10 Best Boat Fenders In 2023 | Tested & Reviewed

Specially designed for recreational trailered boats in protected moorings, the Polyform G Series are cylindrical bumpers with molded ribs that come in six different sizes and a vast array of bright, stylish, and long-lasting colors, so you can create the look you desire for your boat.

Polyform has been producing buoys for over 50 years, so in that time, they certainly have learned a thing or two about them. The G Series fenders are true proof of that! They boast great quality and are made of abrasion- and puncture-resistant material to ensure they can take a real beating.

The included ribs provide extra strength while the reinforced rope holds ensure long-term durability. Also, unlike other brands which have needle valves that are more prone to leaking, Polyform features a flat head screw seal, which is leak-proof.

The Polyform G Series Boat Fenders are shipped pre-inflated and without an inflation valve.

The Big B boat fender from Taylor Made is versatile and functional without comprising its aesthetics. It features a seamless construction with molded ribs that minimizes rolling, tough marine-grade vinyl with a high-gloss finish for both durability and beauty, as well as a center rope tube that allows end-to-end line passage, so it can be hung either vertically or horizontally with a single line.

This one is suitable for boats between 25 – 35 feet, but they’re also available in three other sizes to suit boats up to 60 ft.

The Five Oceans Fender Set is a package that includes 4 inflatable fenders, 4 ropes and a pump. It’s a complete set for smaller boats or a good addition to a larger boat’s arsenal of bumpers.

This package is one of the best examples of a set of ribbed fenders made of marine-grade PVC. This 6.5×23-inch set is a budget option, but one that demanded tested. As a starter set for a smaller boat, like a 30-foot bowrider, they’d do just fine. But for anything more, that required some checking.

We took them sailing over a summer season, testing them with a 36-foot, 11-ton steel-hauled boat. Five Oceans’ fender set passed just fine. Read our in-depth review to find out more.

This kit from Norestar comes with 4 inflatable fenders as well as 4 black 5’ x 3/8” fender lines. For smaller craft, 20 feet and under, this will be all you need for docking.

Depending on your necessities, the Norestar bumpers can be hung either vertically or horizontally as they feature a double-eye design. They also come with non-abrasive vertical ribs for both strength and protection as well as a tough marine-grade vinyl construction, which means they can withstand the salt, sun, and attrition.

The 5-½” x 20″ fender protects boats up to 20 feet, the 6-½” x 23″ protects boats up to 25 feet, while the 8-½” x 27” protects boats up to 30 feet.

Available in black and blue.

Available in a variety of high-visibility colors and eight different sizes, the Polyform A Series Buoy is a versatile cylindrical fender. Popular as a punching bag for its form and durability, it’s usefulness when landing a heavy boat is tested and true.

The A Series buoy features Polyform’s iconic blue tops and rope eye and it’s made as a single piece of heavy-duty and flexible vinyl for maximum strength and durability.

This buoy has proven itself in the most adverse weather conditions, and besides functioning as a boat fender, it may also be used as a marker buoy, mooring buoy, anchor buoy, and even as a punching bag.

Also, the three largest sizes, the A-5, A-6, and A-7, now come with the Dual Valve system for quick deflation and storage.

To inflate your buoy, you can use either a hand pump or an air compressor. First, unscrew the cap from the air valve with a flathead screwdriver. If using a hand pump, simply insert the nozzle into the air valve and pump until it’s full. In case you use an air compressor, set the compressor to 30 psi or less and inflate the buoy up to a maximum of 2 psi. Once you’re done inflating, use the screwdriver to tighten the cap back into the valve.

Made of heavy-duty marine-grade vinyl and boasting an L-shaped form, this novel option from Taylor Made was specifically designed to meet the demands of small vessels such as bass boats, ski boats, and other low freeboard boats.

Due to its unconventional design, the Low Freeboard Boat Fender provides excellent protection for both the gunwales and rub rails. Also, because they conform to the boat’s body, they will stay securely in place and won’t shift around, unlike traditional cylindrical bumpers. For dinghies that can lower into the water with rain, this rail hugging model stays in place.

They can be tied over the cleats to position them higher on the boat and can be easily inflated through a rubber football needle valve.

Available in two sizes and four metallic colors—except for the white one—the Low Freeboard Boat Fender is both beautiful and robust while also offering excellent protection against the docks.

Say goodbye to lines, knots, and all the hassle that usually comes with docking with the next boat fenders.

The Sentry boat bumpers from MISSION feature a modern and cutting-edge design that is both protective and time-saving. They boast a cross-linked closed-cell foam construction—a material that doesn’t absorb water and resists fading from the sun’s damaging UV rays—along with an innovative hanging system, which together with their shape and length protect both the lower and upper parts of the rub rails.

But it doesn’t stop there!

They also align beautifully with the contour of your vessel’s hull, thus preventing them from getting caught on top of the dock or pushed out of position. Plus, their integrated strap system easily attaches to the boat’s cleats and docks for quick and easy setup.

Suitable for boats, yachts, sailboats, rowboats, and docks, this fender kit from VIVOHOME comes with four boat fenders—available in the 6.5 x 24 in., and 8.5 x 27 in. sizes—four 5.2’ ropes, four inflating needles, as well as a hand pump to inflate your bumpers.

This set of fenders boasts an oval design, a heavy-duty marine-grade UV-resistant PVC construction, reinforced eyelets on both ends—so you can safely hang them either vertically or horizontally—as well as vertical ribs for added strength.

They also feature a great buffer effect, which will protect your vessel from damage caused by heavy collisions between hard surfaces.

As previously mentioned, this kit comes with everything you need to easily inflate and install them. And even after a couple of weeks, there have been no issues with deflation whatsoever. They’re also very compact for convenient storage.

The VIVOHOME Vinyl Ribbed Marine Boat Fenders are available in four colors—blue, white, red, and black—and they fit boats from 19 to 29ft.

The BoatTector Contour Fenders from Extreme Max features a wraparound design that protects against hitting the underside of a dock in low tide. It conforms to your boat’s body and protects both the gunwale and hull, along with a closed-cell foam construction so you don’t have to worry about inflating them.

Designed to withstand the wear and tear of the marine environment, they also boast a marine-grade tri-laminate cover, double thermal-bonded seams, and corrosion-proof polycarbonate grommets

Due to their unconventional square design, they fold quite easily for convenient storage. But be aware that because they’re so lightweight, if they’re not securely stowed, they will fly away.

Available in three colors—white, black, and blue—the pack comes with a pair of fenders (24” x 6. 5” x 2. 5”) as well as two fender lines (⅜” x 6’), and for your peace of mind, the brand also offers you a two-year replacement.

Overall, good quality bumpers at a great price. However, they’re best suited for small boats—16 feet or less—and calm waters as opposed to ocean use.

The Attwood boat fenders only come in one size, one color, and absolutely no inflation is needed. And although they are simple as they come, they do exactly what you expect them to: offer great protection for your boat with the added bonus of being budget-friendly.

Made from tough and lightweight polymeric material, these fenders feature a seamless one-piece construction, an oval shape together with ribbed sides to prevent them from rolling against the hull, as well as double-molded eye ends for extra strength.

The pack comes with 3 already inflated fenders but sadly, no liners.

Ideal for pontoon boats, these bumpers do a great job at protecting your vessel and they also seem to be quite durable—only time will tell.

Extreme Max makes another bumper value pack featuring four 6. 5” x 22” boat fenders and four 3/8” x 5’ fender lines.

These bumpers from Extreme Max boast a sturdy PVC construction along with thick walls and reinforced ribs for improved protection, as well as a needle valve so you can adjust each fender to your desired pressure.

In addition, reinforced molded eyelets at each end of the fender for added strength and durability, 12 bright colors for you to choose from, and a two-year warranty.

All in all, these are great quality utility fenders at an amazing price. However, the included ropes are not as sturdy as the ones from other brands, and even though they say the fenders are UV-stabilized and chemically-resistant, their vibrant colors haven’t held for long.