The choice of a dock fender depends primarily on the size and type of mooring vessels, the dock's construction, how heavily it is used, and the point where the boat's hull may come into contact with the waterfront.
For smaller boats, personal watercraft and private docks, narrower models are often enough. For larger vessels, marinas and heavily used berths, wider fenders providing a larger protective surface are a better solution.
However, fender width is not the only criterion. Equally important are:
Comparison of MARINA fender models
| Model | Dimensions | Most common use |
|---|---|---|
| MARINA 8 | 100 × 8 × 6 cm | smaller boats, personal watercraft, private docks and places with limited mounting surface |
| MARINA 12 | 100 × 12 × 6 cm | a versatile solution for most recreational boats, private docks and marinas |
| MARINA 20 | 100 × 20 × 6 cm | larger vessels, heavily used berths and a wide protective zone |
| MARINA Corner | versions matched to the system's width | corners, edges and dock ends |
| MARINA Y-Boom | 100 × 12 × 6 cm | ends of finger docks and narrow structural elements |
All the basic linear models are about 6 cm thick. They mainly differ in the width of the surface protecting the hull.
MARINA 8 is the narrowest model in the system. It works especially well where the mounting surface is limited or smaller vessels are being protected.
It can be used, among others, with:
This model takes up little space and lets you attractively protect a straight dock edge. However, it requires particularly precise height positioning, since its protective surface is smaller than in the wider variants.
MARINA 8 should not be chosen purely for its lower price. If different boats moor at the dock, or there are larger changes in water level, a wider model may provide more effective protection.
MARINA 12 is the most versatile variant. It provides a larger protective surface than the MARINA 8 model, while not taking up as much space as the widest versions.
It works especially well with:
The 12 cm width makes it easier to correctly position the fender in the hull's contact zone and provides a greater safety margin for small changes in the boat's position.
For many private users and standard berths, MARINA 12 will be the most versatile choice.
MARINA 20 provides a wide protective surface. It is intended primarily for places with greater loads, intensive vessel traffic, or significant differences in freeboard height.
It can be used with:
The greater width helps distribute pressure over a larger surface. This does not mean, however, that the fender can replace correct mooring or fenders hung on the boat.
Before choosing MARINA 20, make sure the dock's construction provides an adequate surface for stable mounting of the product.
There is no single universal table that lets you assign a specific boat length to one fender model. Two vessels of similar length can differ significantly in weight, hull shape, hull height and mooring method.
When choosing, you should take into account:
Vessel weight A heavier boat can transfer more energy on contact with the dock than a lighter vessel of similar length. In such a case, it's worth using a wider protective surface and a greater number of mounting points.
Hull shape A rounded hull may touch the dock over a relatively small area. Vertical or wider hulls may require protecting a larger area.
Freeboard height The fender must be positioned in the actual contact zone. The mounting height should be determined based on the specific vessel and the level of the dock.
Mooring method A boat held stable by several properly tensioned lines will move less than a loosely moored vessel. Fenders protect against contact, but they should not have to absorb continuous, strong pressure resulting from incorrect mooring.
Conditions on the water The choice of fender is also influenced by waves, wind, the movement of other vessels and fluctuations in water level.
On a private dock, usually one or a few known vessels moor. This makes it easier to precisely match the fender's height and width.
Before buying, it's worth:
If a small boat moors at the dock and the contact zone is easy to determine, MARINA 8 may be sufficient. For a larger boat, or if wider protection is needed, MARINA 12 will be more versatile.
At a single marina berth, vessels differing in size, construction and freeboard height may moor. The fender should therefore provide a wider range of protection than on a dock intended for only one boat.
When designing marina protection, you should take into account:
In heavily used places, it's usually worth considering the MARINA 12 or MARINA 20 models. In some cases, arranging two rows of fenders at different heights may work better than using a single element in the wrong position.
The mounting height should be determined with the boat moored at the place to be protected.
The fender should cover the zone where the hull can approach the dock during:
The height should not be determined solely based on the top edge of the dock. The widest point of the hull may be located much lower on part of the boat.
At floating docks, the relative height between the hull and the dock usually changes less than with fixed structures. At fixed waterfronts, the range of water level changes should be taken into account.
It's not always necessary to install fenders along the entire length of the dock. Protection should, however, cover all the places where hull contact may occur.
These are most often:
Linear elements 100 cm long can be mounted one after another. This makes it possible to match the length of the protection to a specific berth, and to replace a single section if it gets damaged.
Large gaps should not be left between fenders in places where the hull could hit the hard structure directly.
Corners are among the most exposed elements of a dock. Hull contact with a sharp edge can cause more damage than an impact against a flat side of the structure.
Corner fenders should be used primarily:
The corner piece should be matched to the width of the linear system used. This keeps the protection continuous and the whole dock looking consistent.
The MARINA Y-Boom fender was designed to protect the ends of narrow finger docks.
The ends of finger docks are particularly exposed to impacts as a boat approaches the berth. A standard linear fender may not fit correctly onto a rounded or profiled end.
Y-Boom has a specially shaped back that allows it to fit onto a typical finger dock end. This means it protects both the front surface and the side zones exposed to contact.
The fender model itself can be used on different structures. What changes is the mounting method.
Wooden dock The fender can be fastened using suitable construction screws. The wood should be sound, stable and free of signs of rot. Screws should not be fastened solely into a thin finishing board if it doesn't provide adequate load capacity.
Steel dock Self-drilling screws for steel or bolted connections are most often used. Mounting elements should be corrosion-resistant and matched to the thickness of the profile.
Aluminium dock Fasteners suitable for aluminium should be used, and the possibility of galvanic corrosion between different metals should be taken into account.
Concrete dock Mounting requires suitable anchors or dowels intended for concrete. The base must not be cracked or weakened at the drilling point.
Plastic or composite dock The installation method depends on the specific system's construction. Not every plastic element provides sufficient load capacity for direct fastening. If necessary, the fender should be connected to a structural element located beneath the cladding.
Wide washers distribute the screw's pressure over a larger area of the foam and limit how deeply it sinks into the material.
In the MARINA system, washers matched to the prepared mounting holes should be used. For the MARINA 8 and MARINA 12 models, washers about 15 mm in diameter are used. For other variants, larger washers may be used, according to the technical data sheet of the specific product.
Screws should hold the fender stably but must not crush the foam excessively. Over-tightening can permanently deform the material and weaken the mounting point.
The manufacturer recommends using additional gluing wherever the surface and construction of the dock allow it.
Mechanical fastening holds the product at specific points. Adhesive creates an additional bond over a large part of the fender's back surface, meaning forces aren't carried solely by the screws.
Adhesives that can be used include:
The chosen adhesive must:
Before gluing, surfaces should be cleaned and prepared according to the adhesive manufacturer's instructions. It's also recommended to test adhesion on a small area.
The adhesive should not replace correctly performed mechanical fastening, unless the documentation for a specific project provides for a different solution.
Colour mainly affects the appearance of the dock and the visibility of its edges.
MARINA fenders are available in colours including:
Light variants blend well with modern marinas and white dock elements. Grey is a neutral and practical colour. Black provides a clear contrast and can match steel structures.
EVA fenders do not leave the typical black streaks characteristic of many rubber elements and old tyres. This also applies to black fenders, since the colour is part of the material's structure, not an external, staining coating.
Regardless of colour, fenders should be regularly cleaned of sand, mud and other dirt.
Choosing a model that's too narrow A narrow fender may be sufficient for one known boat, but in a marina serving different vessels it may not cover the whole contact zone.
Incorrect mounting height This is one of the most common mistakes. A fender mounted outside the contact zone doesn't protect the hull, regardless of its dimensions.
Skipping the corners The straight sections of the dock are protected, but the most dangerous edge remains exposed.
Too large gaps between elements The hull can hit exactly the unprotected section of the structure.
Fastening to an unstable cladding The fender should be fastened to an element that provides adequate load capacity.
Over-tightening the screws Excessive pressure can deform the foam and weaken the mounting points.
No inspection after installation A loose screw or a partially detached section should be repaired before further loads cause greater damage.
A private dock for a small boat The MARINA 8 or MARINA 12 system, mounted in the hull's contact zone, is usually sufficient. The corners should be protected with separate elements if the boat can reach them while manoeuvring.
A versatile berth for recreational boats MARINA 12 is a good starting point. It provides a wider protective zone and works well with different vessels. At the end of a finger dock, it's worth using a Y-Boom.
A guest berth in a marina Given the different heights and types of vessels, it's worth using MARINA 12 or MARINA 20. Thorough protection of the corners and the entry zone to the berth is essential.
A heavily used marina The entire dock system, the typical vessels, the contact height and the most common directions of impact should be analysed. Wider models can be combined with corner pieces and Y-Boom elements to create a consistent protective system.
Correctly choosing a fender is not simply about picking the largest available model. The width, mounting height, length of protection and fastening method should be matched to the specific boat and dock construction.
In short:
The most important thing is to mount the fender in the actual hull contact zone and fasten it stably to a structural element of the dock. Wherever possible, the manufacturer recommends supplementing mechanical fastening with a suitable flexible outdoor adhesive.
