What are ballistic fenders?
Ball fenders are round, domed fenders that hang from the sides of your boat to prevent damage. Unlike elongated fenders, ball fenders have a domed design that is extra resistant to pressure and impact, making them ideal for areas where your boat needs extra protection.
They are made of durable, UV-resistant materials that are both long-lasting and easy to clean. Their shape and strength make ball fenders particularly popular for larger boats, yachts, and ships that regularly moor in busy harbors.
What is the function of a ball fender?
The main function of a ball fender is to protect your boat from damage caused by impact forces. Think of situations where you might collide with a jetty, dock, or other boats. Thanks to their rounded shape, a ball fender distributes the pressure over a larger surface area, ensuring optimal hull protection.
Especially in wind or currents, when precise maneuvering is more difficult, a ball fender offers extra security. This type of fender is also extremely useful when mooring in narrow or busy harbors.
How do you hang a ball fender?
Hanging a ball fender is simple, but it's important to do it correctly. In the following step-by-step guide, we'll explain exactly how to hang your ball fenders correctly.
- Attach the ball fender to a sturdy line.
- Hang the fender on the railing or on a fender holder.
- Adjust the height to protect the torso at the point where contact may occur with a scaffold or other object.
- Position the fender slightly above the water surface so that it does not float in the water but still follows the correct protection line.
- Check regularly that the fender is properly secured and inflated sufficiently.
How many ball fenders do you need?
The number of ball fenders you need depends on the length and type of boat, as well as the conditions you frequently sail in. Generally, the longer the boat, the more fenders you'll need to properly protect the hull. For small boats, two to three fenders are often sufficient, while larger boats or yachts require four or more.
You choose the best number based on your most frequent mooring locations and the risk of damage. Not sure? Then it's always wise to use a little more protection than strictly necessary.
Common mistakes when using ball fenders
Although ball fenders are easy to use, mistakes are still frequently made in practice. Below are the most common misunderstandings and how to avoid them:
- Fenders hanging too low:This causes them to float in the water and does not sufficiently protect the hull.
- Not using enough fenders:insufficient protection causes unnecessary damage when mooring or manoeuvring.
- Choosing the wrong size:a fender that is too small cannot properly absorb the impact.
- Not inflating fenders hard enough:a soft fender loses its protective function.
- Fenders hanging in wrong position:If they are not hanging on the contact points, they are not doing their job optimally.
Buy ball fenders at Watersports4fun
At Watersports4fun, you're guaranteed top-quality ball fenders and expert advice. Thanks to our long-standing passion for watersports and our unparalleled customer service, we're happy to help you make the right choice.
We're known for our high level of service and for solving every question or challenge, so you can enjoy the water worry-free. Ready to optimally protect your boat? Discover our range of ball fenders and order easily online.
