Cruiser boats, also commonly known as leisure boats, yachts and speed boats are recreational marine vessels primarily used for leisure and tourism. Preserving the condition of the body of your cruiser is essential for vessel longevity and passenger safety.
After all, you don't want to be putting your passengers at risk or cruising down the Norfolk Broads with a damaged and ugly looking boat. To help preserve the body of the cruiser, marine fenders are an essential piece of equipment. They keep the hull of your cruiser boat intact and ensure the impact of any collision is minimised.
But what rubber fendering applications are best for cruiser boats? We're going to cover everything you need to know in this post. From what a cruiser boat is to why they need rubber fendering for optimal protection.
We’ll cover:
What Is a Cruiser Boat?
Why Do Cruiser Boats Need Rubber Fendering?
Rubber Fender Applications for Cruisers
Why Do Cruiser Boats Need Rubber Fenders?
Marine rubber fenders are a crucial piece of marine equipment that protects the perimeter of the boat. Rubber fenders are designed to provide a cushioned effect and reduce the impact the boat and passengers experience during mooring or any type of collision.
Rubber fenders also help protect the appearance of a boat by preventing scratches, holes, bumps and rubbing when mooring - which could result in bodywork damage. Preserving the condition of your cruiser will ensure its protection for longevity.
Marine rubber fenders come in many shapes, sizes and applications. Choosing the correct rubber fendering for boats is vital for enhancing the overall performance of your boat and reducing the likelihood of maintenance costs.
Rubber Fender Applications for Cruisers
For optimal protection, cruiser boats require two lines of defence. The minimum a cruiser boat requires is a D section or Double D section fender. D section fenders protect the perimeter of the boat - particularly, the bow, stern and the broadest part of the hull.
If they are sourced from a reputable supplier, they'll be manufactured using heavy impact EPDM rubber. This material has excellent dimensional stability and high impact resistance compared to other materials.
For additional protection, cylindrical and spherical fenders can be used, depending on the different mooring environments. Such fenders are hung horizontally along the side of the cruiser on chains or cables. These fenders add another layer of protection and absorb the impact of bumping into docks or other vessels.
Maintaining the condition of your fenders is essential for ensuring they're fit for purpose. The last thing you want is for your fenders to be broken or damaged and put your entire cruiser at risk. Broken and damaged fenders are also ugly to have along the perimeter of your cruiser boat. Check for holes, scratches or bumps, as these blemishes will affect the performance of the fenders.
EPDM fenders are permanent fixings on boats - they’ll only need replacing if they are broken or the boat is refurbished. Cylindrical and spherical fenders will develop rubber streaks on them and become dirty. These can be cleaned on a regular basis so they look presentable, as well as providing optimal protection.
Maximise Your Cruiser Boat’s Protection With Marine Rubber Fenders
Now you know more about the purpose of marine fenders on cruiser boats and you understand more about the various applications available. It might be worth considering what materials you need to be using for your marine fenders.
Maybe your existing ones need repairing or replacing, or maybe you're starting from scratch. Either way, using the correct material for your fenders is vital for performance and longevity. In our FREE Ebook, we've covered everything you need to know about marine rubber fenders and how they can maximise the protection of your boat.
We're still finalising the Ebook but it'll be ready soon! In the meantime, we have an expert team always on hand to help answer any questions regarding marine rubber fenders and fendering. Don't hesitate to get in touch - we look forward to hearing from you!