Inflatable Fenders

[svaron]

Has anybody had any experience with large inflatable fenders (18"x42"). In particular those manufactured by Aere or Megafend. Or, any other good large inflatable fender?

Thanks,

Sam

 

[jim rosenthal]

I have two made by Fend-Aire, which is part of Subsalve, a company located in Rhode Island. They make lifting and salvage bags for divers and the military. Best fenders I have ever seen, but the makers are hard to get on the phone. They are made out of Hypalon and inflate with a dinghy pump and Halkey valve. Love em, they are much better than anything else. I have retired all my Taylor fenders etc. Don't need em.

 

[TopHattandTails]

Just make sure you get the "fenda-sox" with them. They squeak really loud. A guy in my marina has them with out the sox- I'm ready to pop em!

 

[StratPlan61]

During Hurricane Frances I could a few other boats (over 60') with large inflatable fenders. The wind caused them to blow horizontal, even though they were hung vertically, providing no protection at all to the boat. When no high winds were present they looked fine.

I use foam MegaFend fenders 18x44 and have had no problem at all. Wouldn't trade them for anything! Nothing to inflate, pop, go flat or blow horizontal in a storm.