When we work out, you’re more likely to hear us shout for joy. Either we’re giving someone a high five for a successful lift or yelling “ding!” as we earn a medal in the form of a shiny sticker plastered on our weightlifting bar.
In a gym without bumpers, the bar hits the rubber floor, which means you have a bunch of loud sounds to go with your workout. All the hard work you put into your workout is then flanked by the cacophony of smacks as plates come crashing down.
Now, that noise is not only distracting, but it’s also unnecessary if you’ve got bumpers on hand. But not just any bumper will do. Good bumpers are important. When we found out that fake and cheap bumpers won’t protect your barbell from scratches and chips, we were a little indignant.
That is why I’ve put together this handy guide on the best bumper plates for your gym. Included are reviews of over 16 of the most popular bumpers, including all the considerations you need to make when buying a set.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Hull Hugr Marina Bumper | Best Overall |  |
| attwood 93532-1 Softside UV-Resistant Marine 18-Inch Straight-Edge Dock Fender | Budget Pick |  |
| Dock Edge + Inc. Premium PVC Dock Bumper Corner Edge Profile | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Hull Hugr Marina Bumper
Pros:
- Made of high-quality nylon, very strong and durable
- It's easy to install
- Fits for most dock
- Comes with two round bumpers
Cons:
- The installation is quite difficult for the less handy, but not impossible
- The sheet does not fit in the right way
The Hull Hugr Marina Bumper is a high-quality dock bumper. It is made of heavy and durable nylon.
It is designed to protect the wharf from scratches and dings caused by the boat. Also, this bumper helps protect your boat from damage.
This dock bumper is easy to install. It is designed with six straps. You'll easily and quickly fix this bumper to the side of your dock.
2. Taylor Made Products 90 Degree Vinyl Dock Corner Bumper
Pros:
- The Taylor Made Products Dock Bumper is ideal for sharp corners and tight spaces
- The solid one-piece construction is very durable
- The vinyl covering protects boat hulls from scratches
- The extra length should fit through 90 degree corners
- Easy to install (even on rounded edge docks)
- Very well made and stable
- Available in a variety of sizes and shapes
- High visibility in multiple colors
The Taylor Made Products Vinyl Dock Corner Bumper is a professional-grade anti-theft attachment that’s made of a solid one-piece construction that’s built to withstand pressure.
This dock bumper is designed to be curved along with your boat’s hull for a secure fit. Color is only available in white.
It also comes with swivel brackets that can be replaced for the dock bumpers when you sell your boat or when your dock bumper become useless.
3. attwood 93532-1 Softside UV-Resistant Marine 18-Inch Straight-Edge Dock Fender
Pros:
- Made from UV-resistant molded polyethylene.
- Protects boats from damage during inevitable encounters with docks and mooring pilings.
- Is designed to help prevent damage to boat lines, fenders and hulls.
- Great for small boats.
- Made of durable, weatherproof materials.
- Easy to install and remove.
- Available in a variety of attractive colors.
- Available at Amazon
Cons:
- Not designed to withstand winds greater than 32 MPH.
- Does not have an extreme cold weather design.
- Doesn’t always stay put, needs occasional repositioning by hand.
- Cannot be left under the sun unmonitored as the heat will affect the material.
- Not very hard.
Some of the most important attributes of a dock bumper are aesthetic value and ease of installation. The Attwood dock fenders are a high-quality fender in a wide variety of rich colors. They look great, are weather and salt-water resistant and are incredibly easy to install.
4. Dock Edge Torpedo Post Bumper
Pros:
- Tested to strong enough to support a boat with no problem
- Very effective in absorbing shock from boats
- They last a long time
- Come with plastic spikes to deter tires from wearing down the edges
- They work for most types of landscape design
- Can be added to existing landscaping to improve its ruggedness
- They can be poured on concrete or into new rows
- Can be used for landscaping your pool
- They can last for decades with no maintenance
Cons:
- You must purchase the spacing separately for multirow
- They are prone to cracking during extreme weather conditions
- May not hide the dock from sight for some people
The Dock Edge Torpedo Post Bumper is one of the best dock bumpers available.
The Dock Edge Torpedo Post Bumpers can support the weight of a car without any problems.
It’s also made of heavy duty polyethylene and can last for decades with little to no maintenance.
5. Dock Edge + Inc. Premium PVC Dock Bumper Corner Edge Profile
Pros:
- Retains the original dock look and protects it from damages
- Prevents splintering of the dock edge
- Versatile
- Comes with UV protection and anti-fungal agent to keep your dock in great condition
- Premium plastic can withstand harsh, wet conditions
- Easy to install
- Can be used on both wood and composite
The Dock Edge premium dock bumper by Inc. is made up of a molded plastic that’s UV protected with an anti-fungal agent. It’s ergonomically designed to provide a snug fit to your dock edge.
Its versatile nature allows the dock edge bumpers to be used on both wood and composites. The anti-fungal protection prevents rotting. No more messy cleaning or maintenance. The plastic is also flexible, so it won’t crack.
The advanced molding allows for a solid bumper that will protect your dock and the edges. This helps avoid the splitting or splintering of the edges.
6. Taylor Made Products 46013 Comm Dock Side Guard Coil Retail Pack
Pros:
- The package includes 48 pieces
- Keeps your boat away from dock structures
Cons:
- Huge, unwieldy
- Takes an exceptional amount of weight to get them to collapse in on themselves.
Prevent your valuable boat from being docked too hard on a marina dock. These high-impact dock bumpers are made of steel reinforced polyurethane. They come in a coil so they can be easily attached to the dock.
These bumpers do not have standard boat tie-downs. The tie-down loop is part of the top, and the hardening process is inserted into the loop as you tighten it down, so you cannot dislodge the loop. It is also highly visible from the dock so you don’t have to search for them.
The Taylor Made Products 46013 Comm Dock Side Guard Bumpers are among the best bumpers for docks. They are easy to move around and easy to use. The package includes 48 bumpers. You can also get the 12 foot long model, but this one is a little more affordable.
7. attwood 93531-1 Softside UV-Resistant Marine 12-Inch x 12-Inch Corner Dock Fender
Pros:
- Has UV-stabilization, which means it won’t fade
- Available in different colors
- Has a sturdy construction
- Inexpensive
- Easy to install
- Great for docks
Looking to purchase a package of 6 bumpers? So are thousands of customers who have already bought this product. You’ll probably be happy to know that 5000+ customers have rated this product with a full 5 stars. The reason for all of this popularity is the simplicity, durability, and affordability of the product.
Of all the bumper options out there, this model is by far the least expensive one.
The simple design allows it to fit into almost any site or location. These bumpers can be easily mounted on curvy or flat surfaces.
8. Mission Boat Gear Sentry Boat Dock Fender Bumper
Pros:
- Comes with an adjustable wedged base to fit any boat dock circumference
- The open structure design prevents it from piling up snow over time
- Available in 4 colors
The reverse of the rubber bumpers act as an anchor. The Mission Boat Gear Sentry is a great option for those who want a durable dock bumper that will take a beating.
The Sentry has an adjustable cushion to fit any boat dock circumference. This dock bumper is also made of rust-free aluminum construction. It comes in 4 colors: bronze, grey, dark bronze, and white.
9. X-Haibei Pair of Boat Fenders Ball Round Anchor Buoy
Pros:
- 2-pack for less money
- Fits on boats, docks, and piers with a hole diameter of 3.5 to 4 in
- UV protection feature
- Made from durable vinyl
- Comes equipped with a valve that allows for quick inflation and deflation
- Used in freshwater
- The manufacturer offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee
Cons:
- This product is not made in the USA
- Not suitable for inflatables
- Not suitable for rough or windy conditions
The X-Haibei pair of boat fenders are made for keeping your boat off the docks and piers. They serve as a great friendly bumpers and will shield your boat from damage. They are made from oil-resistant vinyl that helps keep them durable. Since these dock bumpers are usually exposed to sun rays, it’s good that they’re UV resistant.
When it comes to the durability of the fenders, their vinyl construction is just the right one for the job. This type of material is also waterproof, so the fenders can be used in both fresh and saltwater. The bumpers are made in the USA.
These dock bumpers weigh roughly 8 pounds, which is actually pretty light considering their material and the fact that they’re nearly 20 inches long.
10. Extreme Max 3006.7252 BoatTector Dock Bumper
Pros:
- Easy to install with the attractive design
- Scratch-free and protected from damage
Black (Set of 4).
11. Dimex EasyFlex Plastic D-Profile Dock Edging
Pros:
- Versatile design including a high and low profile
- Available at 9, 12, and 18 feet
- Flexible material
(9, 12, 18')
Dimex EasyFlex Plastic Dock Profile are flexible D-profiles for installing on docks, retaining walls, & piers. Ideal for commercial and residential docks, these heavy-duty plastic dock bumpers are made from recycled material.
For residential you can get them longer than commercial to fill any area that you are going with the Dimex EasyFlex D Profile Dock Edging. Dockdocks make dock bumpers in a classic Dimex D Profile Dock Edging and they have a 2 1/8" in depth and if you're one of those people who like to measure a lot they give you width instead of depth but as we were counting, it is bigger, and we think you'd rather have a bumper bigger than smaller. If it is larger than the area you want to fill, it will be more flimsy and when it is smaller, it will be more sturdy. The length that is available for commercial ends up being 9', 12', and 18'. We also have 9', 12', and 18' length for residential Dimex EasyFlex D Profile Dock Edging.
12. Dimex EasyFlex Plastic P-Profile Dock Edging
Pros:
- Flexible
- Powder-coated finish
In case you were wondering, dock bumpers – or dock protection – are those rubber, plastic, or metal materials that surround a boat or yacht. These are vital connectors that hold the boat safely.
They do this by preventing damage done by bumps or collisions with other yachts, docks, or the like. They are commonly found around the hull area, in the stern, and the bow.
They are usually made of a heavy, plastic material that can take the brunt of any impact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best dock bumpers?
If you have a boat and need a dock to keep it on, dock bumpers are a convenient way to protect the boat and the dock. Not only will they take the brunt of the damage in the event that your boat ends up rolling into the dock, but they can also keep it from bouncing around on the dock. Dock bumpers are also great for those who don’t have a lot of ground space and are worried about their boat being damaged. For the most part a boat is an investment and most of us want to keep it in the best condition possible. Docks and docks are expensive to repair or replace so it’s better to protect your investment from day one. They’re also great for those who live in an area where the water freezes in the winter and the boat might get damaged.
What are the best boat bumpers?
Looking for boat bumpers to protect your boat from damage? Well, you’ve come to the right place.
I’ve rounded up a list of the most popular dock bumpers on the market that will make your boat or board look sharp while protecting your investment.
With so many options to choose from, I’ve broken the list down into a few different categories. That way, you can easily tune your search to the type of dock bumper that you’re looking for, whether it’s diamond plate, rubber, or stainless steel.
But that’s not all. I’m also going to give you some helpful tips on how to choose the best bumper for you boat whether you have a fishing boat, a stand up paddle board, or a motor boat.
How do I protect my boat from dock damage?
Sitting in the wrong spot, banging into things, and drifting into others are all common occurrences for boat owners. When you cruise in tight quarters with multiple other boats, it is bound to happen.
When it comes to protecting your investment, dock bumpers are a great item to have in your arsenal. On a boat, the dock bumper is there to protect the boat, the people on board, and the dock itself.
Bumpers can be used ramp-side or at the dock, and, while you can buy bumpers for your boat’s rub rail, there are some situations where there isn’t a rub rail to protect. In those cases, you can put bumpers on the dock.
Consider your boat. Consider where you park your boat. And consider your dock. Dock bumpers, like those from Big Skinny, can protect your investment in multiple ways.
How do you prevent dock rash?
The only way to prevent dock rash is to avoid hitting your noggin on the dock.
If dock rash hits you, however, it will disappear if you just leave it alone.
If dock rash is more than a minor red bump, consult a doctor.
Conclusion
The dock bumpers are built and designed to absorb the shock. They are made from nitrocellulose rubber, vinyl, polyurethane, or Polyurethane Rubber. They come in different shapes and sizes to fit needs of the customers. It is just the right custom made or automatic dock bumpers.
The Dock bumpers are generally made to fit certain sizes of boat, with the general dimensions usually being 4-6 inch in diameter and 2-3 inches in thickness.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Hull Hugr Marina Bumper | Best Overall | |
| attwood 93532-1 Softside UV-Resistant Marine 18-Inch Straight-Edge Dock Fender | Budget Pick | |
| Dock Edge + Inc. Premium PVC Dock Bumper Corner Edge Profile | Upgrade Pick | |