Boat Fender Buying Guide

If you own a boat, you need fenders, plain and simple. A boat fender protects your hull from scrapes, dings, and costly damage when docking, rafting up, or mooring. They might not be the flashiest equipment onboard, but they’re among the most important. This guide will walk you through what a boat fender is, how to choose the right one, and which features and accessories will give you the best protection.

What Exactly is a Boat Fender?

A boat fender is essentially a cushioned barrier that keeps your boat from making hard contact with docks, pilings, or other boats. You’ll sometimes hear people call them “bumpers,” and while the meaning is close enough, “fender” is the proper marine term. What you don’t want to confuse them with is a buoy. A boat buoy floats freely to mark channels or mooring spots, while a fender stays attached to your boat, doing the important job of absorbing impact and protecting your hull.

1. Parts of a boat fender
2. Types of boat fenders
3. Sizing a boat fender
4. Fender buying considerations
5. Why Taylor Made?
6. Must-have fender accessories

Parts of a Boat Fender

Every boat fender is designed with one simple mission: protect your hull, but the way it’s built can make all the difference in how well it does the job. Think of it as a blueprint of defense: each part working together to create a reliable shield between your boat and the dock.

• Attachment point - The attachment point is the feature that allows you to secure a fender to your boat. On many traditional fenders, this takes the form of eyelets, reinforced holes at the ends where a line is tied on. Eyelets are simple, strong, and allow the fender to hang either vertically or horizontally. Other fenders use a center rope tube, where a line runs straight through the middle of the body. This design spreads the load more evenly and reduces stress on the ends.

• Ribs - Ribs are raised ridges along the body of some fenders that help reduce rolling and keep the fender in place. They work by increasing surface friction against the boat hull or dock, and by breaking up smooth, curved surfaces that would otherwise spin easily. Not every fender has ribs, but when they’re included, they stabilize the fender during docking or mooring and prevent it from twisting out of position when it absorbs impact.

• Inflation valve - Some fenders come with an inflation valve. These are usually found on inflatable fenders, often in a football needle style, which allows you to precisely adjust firmness. You can make the fender firmer for heavy-duty docking or softer for lighter contact, giving you more control over how it cushions your boat.

• Body - This is the main cushion that takes the impact, whether it is against a piling, a dock, or another boat. Many fenders feature an oval shape design that distributes pressure more evenly across the hull, providing better protection and reducing the chance of the fender rolling or shifting. The body is the heart of the fender’s protective design.

Types of Boat Fenders

Boat fenders come in many shapes and styles, each designed to meet different docking and mooring needs. At Taylor Made, we offer a wide variety of options that can be grouped into a few broad categories for easier comparison.

• Inflatable boat fenders - This is the typical cylindrical fender you picture when you think of a soft, cushiony fender. Their versatility makes them a great choice for any type of boating, from small recreational vessels to larger yachts. Inflatable fenders are easy to store, deploy, and provide reliable protection in a wide range of conditions.

• Pontoon boat fenders - Designed for the wide, flat sides of pontoon boats, these fenders have molded-in ridges that hook under the deck, while the contoured shape hugs the pontoon for a secure fit.

• Yacht fenders - Larger and more substantial, yacht fenders provide extra cushioning for high-end or longer vessels. They are built to handle tough marina conditions and protect heavier boats without compromising performance or durability.

• Rafting boat fenders - Flat and stackable, these fenders are ideal for boats tied up side by side. They distribute pressure evenly and prevent rubbing or scratching between vessels, making them essential for rafting situations.

• PWC fenders - Designed specifically for personal watercrafts, the bottom hooks under the bond flange for quick attachment, while flex areas act as hinges to let the fender conform to the shape of your watercraft.

• Low freeboard boat fenders - These fenders are designed to protect boats with short sides, like bass boats or runabouts. They sit close to the waterline, guarding the hull in areas where standard fenders might fall short.

• Flat fenders - Versatile and easy to use, flat fenders distribute impact across a larger surface than round fenders. They reduce rolling, can be positioned in tight spaces, and are simple to store when not in use.

Sizing a Boat Fender

When it comes to choosing a fender, the most important measurement to know is your boat’s length. Your boat’s size determines the fender dimensions needed to provide effective protection without getting in the way. A cylindrical fender should have one inch of diameter for every four to five feet of boat length, and two inches for a round fender. The larger a vessel is, the heavier it tends to be. With more weight behind the impact, larger boats need larger, more durable boat fenders to adequately safeguard the hull.

Pro Tip: No matter what type of fender you choose, a good rule of thumb is to have one boat bumper for every 10 ft. of waterline per side, with a minimum of three for even the smallest boats.

Fender Buying Considerations

Choosing the right fender isn’t just about picking the right size. There are several factors that can make a big difference in how well your fenders protect your boat and how easy they are to use.

Water type and activities – How and where you use your boat matters. Docking in calm, protected waters might not require as heavy-duty a fender as mooring in a busy marina or choppy lake. Flat fenders work well for rafting multiple boats together, while cylindrical fenders handle rougher conditions and general docking.

Positioning on the boat – Consider where the fenders will hang. They should be positioned to absorb the impact where your boat contacts docks or other vessels. For boats with low freeboard, lower-hanging fenders or flat types are ideal. For pontoons, fenders with molded ridges and a contoured shape hug the hull for maximum protection.

Material of the fender – Most fenders are made from durable vinyl or polyurethane. Vinyl is flexible and resistant to wear, while heavier-duty materials provide extra longevity and UV resistance. The right material ensures your fender will withstand repeated use and exposure to sun, salt, and water.

Fender shape – Shape affects performance. Cylindrical fenders are versatile for many boat types, flat fenders distribute impact across a larger area and are great for rafting, and contoured fenders fit specific hull shapes like pontoons.

Color – While color doesn’t affect performance, it can impact visibility, aesthetics, and how well the fender blends with your boat. Some boaters choose contrasting colors to make fenders easier to see, while others match them to the hull.

Why Boaters Trust Taylor Made Fenders

When it comes to protecting your boat, not all fenders are created equal. Taylor Made fenders have been trusted by boaters for decades, and it’s easy to see why. Every fender is engineered with a combination of durability, performance, and thoughtful design features that set the standard in the industry.

Marine-grade – Taylor Made fenders start with a tough, UV-resistant vinyl that stands up to harsh sun, saltwater, and repeated impacts without cracking, fading, or losing shape.

One-piece construction – Unlike some fenders that are assembled from multiple parts that can separate or leak, many Taylor Made fenders are crafted as a single piece. This seamless design ensures maximum strength and reliability, which is why most of our fenders come with a lifetime guarantee against splitting and bursting.

Double-molded eye ends – The points where your fender connects to the boat see the most stress. Taylor Made fenders feature double-molded eye ends that provide reinforced attachment points, so your fenders stay secure even under heavy impact or rough docking conditions.

Ribbed design for stability – Many Taylor Made fenders incorporate a ribbed design that reduces rolling and keeps the fender in place. This means the fender won’t twist, spin, or slip when you need it most.

True Color® technology – Taylor Made’s advanced color technology ensures vibrant, long-lasting colors that resist fading from UV exposure.

American Craftsmanship – Nearly every Taylor Made boat fender is designed and molded in New York, USA. Choosing a Taylor Made fender means trusting a product that embodies the skill, experience, and attention to detail that only comes from American craftsmanship.

Don’t Forget the Accessories!

To get the most out of your fenders and make docking easier, there are several boat fender accessories worth considering. Fender lines are essential for hanging your fenders securely, while fender hangers and fender racks keep them organized and properly positioned along the boat’s side. Adjusters allow you to change the height of the fender quickly, ensuring it sits at the right level to protect your hull.

Small but important accessories like clips, cleats, and locks can make a big difference in keeping fenders in place during windy conditions or strong currents. Fender guards add an extra layer of protection between your fender and the hull, helping prevent scratches or rubbing over time. For inflatable fenders, an air pump is handy to adjust firmness on the fly, giving you control over how much cushioning you need. Together, these accessories enhance both the convenience and effectiveness of your fender setup, making docking and mooring safer, easier, and more reliable.

Disclaimer: All content provided on this blog, including but not limited to photographs, illustrations, recommendations, and technical approximations, is intended for general informational and demonstration purposes only. It does not reflect the specifications, capabilities, or requirements of any particular vehicle, vessel, equipment, or component. Always consult the appropriate manufacturer’s Owner’s Manual and follow all applicable safety, legal, and technical guidelines.