R31 Fender size

[Gin]

Can anyone tell me the size of the factory supplied Polyform fenders on the R31s? Not that we have a 31. We have a 2013 R27. So the fact that I am asking about an R31 should not suggest to anyone that we are thinking of stepping up to the R31. Not. Thinking about that. Not. 😉

 

[Wee Venture]

The R-31 that you are *not* thinking about getting comes with Polyform G-5 fenders (Black). 8.8” x 26.8”.

 

[ALICE J]

You may want to consider larger diameter fenders. My thoughts are that I would like to keep the boat away from the dock or seawall. Because of storage considerations I use Aere inflatable fenders. Experience on the Rideau, Trent Severn, and Erie Canals this past summer showed that the 24" ball fenders kept me far enough away from the lock walls that I was able to go forward if needed and they would slide and roll as the vessel rode the lock walls. A long 12 x 52" was a good option for posts and pilings. When I did not need the fenders, I would deflate and store in a small area. Great for towing my vessel to distance adventures. Big fenders are good, size matters, they are expensive, but so is a ding on your topsides.

 

[Gin]

Wee Venture, thanks for the info. That means that we could use the extra G5 fenders we have for our RT27, and the fabric covers we have for all six, on the RT31 that we are “not” thinking about. 🙂 And Alice J, the Aere fenders sure look interesting, and expensive. But I take your point on the value of good and large fenders, especially for locking through (which I will be doing for the first time this summer on the Columbia R). I’m hope to get a look at them in person at the Seattle boat show next week. Thanks!

Gini

 

[Pourhouse]

The round ones are great for locking and seawalls. Against pilings, I am fond of fender boards. A ten foot 2" by 8" backed up by a couple of small fenders will protect against tides and currents. The smaller size makes it easier to get off and on the boat. When not needed, tie them to the top of the boat. Look for light weight boards. I have seen sailors use PVC sewer pipes.

 

[Gin]

In my experience on the west coast, pilings have been uncommon. In both the Puget Sound and the Columbia River areas, I have never encountered a docking situation using pilings. I’m sure they are out there, though. I do have several round ones, in a couple of sizes, that have come in handy in several circumstances. Their biggest downside is that they are bulky to store aboard, and are not all that quick or easy to deflate and inflate. Always good to have options in rendering, though.