Best boat fenders R8

[Rock911]

Just purchased a 2022 R8 surf and want to get some new fenders that are easy to use/adjust and will protect the boat. Primarily used for tying up with other boats in coves. Was looking at Kemimoto & Sentry. Any thoughts or
Feedback appreciated!! Thanks

[sailor55330]

I remember looking at the Sentry fenders at a boat show a couple of years ago and didn't like them The shape of our hull doesn't play well with the shape of the fender. They use a rachet strap kind of device to attach to the boat and for me, that didn't seem to fit the profile of the hull well as our cleats are high. I had also read many reivews of the strap system coming loose and the fenders falling off with no warning. That may have changed in later models. They don't really attach and lay flat, they kind of pivot on the rub rail/ plus they are very expensive. Additionally, I thought they are relatively thin and don't really give a lot of cushion. They might work better if attached to a fixed dock, but I wouldn't personally use them for rafting up.

Here's an idea-

https://www.bigbumpercompany.com/

I have the large one that we used to use for a dock that was a hull eater. Maybe a couple of small ones would work. They inflat pretty quickly with a 12v pump. There are also others like this on the market.

[MnLakeBum]

For tie ups we have one of these and love it. Similar to the link above except in a longer 10’ length. Mission is super high quality.





https://www.missionboatgear.com/product ... oat-fender

[Matts19]

I have three Sentry fenders and don't really like them. They seem cool but I can't ever get them to stay in position. The best bang for the buck I have found are cheapo mooring balls from Amazon that I have tied to the fender clip ropes. One in the front and back and one off the middle cleat works great for cove tie ups. I think I got the 13.8" diameter ones. No doubt the titan is better but the mooring balls fit behind a bow seat and are always ready to deploy.

[Snowman8]

+1 for the cheap mooring balls off of Amazon. They work great and easy to use. It’s a good joke every time I take them out too! “Looks like it’s time to whip out my big balls!”

[Matts19]

+1 for the cheap mooring balls off of Amazon. They work great and easy to use. It’s a good joke every time I take them out too! “Looks like it’s time to whip out my big balls!”

Glad to see the jokes in MN re the same as they are in TN. Buy the blue ones for an extra dose of humor...

[Rock911]

Thanks to all! The big balls may be the best option. I did buy 4 of these - great reviews and looks easy to adjust.

Danik Hook Marine Fender Hanger Hook, High Strength Composite Anchor Clip, Knotless Anchor System, Easy to Use, Holds 500 lbs. https://a.co/d/gt3Fxpz

[drtbar]

+1 for the cheap mooring balls off of Amazon. They work great and easy to use. It’s a good joke every time I take them out too! “Looks like it’s time to whip out my big balls!”

Do these look like your balls?



I found these also, but they all seem to fade and/or lose their color within a year. I'd like something more long lasting.

[Matts19]

Those look similiar. I have four of these in the 11.4 x 13.8 size. I just used a 12v inflator with a needle adapter to inflate. I have had them a few years and they haven’t changed color or degraded. I would be mad if they started to look like old balls….

[Snowman8]

+1 for the cheap mooring balls off of Amazon. They work great and easy to use. It’s a good joke every time I take them out too! “Looks like it’s time to whip out my big balls!”

Do these look like your balls?



I found these also, but they all seem to fade and/or lose their color within a year. I'd like something more long lasting.

Yup, those are my balls! In blue

[TX777]

Just bought these off of Amazon after seeing how well a similar product worked on a friend’s boat. Two different sizes available. These are the larger of the two. Water bottle is for scale reference. Pro $69, V4 $49.

[Krob1114]

For tie ups we have one of these and love it. Similar to the link above except in a longer 10’ length. Mission is super high quality.

https://www.missionboatgear.com/product ... oat-fender

We don't tie up with many boats because we like drifting to music. A few of the time we have tied up, we've had problems. The waves effect the v-hull boats very different than the pontoons. Once, while tied to a pontoon in a cove, we let and discovered we had lost a fender clip. The pontoon boat had pushed the fender clip, releasing it, falling into the water. We never found it. I think it was a $100+ lesson. This does look interesting.

[drtbar]

I think I read in the reviews that those babz are just rebranded Hippity Hops that kids bounce on. You can get those for cheaper.

[Tuscany]

Our hull is solid navy. We don't play games when scratches show so easily..
Lots of docks have 6x6 connecting posts, and these still keep the boat off the posts.
I carry three fleece lined 12" x 35" fenders. 2 to dock, and 3 to tie up to another boat. All three fit easily under the ski locker. No issues.... https://www.westmarine.com/taylor-made- ... 37202.html

[RWM250]

Expensive, but good concept if they work as advertised.

https://thehookcups.com/