Navy Boat Uses Unique Fender Collars – Fenders protect your boat!

RAIV (Rigid Aluminum Inflatable Vessel)

In late April, U.S. Navy officials test drove a new boat along the coast of Charleston, Oregon, in preparation for delivering the watercraft for military use. Jay Conn, the general manager of North River Boats of Roseburg said via TheWorldLink.com, “that a sea test is a standard procedure before delivering vessels to the Navy”.

“It’s been a long project,” Conn told the news source. “Basically, it’s coming to a close and we’re preparing it for delivery.” The boat, a hybrid rigid aluminum inflatable vessel (RAIV), is called a force protection vessel in the military and contains inflatable or foam fender collars.

Sausage Fenders

Recreational boats do not have a surrounding foam filled collar, as a force protection vessel would; personal pleasure craft require fenders for protection against abrasions.

Fenders that attach to the rail of a water craft help boat owners avoid scratches or damage while docking and help fend boats off of other objects. Sausage fenders, which commonly hang vertically from the side of the boat, are the most easily stored in racks or lockers. 
generally offer more space between your vessel and the foreign object for increased safety.

Round Fenders

Round fenders generally offer more space between your vessel and the foreign object for increased safety.

To protect your vessel while at dock, during rafting or while your own crew boards from the tender, use fenders as a buffer to keep your vessel looking new. Taylor Made produces a variety of colors and types of fenders to meet docking and rafting needs.