medium round inflated crab pot floats. Mine are numbered and connect to pad eyes on the underside of my rails with clips. I stow them in my skiff while underway. Easy and fast to hang. Line is set so they hang about 2 inches above the water, 3 on each side. Good dock protection.

 

[Cigatoo]

I recomnend medium round inflated crab pot floats. Mine are numbered and connect to pad eyes on the underside of my rails with clips. I stow them in my skiff while underway. Easy and fast to hang. Line is set so they hang about 2 inches above the water, 3 on each side. Good dock protection.

Sounds reasonable. Could you post an example?

 

[RyanK]

We have 6 medium and 2 really large Aere fenders. We had 4 of the smaller ones pinned between two of our pilings and our cat for 8+ hours while Isiasias (as a cat1 ) smashed them back and forth . I fully expected them to rupture/ blow out or be damaged.
They held up as good or better then the rubber Taylor made etc,, with probably less damage to the hull as well
Very impressed , and btw mostnmegayachts are using the blow up PVC fenders

 

[jimdavi]

I have 8 fendertec fenders from PYI. They are made in France and are excellent. They are a bit light and need the weights inserted in the bottom. Way better than Taylor made, which unfortunately for me, find a way to crack and leak.

 

[JadePanama]

We have 4 Aere and 4 Fendertex. Makes it easy for the first mate to handle. if its windy, just put some water in them. Lot of captains up here will add a gallon or so to keep them in place. easily emptied as well and no messing with weights etc. I took all our traditional ones and and permanently tied them to the slip.

And you see all the super yachts using them as they need super large fenders and there really is no other choice weight wise. Once you get above 60' this is the way to go.