I was wondering if others with nice boats tied up to friends boats while on the lake? I've always tied up but I've never had a boat that I worried about putting scratchs on. Just wanted someone elses opinion, Thanks

Yup, I am just careful and carry a lot of fenders to prevent banging. I am even thinking about getting the suction cup things I saw in overton's.

All the time. <BR> <BR>Fenders. Little fenders are okay if you are in protected waters (such as a 5 MPH zone) but if you are going to be in a place that could get a big wake (just like the one you throw!) then you need bigger fenders. <BR> <BR>I use a 6" diameter fender when I tie up to the houseboat. <BR> <BR>Oh, and better take the boards off the rack on the side you are tying against. if you are tying up to another wakeboard boat you might want to tie bow to stern so that the towers don't align. A good wake can cause the towers to crash together. <BR> <BR>

I just got the 15 inch round ones. I hate having to worry about my boat while trying to have a good time. Taylor Made makes them, they are white and black not the ugly orange ones. They keep the boats farther away than the regular fenders. Don't get the suction cup!!! They don't work!! When the boats rock it will pull them right off. Just my 2 cents

ditto the suction cup thing. They are usless. <BR> <BR>Now if you are talking the glass cup thing where you push the botton a few times to creat a strong vacume, I can't see how they would not work.

Use the biggest fender you can store on your boat. I have the 10" x 26" Taylors. Fenders are cheap, glass work is not.

I agree with the larger fenders, especially in busy areas. My friend had his boat tied up to the houseboat with a smaller fender or two. Along came some large wakes and started rocking the boats, the rear corner of his lodged under the edge of the houseboat and filled with water, then capsized. We had to tow it back to the ramp upside down and have a tow truck flip it over for us, and pump out the water. To top it off it was his birthday. The second image is our boat secured a little better. <BR>-Bryan <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/170059.jpg" alt="Whoops"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65921/170060.jpg" alt="Other">

Sure glad it wasn't the 'bu that went under. We tie our 'bu up all the time, we jst use lots of fenders.

What kind of boat was it that "flipped". <BR> <BR>That would sure have to be a bad birthday!

It was an outboard 17' aluminum fishing boat, along the lines of a starcraft. <BR>-Bryan

Is that at Lake Billy Chinook/Round Butte?

A co-worker had the exact same thing happen to her family on the very first trip with their brand new boat (about 10 years ago). <BR>They still own the boat, a 20' I/O, today.

Is there an online resource for those big Taylor Made fenders?

Face Planter, <BR>That is correct, the bottom one is pretty close to the dam. <BR>-Bryan

Online for fenders try West Marine, Boat-US, Overtons, etc.

what did you guys catch on the red fishing pole?

Suction Cups suck! I would not suggest them for anyone. Spend the money for pop up cleats, if you don't have them, and attach there. There's a reason 99.99% of boaters attach at the cleats, it's a sure guarantee! It's like trying to reinvent the wheel, just not worth it!

The biggest thing to remember if you have a tower and the boat next to you have a tower, to take the boards down unless you want then to hit. Over memorial weekend the boat next to me had boards in the racks and my rack kept hiting the board and trashed a brand new board.

try 'stowaway holdaway', you can but them at Overtons or from their own website.

i started tieing up next to my buddys boat (he also has a tower) front to back after hearing this recommendation on hear, it leaves more room for the towers to clear <BR> <BR>(Message edited by bob on June 16, 2004)