Buyer Guide: The 7 Best Boat Bumpers & Fenders

MORE PICKS TO CHOOSE FROM

• Best for Pontoon Boats | BABz | Find On Amazon
• Best for Small Boats | Extreme Max | Find On Amazon
• Best for Large Boats | Taylor Made Products | Find On Amazon
• Most versatile | Polyform | Find On Amazon

These Polyform G Series Boat Fenders make an excellent pick for any boat owner. They're crafted in the USA using a sturdy, single-piece construction with a molded-in ribbed design with even wall thickness for added strength and durability. Reinforced rope holds, and Polyform's signature inflation valves make for easy, reliable use.

The best-selling boat fenders come in various Polyform colors, making it easy to match your boat's color scheme. Offered in six size options, they accommodate any boat length up to 40 feet. Check the G Series size chart to determine the proper model for your boat size.

These splurge-worthy MISSION Boat Gear Sentry Boat Fenders offer maximum protection with minimal bulk. They're molded from cross-linked, closed-cell foam that's UV- resistant, water-repellant, and ultra-durable. An innovative hanging system uses an integrated strap instead of annoying ropes and knots, improving security and cutting down on installation time.

Unlike other brands' cylindrical fenders, MISSION's Sentry Boat Fender hangs at an angle that compliments the contours of your boat's hull, offering superior protection both above and below the rub rail. Plus, its clean-lined design adds to your boat's aesthetic instead of detracting from it.

Consider these Affordura Boat Fenders proof that you don't need to spend an arm and a leg to find a set of long-lasting boat fenders. The set contains four boat bumpers for docking, four color-coordinated ropes, a storage bag, and an air pump and needle. Crafted from UV-resistant, marine-grade vinyl, they easily inflate for reliable protection and deflate for compact storage between seasons. The whole set takes less than four minutes to inflate fully.

Reinforced eyelets on each end allow you to hang the cylindrical fenders vertically or horizontally using the rope included with the set. Four versatile size choices and five color options accommodate every boat length and aesthetic. Each set contains four fenders, enough to protect small boats in mild conditions. You'll need at least two sets to protect larger hulls, especially in harsh weather conditions adequately.

This new-and-improved version of BABz' flagship product was well worth the wait. The trusted boat equipment company completely redesigned its best-seller based on customer feedback and the product performance of previous versions. A set of four to six makes excellent pontoon fenders for any boat owner.

The round fenders are crafted from a thick, durable plastic blend that won't scuff your boat's finish or warp after a long summer in the sun. A handle reinforced with harder, thicker plastic ensures they can handle the impact of a larger boat. BABz also adjusted the air filler location and reinforced it to eliminate leaks or tearing, even with frequent inflation and deflation. Fully inflated (using your average 12V air pump, no needles or valves needed), they measure up to 24 inches and deflated, they fold down for easy storage below deck.

Small boats equal limited storage space. That's why these Extreme Max BoatTector Contour Boat Fenders are our pick for smaller water vessels. Their flat, curved shape protects both gunwales and hulls and stores more compactly than most round fenders. With three color options to choose from, these flat fenders make a sleek addition to any small boat.

Don't let their affordable price deceive you. This two-pack is built from durable marine-grade materials and includes fender lines that are built to last— and they've got a two-year replacement warranty to prove it. The flat fenders are crafted with double thermal-bonded seams, polycarbonate grommets, and a tri-laminate cover impervious to tearing and UV fading.

To protect larger vessels, turn to Taylor Made Products' Big B Inflatable Vinyl Fenders. They combine the latest fendering technology with durable materials for unmatched protection and long-lasting performance. Crafted from marine-grade vinyl, they maintain a soft, corrosion-free exterior in any water temperature.

Offered in a range of sizes and color options, these inflatable fenders work particularly well for larger boats. Their ribbed shape doesn't just prevent damage to the hull; it helps minimize swaying in high winds and inclimate weather. Seamless construction and molded valve seals ensure they can withstand any conditions. And did we mention they're American-made?

Polyform's top-rated A-Series Buoys double as boat bumpers and buoys. Attach them to your hull for enhanced protection, or use them for marking, mooring, and anchoring. They come in six versatile sizes, so be sure to double-check the size chart to ensure you purchase the proper model for the length of your boat.

The heavy-duty boat bumpers are manufactured in the USA using extra-strength, flexible vinyl. They utilize Polyform's durable vinyl valve system. To inflate, use a Polyform Inflation Adapter with any standard tire pump connection, a tapered nozzle blow gun, or Polyform's specialty hand pump. With six fun color options to choose from, they can be as subtle or as stylish as you please.

FAQ

Where do the bumpers go on a boat?

Boat bumpers should be placed at the widest points of the boat, where it's most likely to come in contact with the edge of the dock. At a minimum, put one at the widest point of the hull and one close to the stern. They should hang a few inches above the waterline to prevent algae and saltwater build-up.

For even better protection, bumpers can be placed directly on the dock wall and even welded into place on bumper mounting brackets. You should still use fenders on board, even when using boat dock bumpers on shore. They'll help minimize swaying and keep your boat balanced on rough waters.

How many bumpers do you need for a boat?

The number of boat fenders you need depends on the length of your boat, the style of fenders, and where they're placed. As a rule of thumb, you'll need one fender for every four to five feet of boat length. At the bare minimum, you should have one for the hull and one for the stern.

Most mariners would agree that the more fenders you use, the fewer your chances of damaging your hull. Not only do they protect your boat in the harbor, but they also help keep it balanced in harsh conditions away from shore. While there's no need to purchase dozens, you certainly don't want to be stingy regarding protection. It's far cheaper to buy an extra set of fenders now than to repair a damaged hull later.

Do you need bumpers on a boat?

Yes! Boat fenders are an essential piece of boating equipment. If you're going to spend all of that money purchasing and maintaining your boat, it's worth spending a bit more to protect your investment. They don't only prevent your own boat from being damaged but prevent your boat from damaging surrounding vessels. Using them allows for peace of mind when you're away from your boat (hopefully, to enjoy a nice cold drink at your favorite dockside hangout).

What are the buoys on the side of a boat called?

The buoys on the side of a boat as known as boat bumpers or boat fenders. You may also see them called boat dock bumpers when attached to the dock edge instead of the boat itself. No matter what you choose to call them, these protective buoys are an essential piece of equipment for any boat owner to have onboard.