Boat Fender Holders: Ultimate Guide
Whether you are an avid boater or you only go out on the water occasionally, it’s important to have boat fender holders for your boat fenders. Holders for boat fenders provide a secure place to store your boat fenders when they are not in use, and they also keep your boat tidy.
In this post, we’ll explore all there is to know about boat fender holders.
What are Boat Fender Holders?
A fender holder is a device used to secure a boat fender to a boat. Fender holders come in a variety of styles and are made from different materials, such as plastic or metal.
Boat fender holders are an essential piece of equipment for any boat owner. They provide a safe and secure place to store your boat fenders and help keep your boat looking neat and tidy.
Types of Fender Holders for Boats
Fender holders come in a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate different types of fenders.
The most common types of fender holders are stainless steel fender baskets, cleat rod holders, and PVC ring holders.
Stainless Steel Fender baskets
Stainless steel fender baskets are the strongest and most durable type of fender holder, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications. Fender baskets can be installed in single, twin, and triplet configurations.
Stainless steel fender baskets are durable and look great, and they won't rust or corrode like other materials. Stainless steel fender baskets are also easy to clean and maintain.
If you're looking for a high-quality, attractive option for your boat fenders, stainless steel fender baskets is a great choice.
Cleat rod holders
Cleat rod holders consist of a base that is mounted to the side of the boat and a rod that extends from the base and has a cleat at the end. The cleat is used to secure the fender line to the holder.
Cleat rod holders are a great way to keep your boat fenders in place and can be easily installed on most boats.
PVC ring holders
PVC ring holders for boat fenders provide a convenient way to secure your fenders while on the water. Made from durable PVC, these ring holders can be mounted on the side of your boat or on the deck.
They are easy to install and provide a secure hold for your fenders, so you can enjoy your time on the water worry-free.
Choosing Boat Fender Holders
There are many factors to consider when purchasing boat fender holders. Some of the most important factors include cost, versatility (for easy installation), durability, and flexible design.
- Starting with cost, you’ll want quality boat fender holders that will be reasonably priced. The fender holder type you choose will affect the price. For example, a twin basket holder will cost about $200 while a cleat rod holder will typically cost about $120.
- The holders must be versatile in order to be easily installed in any ideal location on the boat. Versatile boat fender holders also accommodate angled installation for effective storage of fenders.
- The holders must also be durable. They should be made from high-quality materials such as stainless steel so they can withstand the elements and last for many years.
- Finally, the holders should be flexible in design. This will allow for the holder to be adjusted to fit the size of your fenders.
Boat Fender Holder Sizing
When selecting a boat fender holder, it’s important to take into account the size of the fenders. The size of the holder should be based on the maximum inflated size of the fenders, as the fenders can expand on a hot day.
That said, there are a few things to consider when selecting the size of your boat fender holder: length, diameter, and weight.
Length
The first thing to consider is the length of your fenders. The holder should be long enough to accommodate the length of your boat. Short holders won’t hold your fenders effectively and may even cause falls that can damage your boat.
The common fender holder lengths are in the range of 400mm-600mm.
Diameter
The second thing to consider is the diameter of the holder. The holder should be wide enough to accommodate the width of your fenders but not so wide that it doesn’t provide a firm hold for the fenders.
Common diameters for boat fender holders are in the range of 150mm and 400mm (6 inches to 15 inches).
Weight
Finally, you will need to consider the weight of your fenders. The holder should be strong and sturdy enough to support the weight of your fenders but not so heavy that it’s difficult to move and install.
Installing Boat Fender Holders
Boat fender holders are a great way to keep your boat fenders securely in place. They are easy to install and can be done in just a few minutes. Follow the instructions below to install your boat fender holders properly.
Stainless steel basket holders and PVC ring holders
1.Begin by selecting the correct size and style of holder for your boat fender.
- Once you have the correct holder, take a parallel connector and attach them to the side of the holder.
- Next, use the parallel connector to attach a second fender holder to the first one.
- Once the fender holders are in place, attach the swivel connector to the rail guard and use the connector to attach the fender holders to the boat.
- Adjust angle and position for optimum strength and tighten the screws.
- Finally, use a wrench to tighten the screws on the holder to finish the installation.
Cleat rod fender holders
- Begin by determining where you will install the cleat rod holders.
- It is important to ensure that the holders will be installed in a place that is easily accessible and that will not interfere with other boat accessories.
- Once you have chosen the perfect location, use a drill to create a hole for the rod holder and pilot holes for the screws.
- Next, insert the rod fender holder in the primary hole and use the screws into the pilot holes to tighten the fender rod into place.
FAQs
How to make a DIY boat fender holder?
While you can buy fenders and fender holders from marine accessories stores, you can also save money by making your own. Here are the steps to make your own DIY boat fender holders:
- Cut two pieces of PVC pipe to the desired length.
- Drill a hole in the center of each piece of pipe.
- Place a washer over each hole.
- Thread a rope through each washer and tie a knot.
- Attach the rope to the boat.
- Slide the PVC pipe over the rope.
- Ready to use DIY fender holders!
What are the benefits of installing fender holders facing outwards?
Many boat owners make the mistake of installing their fender holders facing inwards.
There are 2 reasons why this is not ideal.
First, it can make it difficult to access your fenders when you need them.
Second, it can also damage your boat's hull. When your fender holders are installed facing outwards, they help to protect your hull from scratches and scrapes.
How do I use my boat fender holders?
Follow these simple steps to use your installed boat fender holders:
- Position the fender in the holder so that the hole in the fender lines up with the hole in the holder.
- Insert a pin or clip through the holes to secure the fender in place.
- Repeat for each fender.
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