What Are Fender Socks? Boat Fender Covers Explained

Some boaters call them fender socks, others say boat bumper covers. We call them boat fender covers. Same product, just different names. So what are they? A boat fender cover is a fabric sleeve that slips over your boat's fender.

Why boaters put fender covers on

Most boaters add covers for a few reasons:

• Refresh tired fenders. Old fenders get dingy and scuffed. A clean printed cover makes the whole setup look new again.
• Cut down on scuffs. A cover puts soft fabric over the fender, which can help reduce fender scuffs on the hull.
• Look better on the water. The right fender covers make your boat stand out at the slip. Whether you're matching your boat's colors, personalizing covers with your boat name, or showcasing an awesome design, you'll turn heads.

What fender covers are made of

The fabric matters, and not just for looks. Heavy knit covers trap sand, dirt, and debris. The more a cover holds onto, the more work it takes to get it clean.

We make our fender covers from high-performance polyester. Our fabric is tight-knit, so it has far less texture for grit to grab onto and supports high-resolution, full-color prints.

How to keep your covers clean

With the right fabric, caring for your covers is easy. A quick rinse is usually all it takes to keep them looking fresh. A few easy habits:

• Start clean. Inspect and clean your fenders before you put the covers on.
• Inspect your covers. Take a look at your covers over the season. After exposure to sand, dirt, or debris, brush it off the cover.
• Rinse them. If a brush-off doesn't do it, a quick rinse with a hose clears most particles.
• Wash when needed. For stains or debris that stay after rinsing, machine wash following the care tag instructions.

Find the right fit for your boat

Covers only look right when they fit right. We make it easy: match your fenders to the right cover using our fender sizing guide. You can also check out our post on how to measure your boat fenders for the right cover size.

Ready to give your boat a fresh look? Browse our personalized boat fender covers and make them your own.