The Ultimate Guide to Inflatable Fenders: Types, sizes, and benefits
- sales@ safe2dock.com
- Feb 25, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Table of Contents
Introduction to dock fenders
Types of fenders
Discover safe2dock range of horizontally installed fenders today!
Introduction to dock fenders
Dock fenders are essential component for any boat owner who has a boat that resides in the water providing a soft barrier between the vessel and the dock during departure and returning.
Unfortunately the wind and tide are usually unhelpful and make this task all the more complicated and stressful.
As loving boat owners safe2dock is committed to helping you understand the ins and outs of these boating essentials.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of fenders, fender sizing guide for your boat, benefits of inflatable dock fenders vs traditional boat fenders, and much more!
Whether you’re an avid sailor or a new boat owner, this guide will help you make an informed decision about protecting your Pride & Joy!
Types of fenders
Fenders come in various shapes and sizes, each designed for different uses and vessel types. Fenders are either Inflatable, soft plastic, hard plastic, rubber or EVA foam or a mixture.
Inflatable fenders features & benefits
Generally softer material with better cushioning, manufactured in PVC, TPU and Hypalon.
Can be attached to a dock or hung from the boat.
Suitable for a wide range of boat sizes.
Multiple fenders can be used.
Adaptable to different vessels and applications, can be hung vertically or horizontally.
Easy storage onboard by simply deflating, fold & reinflate when needed.
Bumpers can be hung vertically from the handrail.
Bumpers
Generally made from semi firm plastics filled with foam, boat or dock bumpers offer decent impact resistance for small to medium size vessels. Boat Bumpers are typically used on corners of docks or pontoons, generally smaller in size and attached to the dock, boat bumpers are not as soft or impact resistant as inflatable fenders and the foam inside can deteriorate over time.
As bumpers age they can become brittle and can fill with water and sag on the boat side...not ideal.
Key Features:
Provides lasting corner protection at your berth, dock or mooring.
Good for small to medium sized vessels and as corner protection.
safe2dock V - Fenders
A world first - Innovative safe2dock V fender designed specifically for bow protection, particularly when the vessel has a single engine and the marina is susceptible to wind and tide.
V-shaped to direct and contain the boat and bow.
An in water fender - fast & easy even in windy conditions.
Fender sizing guide
Choosing the right fenders are crucial for protecting your boat effectively long term!
Use this guide to find the ideal fender diameter and length based on your boat’s size & needs.
Fender sizing for BOAT fenders - hanging from the handrail
Measure your boats hull length and identify key areas that the boat would make contact with the dockside.
Boat Length | Recommended Fender Diameter | Recommended Fender Lengths | Recommended Fender Quantities |
Up to 16 ft (5m) | 300mm (12") | 600mm (24") | 3 minimum |
16-20 ft (5-6m) | 300mm (12") | 600mm (24") | 3 minimum |
20-30 ft (6-9m) | 300mm (12") | 600mm (24") | 5 minimum |
30-40 ft (9-12m) | 300mm (12") | 600mm (24") | 5 minimum |
40-50 ft (12-15m) | 450mm (18") | 800mm (24") | 7 minimum |
50+ ft (15m+) | 450mm (18") | 1000mm (24") | 7 minimum |
Considerations:
Choose larger & longer fenders when in doubt.
Factor in how you want to dock your boat, bow in, stern in.
Does the marina have cross winds and tide extremes.
Choose Quality
Select high-quality fabrics like PVC, TPU or Hypalon which is vital for longevity.
Check the material thickness, cheaper PVC models are 0.9mm or less.
Pro TipÂ
For optimal protection, use a minimum of three fenders on the side of your boat.
(small boats up to 5m (16’) when hanging from the rail. This ensures comprehensive coverage and reduces the risk of damage.
Fender sizing for inflatable DOCK fenders - connected to the dockside
Measure your dock or piers length and width, ideally install fenders the entire length of your dock and across the stern also.
safe2dock Protector series fenders come in 2 diameters 350mm (13.75") and 450mm (17.75")
If the waterline to the top of the walkway is 300mm (11.75") or less choose 350mm (14") diameter fenders or Slimline fenders at 300mm (12") height.
If the height is 400mm (15.75") to the top of the walkway choose 450mm (17.75") diameter fenders.
Boat Length | Water to Walkway 300mm (11.75") 400mm (15.75") | Recommended Fender Lengths (metres) | ||||||
Up to 16 ft (5m) | 350mm (13.75") or 450mm (17.75") | 1.5m +Â 3 m or 6 m x 1 | ||||||
16-20 ft (5-6m) | 350mm (13.75") or 450mm (17.75") | 3 m x 2Â or 6 m x 1 | ||||||
20-30 ft (6-9m) | 350mm (13.75") or 450mm (17.75") | 3 m x 3Â or 3m + 6 m | ||||||
30-40 ft (9-12m) | 350mm (13.75") or 450mm (17.75") | 3 m x 4Â or 6 m x 2 | ||||||
40-50 ft (12-15m) | 450mm (17.75") | 3 m x 5Â or 6 m x 3 | ||||||
50+ ft (15m+) | 450mm (17.75") | 6 m + | ||||||
Considerations:
Choose larger fenders diameters when in doubt.
safe2dock fenders are designed to sit clear of the water.
Choose either 350mm (13.75") or 450mm (17.75") diameter fenders.
Install fenders from the entrance of your dock to as close to the stern as possible.
Fenders can also be installed across the stern and can be reversed into.
Choose Quality
Many fenders do not come with pressure release valves or made of high-quality PVC which is vital for longevity & protection. Check the material thickness, cheaper models are 0.9mm or less.
Pro Tip
For optimal protection, install safe2dock inflatable fenders along the entire length of your dock and across the stern end. This ensures comprehensive coverage and reduces the risk of damage.
Benefits of inflatable fenders vs. traditional fenders
Inflatable fenders offer several advantages over their traditional boat bumpers.
Here are some of the benefits:
Durability
High quality Inflatable fenders are made from robust materials that can withstand impacts between large vessels and docks. Inflatable fenders are also resistant to saltwater, UV rays and repeated bumps from your boat. Some inflatable fenders use a pressure release valve for extreme impacts (safe2dock includes these on it's Protector Deluxe & Premium series of fenders). Choose fenders made from marine grade PVC, TPU or Hypalon for maximum durability and longevity.
Enhanced Protection
The large surface area and soft nature of inflatable fenders often provide better protection than traditional fenders, especially for boats with curved hulls or unique shapes.
Light displacement hulls would benefit greatly from inflatable fenders, since they are lighter, they are more prone to wind & tide making it easy be pushed around.
When in doubt use larger diameter inflatable fenders to distribute the force over a wider area, reducing the risk of hull damage or gel coat damage.
Space Saving
A significant advantage of inflatable fenders is their compact storage. When deflated, they take up minimal space, which is incredibly valuable on smaller boats where storage is at a premium.
Pro Tip:
Invest in a quality electric pump for quick inflation and deflation. This allows you to store your fenders compactly ready for redeployment.
Versatility
Inflatable fenders can be used to suit all docks, pontoons marinas & different sized and shape boats!
Pro Tip
Partially deflate your fenders for a softer cushion or fully inflate them for maximum protection in rougher conditions or when rafting up with other boats.
