jim rosenthal
Super Moderator
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2005
- Messages
- 11,050
- Hatteras Model
- 36' CONVERTIBLE-Series I (1969 -1977)
A few years ago I saw some inflatable fenders for sale at the Annapolis Powerboat Show. I bought two of them, with covers, and just ordered two more, larger ones in a different color so I don't get the sleeves mixed up.
These are made of Hypalon, the stuff used to make inflatable boats and also marine salvage equipment. They have the same valve on them as a dinghy, so they inflate quickly with a foot pump. They have a ring attached to each end. When you are done using them, they deflate easily and roll up, so they take very little space, compared to Taylors etc which are always in the way and can't be deflated.
The ones I bought (and the new ones just ordered) are made by Fend-Aire, which is part of Subsalve, a company in Rhode Island that makes lifting bags for raising wrecks and sunken airplanes, etc. One of my friends (former Hatteras owner) operates a diving company in NC and uses their products, which he's found to be very reliable) I think the fenders are only sold directly from their company in RI, although I have suggested to them that they think about a retail outlet down here in Annapolis.
I have no financial tie to these guys except for being a satisfied customer. I will say that their products are very well made and that having large fenders that inflate quickly and then deflate and stow in a small space has been very useful- on small boats such as mine, the old style fenders which can't deflate were always in the way, requiring racks to hold them, or ending up in the shower stall etc. These are a huge improvement. They are not cheap, but you get what you pay for, and these are the best product for the purpose I have ever used.
There is at least one other company making a similar product, but not from Hypalon- theirs are PVC. I haven't used those and can't comment on them. The idea is the same- they roll up when deflated and take up far less room. If dinghy manufacturing is any guide, Hypalon is better than PVC, especially where friction is concerned.
These are made of Hypalon, the stuff used to make inflatable boats and also marine salvage equipment. They have the same valve on them as a dinghy, so they inflate quickly with a foot pump. They have a ring attached to each end. When you are done using them, they deflate easily and roll up, so they take very little space, compared to Taylors etc which are always in the way and can't be deflated.
The ones I bought (and the new ones just ordered) are made by Fend-Aire, which is part of Subsalve, a company in Rhode Island that makes lifting bags for raising wrecks and sunken airplanes, etc. One of my friends (former Hatteras owner) operates a diving company in NC and uses their products, which he's found to be very reliable) I think the fenders are only sold directly from their company in RI, although I have suggested to them that they think about a retail outlet down here in Annapolis.
I have no financial tie to these guys except for being a satisfied customer. I will say that their products are very well made and that having large fenders that inflate quickly and then deflate and stow in a small space has been very useful- on small boats such as mine, the old style fenders which can't deflate were always in the way, requiring racks to hold them, or ending up in the shower stall etc. These are a huge improvement. They are not cheap, but you get what you pay for, and these are the best product for the purpose I have ever used.
There is at least one other company making a similar product, but not from Hypalon- theirs are PVC. I haven't used those and can't comment on them. The idea is the same- they roll up when deflated and take up far less room. If dinghy manufacturing is any guide, Hypalon is better than PVC, especially where friction is concerned.
