Best fenders for 1650 Explorer SS

I just bought a new to me 1999 Lund Explorer. I have only had big boats with a a lot of free board in the past. The Lund obviously rides much lower in the water. What fenders would you recommend to avoid dock rash? Your experience will help me avoid trial and error buying. I was thinking of these: https://www.amazon.com/Taylor-Made-Products-Freeboard-Fender/dp/B000MJJK32/ Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Chuck

I wouldn’t get those Chuck… hold on…

I’ve had (have one left) those type and they would completely fall off my Lund Angler because of the waves. Never did find the one that fell off a few years back. Sometimes they would flip up and be laying on the inside of my boat. Little good that did.

My Skeeter came with these and I love them as much as a person can love bumpers. I would feel better if I had three to put out, but not sure where I would attach it.

Personally I won’t ever buy a “round” bumper again.

LinK to Flat Bumpers

My 1650 Rebel XL is similar to your rig, I use the traditional round bumpers, but a larger diameter at the middle of the boat, and a smaller one back near the transom. My rig has the internal SportTrak, I’ve added small cleats to the brackets, so I can position the bumpers where I need them.

HRG

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Thanks to you both Brian and HRG. Brian, would you think the top part of the flat fender would hang on the outside of the boat, or over the gunnel somehow? The Ranger has a pretty big flat area along the rail if I recall. The Lund is more of an angle.

I agree with the Whickered one. I used the flat ones on my old Lund Explorer and on my Skeeter. They work great for both.

Thank you to_setter!

Flat or round makes no difference if they are too low to protect your boat. Most of the docks I pull up on are all to high allowing the corner or gunnel to go beneath the dock. My fix was to install my rod holders (2) which sit 8 to 10 inches above the gunnel, turn them so the dock could not catch them, then hang the bumper from the rod holder end instead of over the edge of the boat like usual. Works perfect.

Don, doesn’t that put a lot of pressure on your rod holders? I would think when the boat moved up it would try to pull the rod holders down. It sounds like a good idea since you have made it work.

mrchuckles, If she’s rocking that bad it gets driven right on the trailer or held off the dock, but 99% of the time its great. Just thought I’d share what works for me.

Thank you sir. I will be leaving mine in the water over night occasionally at our dock and sometimes the boat wakes outside the dock rocks around a bit with both the floating dock and the boat in the slip moving around. I’ll get a lift but don’t have it yet. I plan to rubber up my slip in the dock for sure, and then want to compliment that with fenders on the boat.

Don would you have a picture of your rod holder set up by chance?

Thanks,

Chuck

stay tuned.. ill get it right now

hows this.. I take the rope thru the top and hang it according to the level I need.

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Cool beans. Thanks! I can do that and throw a couple of huggers in for the times I get fuel.

I appreciate the ideas from all.

Thanks,

Chuck

I use the flat ones on my Skeeter just like BK. Work perfect.

Here’s the nicest thing about the flat bumpers; when possible, I tie them to the dock instead of the boat. The flat configuration typically works well if the dock side is wide enough.

I just ordered four flat ones. I also ordered a couple of round 5.5″ by 18″ to use off of rod holders like Don showed. This old girl isn’t going to get a new scratch on her if I can help it. She is beautiful for a 1999.

This one, I use this plus 2 inflateable fenders from Cabelas. You’re not going to do better than that type of setup. http://www.cabelas.com/product/Hull-Hugr/737939.uts