Ball fenders are a traditional and still very effective solution for protecting a boat against docks and other boats – the round shape distributes the contact surface evenly and the ball fender rotates naturally at the point of contact, which reduces friction compared to solid-shaped fenders.
Polyform is the most well-known manufacturer in the industry, with ball floats available in several sizes: A1, A2 and A3, with the size range increasing to suit larger and heavier boats. The range includes both a solid white model and a two-tone version with a blue or black top, which is visually stylish and also helps to identify the direction of the float when attaching. Majoni is another well-known manufacturer, with a 550mm ball float offering an alternative to Polyform in the same size range, also in white.
The size of the ball fender depends on the weight and size of the boat – a fender that is too small will not provide sufficient protection for a larger boat on the dock in windy weather, while an oversized fender is awkward to handle and store. Ball fenders are particularly suitable for boats that are moored sideways to the dock and for situations where the fender must withstand repeated abrasion, for example in waves or flowing water. The two-tone model is also popular because dirt is less visible on a light surface than on a completely white one. Remember to attach the fender at the right height relative to the edge of the dock so that it really absorbs the contact and does not hang unnecessarily at the water's edge.
The inflation pressure of a ball fender directly affects its protective effect – an under-inflated fender will collapse on hard contact and not provide adequate protection, while a properly inflated fender will return to its shape after each contact. The two-tone model with a blue or black top is designed so that the darker top is visually more resistant to dirt and wear on the visible top surface, while the white bottom remains cleaner. The ball fender is particularly suitable for boats that are in frequent contact with the dock or other boats in the waves, as the round shape allows the fender to rotate at the point of contact, thus reducing abrasion compared to solid-shaped models. Store fenders in winter, protected from direct sunlight, as prolonged UV exposure can weaken the PVC material over time.
Mount the float at the correct height relative to the edge of the dock so that it actually absorbs the contact when in use.
The two-tone model is also popular because it shows less dirt than a completely white surface.
