What are the best fenders for a pontoon boat?

For most pontoon boats, the best everyday fenders are shaped pontoon fenders that cover the projecting aluminium deck edge, backed by large inflatable cylindrical fenders for wash and rafting alongside other boats. Check where your boat touches the dock first: protecting the pontoon tube achieves nothing if the deck trim or fencing hits above it.

Find the contact points

A pontoon boat can touch the dock at its aluminium tubes, outer deck extrusion, corner castings or fence above the deck. These positions vary by builder and model year, so choosing fenders by boat length alone can leave expensive parts exposed.

With the boat securely moored, look along the dockside to see which part would touch first. Check again with passengers aboard, as loading changes the deck height. At a fixed dock, allow for changing water levels. At a floating dock, check how the boat moves against its edge and any projecting piles.

• Deck edge meets dock: choose a shaped pontoon fender with a substantial cushion outside the extrusion.
• Tube meets low dock: use a cylindrical fender large enough to protect the tube, positioned at tube height.
• Fence approaches a high dock: provide protection at that height and check that the fence will not take the docking load.
• Exposed corners: add dedicated corner protection and retain hanging fenders for cushioning.

Fender types and brands

Purpose-made pontoon fenders are my first choice for a regular berth with a predictable contact height. Taylor Made offers pontoon-specific designs shaped around the deck edge. Check the dimensions and attachments against your boat. The word "pontoon" does not guarantee a good fit.

Inflatable cylindrical fenders provide clearance and suit boats using different berths. Polyform G-series and Taylor Made Super Gard are established examples. Their rounded bodies accommodate movement, but can roll aside if badly positioned. Use them as your main additional protection where passing wash makes the boat surge or roll.

Flat foam fenders, including Hull Hugr designs, store easily and can cover a broad area of deck trim. They work well against a reasonably smooth dock face, but a thin pad gives less clearance than a large cylinder. Check the thickness and attachment points, and look for projecting bolts or brackets that could reach past the pad.

Budget roughly £25 to £60 each for medium inflatable cylinders and £30 to £80 each for shaped pontoon fenders. These are broad allowances. Size, construction and the availability of imports can change the price substantially.