www.iFourWinns.com

Came across a simple, effective way to adjust the height of your fenders for those of you who dock in various ports of call that have different dock heighths.

http://www.garelick.com/product.php?pnumber=71081

These are well built and make it super easy for the admiral to adjust fender height upwards and downwards. Of course, we safety tie with the end of the fender whip.

And yes, if you have large forces (wind/waves) - these are probably not the best. But - most folks are fairweather boaters and these work fantastic when rafting up, docking up for dinner, going through locks, etc.

Not very spendy...

The admiral on my boat has a heck of a time getting stable on the gunwale where she feels comfortable bending down to adjust fender height. Now, it's simple for her.

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

I use something very similar for my fenders and they work very well, bass pro shop has them on sale for $9 I think. We have some pretty large gusts and storms in Cleveland and I havent had a problem yet...knock on wood

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1999 298 Vista [color=#FF0000]Sold!!!
twin Volvo 5.7GXI

Woody: Pour you a beer, Mr. Peterson?
Norm: Alright, but stop me at one...make that one-thirty

I dislike depending upon anything other than lines when it comes to fenders. Sun damage weakens plastic and vinyl stuff a lot faster than most folks appreciate. The lines themselves are a bit less of a risk due to the multi-strand nature of their construction.

And, honestly, how difficult is it to throw two half-hitches into a line?

I prefer to spend the money on better quality lines (including fender whips), keeping them clean and replacing them as they age.

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

They aren't a replacement for lines... you still use good quality fender whips or the fender line of your choice.

While a double half hitch is probably more than sufficient, the admiral is thrilled that it takes her 1 second to raise or lower a fender - and she doesn't have to fumble around with the un-tie/re-tie of any lines. It's also very easy to just unclip the strap to move the fender. If she had to un-tie and hold the fender, move it, and re-tie it - she'd be 10X more stressed out.

Heck, now the admiral doesn't even have to put her drink down while adjusting the fenders.

As for wearing out... I highly doubt it will be an issue for 5-10 years. These straps have some good engineering and UV protection into them.

Purely a convenience product.

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

This is what I use when we are away from our home slip. At home I have five fenders zip stripped horizontally to the dock to protect the boat.



Admiral dislikes these becuase she can't figure them out!

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Michael Bova


"Swept Aweigh"
2003 Four Winns 328 Vista

Previous Boat
2003 Crownline 230CCR