Marine rubber fenders are a type of boating equipment that protects a vessel’s side from contact with another body (which can be another ship, jetty or quay wall). They are installed both on a ship itself and on berthing structures to prevent and minimize damage in case of collisions or overshooting.
Both commercial and industrial sailors often wonder, what are the best kinds of marine fenders to use?
As a world-class marine fenders supplier, we've put together a comprehensive guide to answer this question. In the end, you'll know exactly what kind of fender you need and where to find a marine fender for sale.
Different Types of Marine Rubber Fenders
There are many different types of marine dock fenders. Each one is suitable for a particular situation.
In general, cylindrical double-eye fenders are best for shorter, lighter vessels. Round, center hole, and hybrid cylindrical-round fenders are best for large, heavy vessels. Transom fenders and other specialty fenders are made for specific mooring arrangements.
Typically, boaters hang cylindrical double eye fenders vertically and center hole fenders horizontally. When mooring against flat structures like docks, use vertically hung fenders. They are effective at protecting your boat in these conditions.
Horizontally hung fenders protect against protruding structures like pilings.
Industrial marine fenders are made for very large ships. They are much sturdier than their commercial counterparts.
At ESC, we specialize in industrial fenders and offer a wide variety of options. These include cone fenders, cell fenders, element fenders, and arch fenders. We also offer cylindrical fenders, square fenders, pneumatic fenders, and foam-filled fenders
Calculating Sizing for Marine Piling Fenders
When choosing marine fenders, there are three things you need to take into account. They are the vessel's weight, the vessel's length, and the mooring conditions.
As a general rule of thumb, for every 5 feet of a vessel’s length, you would require one fender with one inch thick (in diameter). Smaller vessels may require just two fenders, while vessels over 40 feet may need over to six fenders.
Keep in mind that this is just a general rule. If the proposed vessel is particularly heavy for its size, opt for larger and heavier duty fenders. Do the same if your mooring conditions are particularly harsh.
Finding a Marine Fender for Sale
To find the right marine fender for your project, the first question you need to ask is whether you need industrial fenders or commercial fenders. Once you know, look for companies that specialize in making the particular kind of fenders that you need.
Consult sizing guides to figure out exactly what size and how many fenders you need for your vessel. If you're torn between two models, opt for the heavier-duty one to reduce potential damage.
Finding the right marine rubber fenders is crucial for protecting your vessel and from potential damage. Now that you know how to figure out what kind of fender you need, you can start looking for a marine fender for sale today.
At ESC, we are proud to serve various global industries and be a top-quality marine fenders supplier. Our 30 years of service allow us to provide only the best products to our customers. For more information, take a look at our marine fender systems today.