Why Get PWC Fenders
The best way to protect your PWC when it’s docked is to add fenders to it. Fenders and bumpers provide protection by creating a barrier or cushion between your machine and the dock or another nearby watercraft.
They’re small PWC accessories that serve the same purpose as dock bumpers hanging over the side of the dock itself. However, dock bumpers may not always be available, so it’s best to have your own jet ski damage protection.
NOTE: "Jet Ski" is a PWC brand made by Kawasaki, but it's also a universally accepted term to refer to all personal watercrafts.
PWC Fender Benefits
File this under “pretty self-explanatory,” but the benefit of having fenders on your PWC is to shield it from damage such as dents and scratches as a result of banging against the docks or other watercraft. Pretty straightforward.
When your Jet Ski, Sea-Doo or Waverunner is docked, anything from the wind to the wake from other boats is going to make it bump around. PWC fenders protect your machine from damage by attaching to the side of the watercraft and cushioning the blows. Again, pretty straightforward, but there are different types of jet ski fenders to consider.
PWC Fender Types
Hook Fenders
Hook PWC fenders look exactly how they sound. The bottom part hooks under the rub rail of the jet ski to secure it in place and conform to its shape. Hook fenders are usually inflatable and have a valve for air pressure adjustment. They’re durable, simple, flexible, and easy to put away.
Hook PWC Fender
Hull Hugr PWC Fender
Hull Hugger Fenders
Also known as contoured fenders (and often branded as "Hull Hugr"), the hull hugger fender type hooks under the rub rail with a hinge in the center for protection and flexibility, while the top connects to a cleat or ski eye via strap. Hull huggers attach to the front or rear of a PWC with ease. Some hull hugger fenders attach to jet skis with large suction cups on the top and bottom of each fender for easy removal or quick docking.
Classic Fender
The other common jet ski fender type is also pretty much what it sounds like: a traditional cylinder-shaped fender typically used on boats. Classic fenders (or bumpers) are attached with fender lines and hangers, and come in a variety of sizes to protect boats as well as jet skis. They usually hang off the side of a watercraft and are often the cheapest fender type available.
If you own a personal watercraft, fenders are a must-have PWC accessory. They’re easy to use and can save you hundreds of dollars in costly repairs. Speaking of repairs, both Boats.net and our sister site Partzilla.com carry discounted parts and accessories to repair and protect your personal watercraft, including parts for popular brands like Kawasaki Jet Ski, Sea-Doo and Yamaha Waverunner.
