Dock Bumpers?!

[dbashJ56]

We are wondering about putting up some dock bumpers - length wise on our dock. I have noticed a lot of other people doing this, and thus keeping your boat bumpers cleaner when we are throwing them up while casting off. We have noticed other people doing this and having boat bumpers resting just above the water and the brunt of the "bumping" going to the ones attached to the dock. Seems like it would be easier than cleaning the ones hanging in the water all the time - because they are loaded with gunk!! They are pricey - the bumpers alone are $80/ea. Do you have an opinion? Photos??

Thanks in advance,
Debbie

 

[JamesTXSD]

Hi Debbie. Just for proper terminology, those hanging things are called fenders, not bumpers. If you are in Bellingham, you probably have floating docks, so there should be no reason for your fenders to be in the water. The plastic/rubber pieces you attach to the dock are called bumpers. They do keep your boat from making contact with the wood or metal edge of the dock, but I would not depend on those bumpers alone to protect your boat. I have also used the corner wheels that allow your boat to roll along the corner of a slip rather than drag/scuff. (assuming you have a permanent dock)

If your fenders are getting grubby, that grub will rub against the gelcoat on your hull, creating abrasions - best to keep those clean. There are cloth "sleeves" you can get (or make) for your fenders, but you have to keep those clean, too, to keep from getting scrapes or blush marks on the hull.

Fenders are your friend - your boat's main defense from that solid dock.

 

[dbashJ56]

Thanks Jim!!
I knew my terminology was off! I appreciate all the info you gave me!! Yes it is a floating dock at Squalicum Marina, so we do no own it which minimizes what we can do with fenders or bumpers!
Debbie