Fenders - Favorite and how many?

[JTinMO]

Spill the beans folks. What are your favorite fenders and what size and how many do you keep on board?

I need to rig out our 232 and don't really know if 6" fenders are adequate, or if we need to get 8" ones.

Also, are fender covers useful, or just to look fancy? My gelcoat is pristine at this point and want to keep her that way.

[Big Block Power]

I use four 8 inch ones. No covers no scratches plus im cheap.

[Driller]

I run 4 X 8" and keep an additional 2 X 6" onboard just incase. I've had no problems mooring up. The 8" and 6" will fit in the space in the bow storage starboard side standing up perfectly. 10" would be too large.

[Silverbullet555]

I have 4 6" and 2 flat. Flat goes on the middle and round on the ends. No covers. I've heard they trap dirt.

[ColinC]

Two Taylor Made Tuff End round fenders - 15". One aft and one mid-ship. No covers. Super protective, but have to admit they have left fine scratches that I have to buff out. TwoBurg runs a similar set-up, but he has soft covers for his balls.

I carry a set of three 8" fenders as well. Not as much protection, but they seem to scratch less.

FYI - hull is navy

[JTinMO]

Looks like 8" fenders it is. Amazon here I come......

[Southernboatman]

Have 6 8x22”, 3 Taylor made and same type 3 Polyform (set of 3 from Bass Pro was about $25) and use soft covers ordered from Maine Coast. Not covered scratches the hell out of black! Threw away the nylon covers from Cobalt.