Interesting idea. . . . what else you guys got?

[0627Devildog]

http://www.boatingmag.com/maintenance/diy-projects/how-build-fender-board?src=soc&dom=fb

 

[txav8r]

If I had pilings to deal with, I can see using a fender board. I would like an idea on a swim deck fender to protect it when I back up against a pier or dock to off load or on load passengers. Normally I hover and they just step on and off...but that isn't good for those passengers not familiar with getting on a boat in the first place! It is fast however, no tying up or having to place fenders. So if I had some sort of long protection that I could back against the dock and keep a little pressure on it so the boat didn't move when folks stepped on, that would do it!

 

[0627Devildog]

If I had pilings to deal with, I can see using a fender board. I would like an idea on a swim deck fender to protect it when I back up against a pier or dock to off load or on load passengers. Normally I hover and they just step on and off...but that isn't good for those passengers not familiar with getting on a boat in the first place! It is fast however, no tying up or having to place fenders. So if I had some sort of long protection that I could back against the dock and keep a little pressure on it so the boat didn't move when folks stepped on, that would do it!

What about 1 or 2 of these? FenderS - 56090 TRANSOM1.JPG

 

[Glassman]

http://www.amazon.com/Inflatable-Fe...5ZS0BUG/ref=cm_sw_em_r_dp_1Xgztb08QZAHC2JR_tt

At least this concept doesn't take up much space. I wonder how durable it is.

 

[txav8r]

That inflatable would work fine on the side if it is pretty durable. But for my application, not sure how to keep the swim deck from just pushing it up and on top of it, not providing any protection. I have looked at that tailormade fender before @0627Devildog , it is hard, bulky, and storage is a bitch! Also, you don't have any place to attach the fender lines without it running to side cleats, and all the lines makes boarding risky IMO. I envisioned maybe two of those, one on each end of the swim deck, with lines clear of the deck, so you could nudge up against the dock, and just keep slight pressure on it to stabilize the boat for passengers getting on/off. Something that is super easy to set up and store. A big heavy noodle may do the trick, if I could find one. Store it in the ski locker.

 

[0627Devildog]

Another noodle mod. . . . .found!

 

[txav8r]

I actually have tried a noodle lengthways across the side and it isn't heavy or thick enough for protecting that bowing side. But on the swim deck??? I dunno, it may work for my described purpose. May need the big noodle stuffed with the small diameter noodle, that would be plenty thick then.

 

[Seadeals]

For those with their own dock, how about putting something dockside to cush into? If not your dock, or many different places, just wow them with your exceptional slow speed maneuvering skills. I know you have them, but I can also see how it might be scary when you don't have a single scratch on your beautiful new boat! Congrats!

 

[0627Devildog]

@txav8r . . . . I think 3 or more of these mounted in close proximity would work excellently for backing up into a dock. That is if you are mounting them to your home dock. . . . . keeping them on the boat and deploying in different locales might prove more difficult.

http://www.ez-dock.com/product/dock-bumper/

Here is a picture of them in action on my home dock. . . .

edited for spelling.

 

[txav8r]

Those would be great on the dock as you mention @0627Devildog , I think your right, keeping several on the boat to drop off the swim deck for backing up might be too much to rig each time. You almost need a permanent replacement for the rub rail that can take more than it can. Probably not a mod I would consider, I like the way the boat looks. The noodle idea may get some traction however, I have an idea!

 

[Julian]

Fender boards....interesting...in particular for raft ups....never thought about this before.....would also add more distance between rafted up boats so that board racks might not hit as easily....

"Fender Board Tips
-Use the fender board when rafting boats of varying freeboard height by having the other boat’s crew place its fenders in line with your fender board. Unlike fenders alone, fenders and a fender board can be hung lower and thus stay in place instead of popping out of position as the boats rock."