What are Marine Fenders?
Marine fenders are a type of protective equipment, usually made of rubber or plastic, that attaches to a ship, boat or other vessel, or onto a pier, quay or mooring area to reduce the impact of collisions on boats and their environment. They are specifically designed to absorb differing levels of impact and prevent costly repairs or replacements, increasing the longevity of the boat.
It is important for you to select the right fender for your vessel to ensure the maximum protection is applied and your choice will depend on a variety of factors including: berthing energy (amount of energy generated from a docked boat), tide variety and required reaction force.
Different Types of Mooring Fender
A mooring fender is a type of marine fender that’s purpose is to protect vessels and mooring regions by absorbing the kinetic energy exerted during a collision, and safely rebounding the impact forces to significantly reduce the damage on the boat as well as the pier, quay or wharf.
There are a variety of shapes and sizes available for different applications but it is recommended to provide a mooring fender of some sort, no matter your vessel’s proportions.
The different types of fender include:
Cell Fender: A common choice due to its durability, high absorption rate and longevity. Made of rubber, it is a cylindrical shape with a hollowed out middle that helps provide a low reaction force. It is an ideal option for vessel protection during docking periods.
Cone Fender: A more modern adaptation of the cell fender which uses its conical shape to absorb a higher amount of energy, from multiple directions, making it a popular choice for larger vessels like tanks or cruisers.
Pneumatic Fender: Uses a cylindrical airbag made of rubber and filled with compressed air which allows it to float in the water at an oblique angle. The pneumatic fender can be customised to add a tyre or chain net around the outside for enhanced protection. This option is great for varying tidal conditions and can suit a number of vessels.
Arch Fender: If space is limited then an arch fender is a great choice for small or medium sized vessels. The sides of the arch are attached to a surface, either vertically or horizontally, and work by softening high impact levels. The arch fender has the flexibility to meet individual requirements.
The Benefits of Rubber Fenders in Marine Environments
Rubber fenders are a favoured option in marine environments due to their reliability and robustness. They are customisable for each individual’s requirements, designed with longevity in mind, and able to withstand extreme impact and diverse tides.
The soft reaction force of a rubber fender also ensures that any passengers onboard during a collision will remain comfortable and experience limited impact. Their ability to cushion any exerted force enables your vessel’s condition to be preserved, preventing scratches and cracks.
The different options of rubber-made fender will suit any vessel, no matter the location of its mooring. Without fender protection, your vessel is at risk of damage – either during a collision with another vessel or where you are moored, or from the constant bashing of boats once docked. Preventing damage, and therefore the cost of repairing damage or replacing the boat, is uncomplicated with a protective fender.
You can learn more about the types of rubber, including those most commonly used by Checkmate, and their properties on our website.
Choosing the Right Fender for Your Vessel or Dock
At Checkmate, our tough, high-quality fenders are stow-able with quick inflation and deflation properties that give them the durability and protection needed for your vessel. We offer a custom rubber fabrication service that can design your fender to your unique requirements.
If you’re ready to work with a team that values quality, reliability, and local expertise, get in touch with us today!
