Why do my boat fenders keep squeaking, and how can I stop them?
My cylindrical fenders squeak against the hull all night whenever there is a little movement in our marina berth. They're inflated quite firmly and don't have covers. What's the best way to quieten them without marking the gelcoat?
Answer
Your fenders squeak as their surfaces grip and slip against the hull or pontoon with the boat's movement. Wash the fenders and hull contact patches, then check inflation and positioning; clean, properly fitted covers usually help with any remaining noise.
Find the rubbing point
A soft PVC fender can creak loudly against smooth gelcoat, especially when wind holds the boat against the berth. Small movements stretch the contact surface until it slips. The cycle repeats, and the hull carries the vibration into the cabin, making it sound worse below.
From a safe position aboard or on the pontoon, move one fender at a time slightly along the hull and listen for a change. Keep hands and feet out of the gap between boat and pontoon, and take the load off a trapped fender before adjusting it.
- Fender against hull: usually a rubbery squeal or groan that follows the boat's movement.
- Fender against pontoon: often occurs against painted edging, plastic rubbing strips or another boat's fenders.
- Fender rope or mooring line: a line moving through a fairlead or around a rail can also creak. Check it before buying covers.
A splash of fresh water on the suspected contact patch can briefly change or silence friction noise. Use it to help identify the source, not as a lasting treatment.
Clean both contact surfaces
Lift each fender aboard and wash it with fresh water, mild boat shampoo and a soft brush or cloth. Rinse thoroughly, including the grooves and rope eyes. Wash the corresponding strip of topsides too. Cleaning only the fender leaves half the rubbing pair dirty.
Salt deposits, dried grime and material transferred from the pontoon can make rubbing noisier. Grit also makes repeated movement abrasive, so clean the fender before fitting a cover.
For stubborn marks, use a cleaner approved for the fender material. Follow its instructions and test a small area first. Avoid acetone, petrol, abrasive pads and strong solvents, which can damage the surface. Replace a fender if its skin stays sticky or shows cracks or other deterioration after suitable cleaning.
Do not use WD-40, grease, diesel or household oil to cure a squeak. They can contaminate the hull and collect dirt, and may be incompatible with the fender material. Silicone spray can also leave contamination that complicates later paint repairs.
Check pressure, position and movement
A fender pumped rock-hard has little give and readily transmits rubbing vibration. An underinflated fender can fold or flatten, leaving too little protection. Check pressure against the manufacturer's instructions for that model. No single pressure suits every cylindrical or ball fender.