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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.
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
Solid and heavy-duty construction -
Abrasion-resistant
-
May be hung horizontally and vertically
-
Stays in place when the boat is docked
-
Comes with a pump and inflation needles
-
Easy to inflate
Things we don't like:
-
For bigger boats (30+ feet), larger fenders are recommended
Specs & Features
- Fender Dimensions: 6.5” x 23”
- Fender Line Dimensions: ⅜” x 5’
- Material: High-Quality, Marine-Grade, UV-Resistant PVC
- Available Fender Colors: Marine Black, Marine Blue, Marine Red, Marine White
- Kit Inclusions: 4 6.5” x 23” Fenders, 4 ⅜” x 5’ Fender Lines, 4 Needles, Pump
Overview
This Five Oceans set is a complete kit designed to protect your boat when docking or mooring up to other vessels. It includes four fenders, four fender lines, four needles, and a pump. The manufacturer states that the set is suitable for vessels measuring 30’ or less.
The fenders are made of marine-grade, UV-resistant PVC. For additional protection, and to minimize impact slip, they are also ribbed on all sides. Using the pump provided, you can inflate and deflate them to attain the desired pressure. When inflated properly, they should feel firm and have no bulging sidewalls.
PVC is preferable over vinyl when it comes to boat fenders. It is relatively more expensive, but it does deliver in terms of durability, abrasion and puncture resistance, and overall quality. Moreover, it is even more durable with a ribbed design.
You can use the 5’ x ⅜” line to hang the Five Oceans Inflatable Ribbed Boat Fender. Thanks to the reinforced eyelets on both ends, you may hang it horizontally or vertically.
Material & Construction
These fenders have a pretty solid construction. Like the Norestar 4-Pack Ribbed Fender and the Taylor Made Big B, they are made of heavy-duty, marine-grade material. Taylor Mades are always going to be better–both in terms of durability and maintenance–but they cost three times as much.
The marine-grade PVC does a good job resisting abrasion, especially with the help of the ribbed design that reinforces material strength. Undoubtedly, you can rely on durable cushioning to dock your boat safely.
Since the Five Oceans fenders have an eyelet on each end and a 5’ line, you may hang it vertically or horizontally. When tested, these bumpers stayed in place the entire time, protecting all sides of the docked vessel.
Another good thing about these boat bumpers is that they come with a pump and four needles. Generally, they are easy to inflate. Once you’ve inflated each fender, you may use the needles to adjust the pressure.
In rare cases that one or more fenders in the kit are defective or have holes, you can ask for a replacement unit. Otherwise, they won’t hold air and provide the protection that your boat needs.
Size
Considering the standard rule of thumb that for every 5’ of boat length, a fender should have a 1” diameter, the Five Oceans Inflatable Ribbed Boat Fender 6.5×23 Inches is ideal for 30’ boats. Any watercraft measuring greater than 30’ will require larger fenders, such as the Taylor Made Big B.
Conclusion
These boat fenders are among the best-selling ones of their kind today, particularly on Amazon. Even though they come deflated, you can easily inflate them using the pump included in the kit. They arrive pretty quickly, so that is a huge plus.
Since they are made of PVC, these boat bumpers are a little bit on the expensive side. Nonetheless, they are worth every penny because they are tough and long-lasting, and can provide maximum protection for your vessel. Additionally, they come with fender lines and needles for a complete setup.
Ideally, the Five Oceans Inflatable Ribbed Boat Fender 6.5×23 Inches works best for 30’ or shorter boats.
Related Reviews
Our Overall Review
We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:
Things we like:
-
Solid and heavy-duty construction
-
Abrasion-resistant
-
May be hung horizontally and vertically
-
Stays in place when the boat is docked
-
Comes with a pump and inflation needles
-
Easy to inflate
Things we don't like:
-
For bigger boats (30+ feet), larger fenders are recommended
Frequently asked questions about Five Oceans Inflatable Ribbed Boat Fender
Boat fenders are commonly made of PVC and vinyl. The former is suitable for anyone with a budget, especially since it is quite more expensive than the latter. While vinyl is durable, PVC is likely more puncture-resistant and long-lasting.
Today, one of the best PVC boat fenders is the Five Oceans Inflatable Ribbed Boat Fender 6.5×23 Inches. This set is marine-grade, and abrasion- and UV-resistant. It does an excellent job protecting your vessel the entire time it is docked.
Read our review here to learn more about this boat fender kit.
If you want to look into other options, check out the following:
The right fender size for your boat depends on the type or shape of the fender. For cylindrical bumpers, the rule of thumb is that there should be an inch of diameter for every 5’ of vessel length. Meanwhile, round fenders should have 2” of diameter for every 5’ of boat length.
Let’s say you have a 30’ boat. Then, you would need cylindrical fenders with a diameter of at least 6” or round ones with a diameter of at least 12”. For a vessel of this length, the following models are highly recommended:
Tying a boat fender involves two major steps— 1) tying a rope or line to a fender; and 2) tying the line to a boat.
Sometimes, bumpers already come with tied fender lines. These models are ready to use. All you need to do is to hang them along the hull.
In most cases, you have to tie the line to the fender itself and then the vessel. When connecting the line to the fender, use a bowline knot. This knot reinforces the tie, yet it is easy to untie when necessary.
After tying the rope to the fender, tie it to the boat using a clove hitch knot. You can attach it to a cleat or guard railing.
To know more about boat bumpers, you may read our comprehensive guide here.
Any vessel should have at least three fenders, regardless of its length. The rule of thumb is that there should be one fender for every 10’ of the waterline.
If you have a 20’ boat, you should have three bumpers. For a 40’ one, you need at least four. Most hobbyists have 20’ to 40’ boats, which is why many fenders come in packs of three or four. The following models are great examples:
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