Knowing how and when to use your fenders is one of the easiest ways to protect your Boat. Afterall, they act as the bumpers that stand between the Dock and your Boat when you come in to moor. If you don't know the proper way to use them, then you're leaving your Boat at risk.

Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your >Fender.

Inflation

• The best Way to inflate a >Fender is to push air pressure from a compressor with a flat >Head against the valve.

• It is also possible to inflate the >Fender with a bicycle pump with the special adaptor (FLG321).

• The best inflation pressure is 0.2 bar. (2.9 psi). You should be able to press the body of the >Fender easily with your flat hand.

• Do not use a needle (soccer ball) type inflation piece, as the pin can damage the valve. The correct piece to use is an air gun (as shown on right) with tapered end that fits into the end of the valve.

• Be careful not to over inflate.

Deflating your fender

• Simply push a pen slightly into the valve to let the air out. If a valve is leaking due to dirt or any other reason, you can replace it by turning in a bolt M3 then pulling the valve out with a pair of tongs.

• After inspecting you can push a valve back into the >Fender with your hand or a pen.

Changing valves

• Use a Screw bolt (3mm metric thread), then insert into the faulty valve at least three turns.

• Grab the end of the bolt with pliers or claw hammer and remove from >Fender.

• Insert new valve and push with your fingers so it seats, then push the valve in with a similar size Phillips >Head screwdriver until it stops, ready for inflating.

Coming in to dock

• Start getting your fenders ready (on the dockside) to deploy as you approach the Dock, so that you're ready to go. This is particularly important if wind or current's going to be an issue, or if the Dock is crowded.

• Tie off your Dock Line to the dockside cleats a few inches above the Waterline, or so the fenders cross your rub rails about mid Way, in order to best protect your Boat.

• Once you’ve actually pulled up to the Dock and tied off, double check that your fenders are right in the middle where your Hull meets the Dock. Tie a >Cleat >Hitch >Knot so they’ll Stay put by slipping the Dock Line under one end of the >Cleat and starting a figure 8,. Then end your last turn by turning the Line under itself and pulling the Line tight to lock it in place.

Leaving the dock

• Keep your fenders in place until you’ve released the Dock lines and you’re safely away from the Dock and other boats. Then remember to untie and properly Stow the fenders before you get >Underway. Not only is it impractical to have fenders still attached while you’re running, but you run the risk of dropping them in the water and not noticing until you are long gone.

• Make sure you Stow your fenders in the same place every time, with Dock lines still attached, so they’ll be ready to deploy the next time you >Head back to the Dock.

For more tips, get in touch with us at CH Smith Marine today - or check out some of our Range in-store via Google Maps 360!