What to use for fenders and cleats on ski sporter

[BobinCovington]

I don't usually leave the boat tied up, but once in a while I need to. Just curious, what is everyone using for fenders or lines when docking their ski sporter (to tie up)? My boat has no cleats, just the fore and aft rings like most others and I'm not sold on drilling into my 1966 deck for pop up cleats yet. Couple of issues I have run into...

1) having no cleats it does not work that well to hang fenders on lines from rings (they hang in the wrong position and I am already using the rings for dock lines)

2) so usually I hang fenders from the rails, but I really would like to have one a little farther back (I have tied to the rear ring a few times, but it hangs almost too far back)

3) I am considering getting the larger ball style fenders which I could hang from the rails to protect the boat more from rogue wakes and hitting the dock

So my best solution seems like the larger ball style fenders hung from the cockpit rail (as far forward and back as possible) and then run dock lines from the rings.

On bigger boats, I have no problem attaching lines and fenders but the cleats are typically installed in the best locations already. Kind of a silly topic for most, but I'd like to know what you are using and what works best for you (if you have a ski sporter or similar small boat). Also if you have installed cleats or fender attachment points on your boat and have pics, that is helpful.

thanks guys

B

[John C in PA]

Bob. Taylor Low Freeboard fenders (http://www.easternmarineoutlet.com/TAYLOR-5-x-14-Low-Freeboard-Inflatable-Fender-31005/) are practically made for the Sweet 16. My 16 doesn't have factory cleats either so I'm considering using these (http://www.wholesalemarine.com/p/NAT-1093/Rail+Mount+Fender+Line+Clip-+Pair.html) instead of tying my fender lines onto the handrails.

HTH, John C in PA

[CHACHI]

I have been using low board fenders for 10 years now, I love them.

Ken

[Donzi Vol]

Yep, that's what I use as well. Then I have a nifty little knot that I use to tie them to the cockpit rails. Just make sure you tie them nice and tight and they'll stay high enough to keep the boat off the dock.

Depending on the dock and cleat locations, you can also hang a couple fenders off of it. That will allow some protection at the stern and further toward the bow.

[jl1962]

i have been using low board fenders for 10 years now, i love them.

Ken

+1

Don't drill any holes in the boat!

For the occaisonal short term tie up, you can be plenty creative using what is already there. If the boat spends a lot of time docked at one location, consider getting mooring whips to hold the boat off the dock.

[Rob M]

Bob:

I agree - personally I would not put pop-up cleats on your boat given its originality.

The ball fenders you mention are the best solution I found when I had my 16. I paired these with a plastic attachment product called a "Bumper Buddy" that snugs over the grab rail, installing in seconds as you come up to a dock. From these you run lines of sufficient length on each fender. Given the size of these fenders, they hold the boat well off the dock in most all wake conditions. The only hassle is that they take up space under the deck - but most things do in a 16. I still use these for my Corsican.

Rob

[BobinCovington]

Thanks for all the posts...I agree the thought of drilling into the deck is not a good idea. I will probably pick up some of those fenders and give them a try. I might be able to store larger fenders in the bow space.

[cutwater]

Wise choice, Bob! Good luck.

[yeller]

I used the low freeboard ones for years with my 16 also and they worked great. The only complaint I had was the 14" was a bit short when using on the front of boat at floating docks. They do make a longer one which I was going to get...but never did.

I use the flat fenders with my 22C. http://www.wholesalemarine.com/p/K-T-HH-1CW/HULL+HUGR+Contour+Boat+Fender.html
These are super light weight and easy to store. My complaint about these are the bottom of the fender is not sealed . If they hang in the water, (like they do on my 22), you have to drain them after using. That may not bother some (or most) people, but it bugs the crap out of me.

If they were sealed, I'd give them a 10 out of 10 rating. As they are, I am thinking of going back to the low freeboard ones.

[Tony]

Get some of these suction cups along with the low freeboard fenders, they work very well and you can put the fenders almost wherever you want.

http://www.amazon.com/Kwik-Tek-SF-1C-Suction-Fender/dp/B0000AXTWB

[BobinCovington]

Thanks for all the input...it's good to hear what works from you guys with actual ski sporter experience.

[yeller]

Get some of these suction cups along with the low freeboard fenders, they work very well and you can put the fenders almost wherever you want.

http://www.amazon.com/Kwik-Tek-SF-1C-Suction-Fender/dp/B0000AXTWBI have those but stopped using them. A couple times they fell off on me after about 30 minutes. I was on the boat, so no damage done, but I don't want to risk returning to the boat and find it banging against the dock.

[Tony]

I have those but stopped using them. A couple times they fell off on me after about 30 minutes. I was on the boat, so no damage done, but I don't want to risk returning to the boat and find it banging against the dock.

I used them mostly for rafting up and short term docking, and never had them fall off. I agree, though, that you wouldn't want to trust them for longer times or if you are away from your boat.

[Fishermanjm]

i have a question... how do you put the anchor out and tie it off,,, staying off the shore somewhere, i cant see how the anchor line could be tied off the bow and secured without a bow cleat and or chocks,,, how is it done?

[zelatore]

It's a bit of a reach, but the safest way would be to attach to the bow eye. Safe for the boat at least. May be a good way for you to go for a swim though trying to reach it!

One option could be to make up a short length of line with a quick-release shackle on one end and a loop on the other that you can tie your anchor line off to. Then you can simply reach over the bow and snap the short line on, then tie the anchor line off from a comfortable sitting position.

You COULD attach to the bow lifting ring, but you risk chafe on the bow gel, and the line will tend to pull the bow down more if there is a lot of strain on it from wind/waves. And a 16 doesn't have a ton of freeboard to start with.

One thing I DON'T recommend is attaching an anchor from the stern. If the wind/waves come up you'll risk swamping

[yeller]

One thing I DON'T recommend is attaching an anchor from the stern. If the wind/waves come up you'll risk swamping
I almost always anchor from the stern. It's much easier than from the bow because you can put a foot on the drive when pulling it up and keep the anchor away from the boat.

Don is right though. I anchor from the bow if it starts to get rough.

[BobinCovington]

I never really tried to anchor with a little 16. But I have a little folding anchor and some line on board just in case. I like the idea of the short line with a snap and a loop to attach to the bow eye.

[Fishermanjm]

ok i guess time will tell the boat is sitting in a 6ft snow drift right now,,, spring is a long way off