| My topsides got scratched by piers while waiting to be pulled from the water in November. I did not realize until we arrived that the place we were bringing the boat to had only pylons and no dock or fenders on the pylons themselves. I tried to position fenders as best I could, but obviously it was not successful (especially since they pulled the boat 5 days after they said they were going to). Since then I have learned about fenderboards and plan to construct one for spring splash and future docking adventures. My question is about construction. I have read of both wood and pvc versions. Some recommend wood up to 2x8 for a boat of my size (http://www.practical-sailor.com/marine/build_your_own_fender_boards-10681-1.html). That would make a pretty heavy piece of wood. The presumed advantage of PVC is that it won’t weather or accumulate gunk from pylons. It was claimed PVC was lighter, but that depends on the type and size of wood. I can’t see the need for either wider, heavier wood or big diameter PVC. It doesn’t seem to me that the fenderboard is going to be subject to alot of stress. The PVC would be subject to crushing force between the boat and pylon, but the fenders will absorb alot of that. Also, I don’t think that 3” PVC (cheaper and lighter) will be any weaker than 4” PVC (recommended in http://boatingtales.com/making-a-fender-board/) to a crushing force since the wall diameter is the same. I also can’t see why a 2x8 (recommended for my boat size) would be any better than a 2x4. My goal is the simplest and lightest fenderboard that will work. It seems that either wood or pvc will work and the actual construction is simple, but the size is me concern. So what is the wisdom of the list on this topic? THanks- Dave PS- Any thoughts on the best way to get the scratches out of the topsides also appreciated David Knecht Aries 1990 C&C 34+ New London, CT |
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