Fender Protection on a Budget

Problem solved, with the help of some well-worn old boat work tees. Marissa Neely

Two months into our cruising adventure aboard our 1979 Cheoy Lee 41, Avocet, we found ourselves docked in my hometown of Santa Cruz, California, for an unexpected job opportunity. With strong swells rocking the harbor, our fenders took a beating, while protecting our hull from the constant blows against the dock.

We hadn’t yet graduated to sewing our own soft fender covers, so, for temporary protection I wrapped the fenders with towels. By Day 3 of the dock pummeling, I discovered one towel had gone missing, swept away by the surge. I needed a new solution, fast—and preferably one that didn’t cost a dime, since we were freshly two months into our cruising journey. 

As I assessed the situation, I thought: If only I could dress the fenders. Then it hit me: Why not actually dress them? I hurried down below, rummaged through my husband’s project shirts and found the most worn-out ones—perfect for the task. With t-shirts in hand, I returned to the fenders, slipped them on and smiled at my quick fix. Now, sporting Chris’s old shirts, our fenders were no longer naked, and Avocet’s paint stayed protected. 

This little experience reminded me that, sometimes, all you need is to think outside the box. Before you go out and buy something for your boat, take a look around. You might already have what you need. Boats require ingenuity, and sometimes the simplest solutions are right in front of us.

Marissa and Chris Neely share their sailing adventures, from the technical aspects of cruising a classic sailboat to the challenges and triumphs of liveaboard life, through their Sailing Avocet blog. Check it out at svavocet.com.

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