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Fenders for SSLX?

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bonhomme

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Hey Guys I'm waiting on my new boat and I'm really trying to figure out which fenders will work on my SSLX. I'll be keeping mine at a floating dock and thought regular bumpers would work bit after some research I can't see how I would tie them to the front where the seats come over the rail. I looked at the toon fender and these look pretty cool but will they work with the SSLX which has the fencing on the outside of the panels? I'm also worried I won't be able to get the mooring cove on. Anyone have these or a better idea? I also looked at the new Taylor fitted fenders but they don't look like they offer as much protection. Please help!
 
Welcome bonhomme.  Any fender will work.  There has recently been some discussion on the best way to attach the fenders, use the search engine and you will see different opinions as to who likes what.  As far as fenders are concerned I use 3 medium size fenders at the dock ( I carry 4 of them) but I also carry a couple of large fenders for when I raft up with others
 
We use Taylor Made Super Guard fenders, along with Taylor Made Pontoon Rail Fender Adjusters made for square rails to hold the fender lines for our 22-SSX. We keep four of them on the boat for versatility (use 2 - 4 at a time).

We normally keep our 8.5" fenders on the boat to be used everywhere. We have a set of 6.5" ones too but find we seldom use the smaller size. Size can matter -- you can have fenders that are too small ... but it's difficult to have ones (within reason) that are just way too large. Within reason, as with most boating topics, bigger is usually better.
 
There is space between the rail and the seats to tie them off. I have several hoops of rope tied to my rails all around the boat, and then I clip the fenders to them as needed. I used a tan rope and it blends in with the seat color and you can hardly see them.
 
Go Big !

....especially when tied to another boat

...The wind, waves, weigh and surface area can raise hell with the mediums.

I use 4 per side when rafting 
 
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I have 6.5s and would not go smaller. I keep two extras deflated onboard with a small basketball pump in case they are ever needed. They take up a lot less space that way.
 
With full mooring covers, bumpers are difficult to keep in place on a pontoon boat.  You should first look to add good protection to your floating dock. 

There are many commercially made dock bumpers, edging and cushions on the market that can protect your boat reliably.  The round bumpers are best used when you're there to watch them--more temporary protection for when boats are tying together.

I seldom park my boat next to my boat dock, but I have  four carpeted 2x4's mounted vertically to keep my boat's deck from getting under the pier.  It works great.
 
kaydano said:
I have 6.5s and would not go smaller. I keep two extras deflated onboard with a small basketball pump in case they are ever needed. They take up a lot less space that way.
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Thats a good idea to keep them deflated . I bought the pump last year with 6 - 6.5 x 23 .I use 3 at the dock and the other 3 do take up a lot of space .

Thanks 
 
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Thanks for the info!  Bamaman, you pointed out dock protection which is another huge issue for me since the marina where I am docking has absolutely no protection!  I am allowed to do whatever I want to my slip so I am looking at all options.  I am hoping a something like the Taylor vinyl dock edging will work, but of course there are many variants of these as well.  The other option is a more rigid dock edge protectors which are solid and usually spaced every few feet.  I know I'll need extra cushioning for the corners as this will be the most likely are to damage the boat.  Lastly,  there is the issue of the best way to tie the boat. I will be mooring on the port side so I plan to tie the front and back criss crossed (port side) at 45 degree angles and the starboard front to the starboard side of the dock at 45 degrees (tight).  This should make it to where the boat moves very port/Starboard or aft to stern.  Of course, Ill be mounting the cleats as well.  So many things I have to do!!  Trailering is not an option so I have to make it work.  I am very OCD about things like scratches and dents so please help me make the best possible choices for these issues!!  Thank you! 
 
It'll get easier once you get that first mark on your boat. It's going to happen and if you're too OCD, you and your guests won't be having a fun time     :eek:  .
 
I was looking at my old Starcraft the other day, and it doesn't have a scratch on the toons after only 27 years' use.  You cannot get too uptight about such things as stuff happens.  You just have to be proactive to minimize any damage.

I attribute my boat's long life to keeping it on a lift and out of the weather--under roof.  I do use the mooring cover on my new boat only for Winter, but I have made removable matching tan seat covers for the rest of the year.

If your dock allows the pontoon style boat lifts, I would suggest you invest in one when you can swing it.  We're just fortunate to be on a stable lake where just about every house has their boats slung out of the water.
 
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