8.5 Fender overkill?

[Huskerjetboat]

I ordered and received four 8.5" Fenders for my SX240. These things seem HUGE. The fenders I have been using were probably like 5.5" ones I got from Menards on sale. Are these big ones overkill for a 24' boat? I do not tie up with other boats at this time, but may some time down the road. Primarily got these for an out of town boating trip to an unfamiliar lake and dock where the boat will be spending nights. not a slip dock a side tie up dock. Just curious what my fellow jet boaters think. thanks!

 

[jetboater4life]

Nope, 8.5" will serve you well in the future. I bought the 4pack kit from http://www.stowawayboatfender.com/ They work perfect and inflate/deflate super fast.

 

[Huskerjetboat]

Nope, 8.5" will serve you well in the future. I bought the 4pack kit from http://www.stowawayboatfender.com/ They work perfect and inflate/deflate super fast.

What size kit did you buy?

 

[jetboater4life]

I'm pretty sure it's the Medium. I was out in the boat this weekend and couldn't find my pump so I just blew it up by mouth. Took less than 10 seconds.

 

[BigN8]

Your fellow boaters will love you for those fenders when you tie up. Keep them.

 

[Volffas]

Our previous boat was bigger than our current AR230. We had the 8.5 inch fenders for that and just brought them with us to our new boat. We use them all the time and have never had an issue. I can honestly say that I have never thought to myself "man I wish I had smaller fenders".

As everyone else has already said, I suggest you keep them. You will be happy to have them. The only downside is storage if you keep them inflated, but our boats have plenty of storage areas.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

They are the proper size unless you dock in a skinny slip. One 8.5 on the stern and one mid-ship is really all you need for most docks. Tie your dock lines so that the bow is held OFF of the dock and no 3rd fender is needed. I use a 1/8" cord to tie my fenders on, this allows you to use the same cleats for the dock lines.

 

[Glassman]

I carry 10 of those.


I use them primarily to fend off lake lice when they get too close. They make a great impact.

I've gone through about 30 so far since we've owned this boat.

In reading all these replies I get the idea that you guys use them differently?