RIB fenders

[psycho]

Hello peeps, thought that I would share with you all, a little idea that I had a while ago, and now I have made, tried and tested, am going to post on here...!

My rib is normally kept on the trailer, but sometimes, put on a visitor berth on the council marina, for the weekend, normally, for 3 nights at a time. While it is tied along side, I have been using the normal sausage type fenders, but they are a complete pain in the rear end, especially on my boat.!

I have seen the 'rib specific' fenders, but cannot justify the price tag of these, £30 for a small one, and £60 for a large.

This got me thinking, could I possibly make something, that is easier to use, lighter, easier to store, and most of all, CHEAPER..!

I took a little trip to the local 'Toolstation', and bought 4 x Kneeling pads, designed for gardeners. I then attacked them with the drill, and threaded a piece of rope, which I will get around to splicing, but wanted to adjust first, and a couple of holes for the elastic for the rubbing strake clip.

I have used these for 12 nights in total so far, not long I know, but they are really holding up well. Even if they only last me a season, I will not be bothered, as they are less than £5 each.

If this is of interest to you, please feel free to copy, and save some money

[psycho]

More pics....!

[boristhebold]

Great idea, I had a similar idea but never got round to making them, I must make more effort LOL. Yes the sausage type fendors arnt great for ribs, plus as ribs sit low I find the tubes tend to want to go under most marina pontoons.

My similar idea also incorperated a more built up fendor on the top part to prevent tubes wanting to slip under the pontoon side.

And if your moving a rib along a pontoon by the mooring lines they tend to rub againts the pontoon if your not careful and ensure some gap as you pull rib along.

Yes the fendors for ribs the curves ones are so expensive. I will pop out and get some of those pads and see if I can modify for my needs. Well done sir.

[lakelandterrier]

Great idea

I have couple of the flat rib fenders - and they are wearing well - 5 years+ but some more of a cheaper variety can't go amiss.

Thanks for sharing your innovative idea, now off to tool station!

LT

[neil.mccrirrick]

Top idea space saving and does the job. I can see a run on knee protectors 😄👍

[Nos4r2]

Do they soak up water? I tried using another brand and ended up throwing them away within days a few years ago. It looks like time for another go if they don't.

[psycho]

I cant say that I have noticed, but they do float.....!

Dropped one in the oggin, but it didnt soak up water like a sponge, as it is not that kind of material.

[OneBee]

Great idea.

[spartacus]

Tidy job psycho.

I use inflatable bouys I've found washed up for the ultimate recycle option. Keeps enough distance for the rib from barnacle encrusted piers and clinker built fishing boats!

[akis]

I found these:

Largest rib fender which is 1m wide is only £45.

Search

[warder54]

Originally Posted by spartacus

Tidy job psycho.

I use inflatable bouys I've found washed up for the ultimate recycle option. Keeps enough distance for the rib from barnacle encrusted piers and clinker built fishing boats!

Nice one, that has to be Caterline in the pic.

[spartacus]

Originally Posted by warder54

Nice one, that has to be Caterline in the pic.

Sure is warder. Feel free to divulge any good fishing spots or wrecks. Used king rag (pound a pop) and came back with nowt!

[warder54]

I only use jelly lures and muskets, sometimes with a bit of squid or Mackerel to good effect. Having said that the fishing has been poor this year.

[jambo]

Thread drift guys[emoji106]

[warder54]

Sorry jambo, by the way not muskets - muppets