What size ball fenders/buoy for 53’

[rsmith]

Unless you’re up against a solid concrete sea wall or rafting to another boat balls are stoopid. I constantly see idiots with balls hanging over the side doing nothing while the boat rubs against the pilings. Or they’re popping out on top or getting stuck under a dock. The only time a ball makes sense is to mark your anchor position. Just buy regular fenders 10x26 or 12x30

 

[whoover]

I went on a trip where I had to go through alot of locks, the balls worked perfectly for that and never had to be adjusted. The balls do have their purpose. Lately I have been introduced to megafenders, I am very impressed and can't believe nobody thought of it sooner.

Walt Hoover

 

[Streff]

Thank you Bob and others that have commented. Your feedback is invaluable. We are likely to go through a few locks from Cape Coral to Stuart through Lake Okocheebe. I must admit, we are nervous about this voyage. I am researching marinas for overnights on the way. My main concerns are depth, shoals and locks (we have never been through locks).
In addition to the inflatables, from the comments above, I think a couple of 21” balls would be useful for the locks.

Thanks

 

[Pascal]

Locks are easy on the OWW, just a couple of feet. No big deal

 

[Sadey]

I would reconsider using balls for locks, I’m sure Freebird will chime in here as I know he agrees. OWW locks are not a big drop like the TenTom but the balls do tend to bind up, hence my comment about how durable they are. Cylindrical fenders positioned on the rub rail are much better then the balls.