fender/bumper clasp

[LaRue]

our boating life requires docking the boat quite a bit, even days at a time. i have always used two fenders and fender line. always kind of a pain to adjust length of rope. i see Overtons (see photo) has an adjustable clasp but fear it would damage gel coat since i would be using cleat and not rail. I am fearful of the suction type holders.

Any thoughts out there for something quick and dependable for adjusting and holding fenders?

[Sodar]

I have seen these used before on cleats, but have never liked to use them. I mean is tying it off to a cleat or tying a clove hitch around a railing or tower leg really that difficult?

[LaRue]

no tower legs.

not difficult but thought if there was something user friendly out there it might be nice. kinda a pain to dock and undock 5-6 times/day and have to ensure the fenders are at the right height every time.

[Kevin&Annie]

public dock?

[LaRue]

yes, public docks with very little provisions in the way of safe docking.

[BTV]

Check out a "Fender Tender || from Overtons. I found a bumper with one of these attached last summer. It clips to my windshield frame and protects the middle of the boat pretty well. Doesn't solve your problem, but may help.

[Harry Reynolds]

You will to dust off the sewing machine for this one. I ran into the same issue when we first got our X2. I went to the local West Marine and bought a bunch of 1" wide, black nylon strapping and a handfull of snap-clasps (like on a backpack). Sorted out all of the lengths needed on the boat and made a set of custom fender lines. They are dedicated to a location, small enough to go thru the cleats and quick to take on and off. I sewed the ends on after we soted out the lengths, but you could use adjusters if you didn't want to sew them. Overall I think it is one of the nicest things we have done on our boat.

[BGcraft]

+1 on the nylon straps.

REI sells a wide assortment with quick snaps.

Good luck!

BG

[LaRue]

Originally Posted by Harry Reynolds

You will to dust off the sewing machine for this one. I ran into the same issue when we first got our X2. I went to the local West Marine and bought a bunch of 1" wide, black nylon strapping and a handfull of snap-clasps (like on a backpack). Sorted out all of the lengths needed on the boat and made a set of custom fender lines. They are dedicated to a location, small enough to go thru the cleats and quick to take on and off. I sewed the ends on after we soted out the lengths, but you could use adjusters if you didn't want to sew them. Overall I think it is one of the nicest things we have done on our boat.

sounds like a good way for my mother to get involved with boating would you happen to have any photos?

[Harry Reynolds]

LaRue, I dont have any pics and the boat is packed away for winter at our dry storage. Take a look at a backpack and that's what I copied. I will look around for some pics.