Fender/Buoy Sizing Chart

Boat Size	Fender Selection
Up to 10'	G‑1, A‑0
10'‑15'	G‑2, NF‑3, A‑0
15'‑20'	G‑3, NF‑3, A‑1, S‑1
20'‑25'	F‑1, F‑02, F‑2, F‑3, G‑4, HTM‑1, NF‑4, A‑1, LD‑1
25'‑30'	F‑02, F‑2, F‑3, G‑5, HTM‑2, NF‑5, A‑1, LD‑1
30'‑35'	F‑4, F‑5, G‑5, HTM‑3, NF‑5, A‑2, LD‑2
35'‑40'	F‑5, F‑6, G‑6, HTM‑3, A‑2, LD‑2
40'‑50'	F‑6, HTM‑4, A‑3, LD‑3
50'‑60'	F‑7, F‑8, A‑4, LD‑4
60'‑70'	F‑8, F‑10, F‑11, A‑5
70'‑Up	F‑11, F‑13, A‑5, A‑6, A‑7
The Polyform US Fender Guide is to be used as a general guide. Common sense, as well as an understanding of your vessel and mooring conditions, must be considered. The final responsibility has to be taken by the consumer due to many variables out of Polyform's control.

Docking

Sometimes using a buoy instead of a cylindrical fender can be of benefit. You get more stand-off (the distance between the hull and what it is tied to). Keep in mind that buying and placing an extra fender or two is much cheaper than repairing your hull.

Fender Tips

The mounting point for the fenders shoud be something which is securely attached to the hull or deck of the boat.
(A) While it may seem that a top rail would be a convenient place to hang a fender, that upper rail of topside railing is not considered being securely attached to the boat. We recommend using a cleat (B) that is directly attached to the hull/deck or at the base (C) of the stanchion of your rail systems as the optimum mounting points.

Rope Tips

Start with the proper size rope (diameter) based on the size of the fender and the ropehold. We recommend nothing less than 3/8" diameter for the smaller fenders up to as large as 1" depending upon the size of the fender and the diameter of the ropehold. The idea is that you want to fill as much of the diameter of the ropehold with the line in order to disperse the load over the greatest area of the ropehold.

Storage

Polyform fenders and buoys should be stored in a safe place out of direct sunlight.

 

Use at least three fenders when docking.

1. One fender at aft.
2. One fender at maximum beam.
3. One fender at fore.

Rafting

1. When rafting, the best fendering technique is to have the fenders in place on the boat already moored or at anchor.
2. Position three standard fenders fairly close to maximum beam.
3. Position two round A Series or LD Series buoys fore and aft to provide greater protection from boats tossing into each other.

 

Using a line diameter that is too small can act like a knife and abrade or create friction on a single point in the ropehold causing the ropehold to crack or tear. We prefer and recommend nylon rope over other types because of its stretch properties. It is a little more forgiving and softer creating less friction. Remember, rope is much stronger than the PVC our fenders are made from, and always wins in the end.