Superyacht Fenders · Grade 1
Heavy-Duty Inflatable Fenders
Built for private yachts, superyachts, and crewed charter
SEARAFT heavy-duty fenders are the workhorse grade in the range — engineered for daily Mediterranean berthing, charter handovers, rafting alongside, and the kind of mixed-condition coastal cruising that defines summer in the Med. Available in any diameter from 9 inch to 3 ft, with custom lengths to 14 ft.
Standard sizes
| Diameter (imperial) | Diameter (metric) | Length (imperial) | Length (metric) | Yacht size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 inch | 23 cm | 22 inch | 56 cm | 18 – 30 ft |
| 10 inch | 25 cm | 26 inch | 66 cm | 30 – 45 ft |
| 10 inch | 25 cm | 42 inch | 107 cm | 30 – 45 ft (extended) |
| 12 inch | 30 cm | 29 inch | 74 cm | 45 – 60 ft |
| 12 inch | 30 cm | 42 inch | 107 cm | 45 – 60 ft |
| 12 inch | 30 cm | 58 inch | 147 cm | 45 – 60 ft (extended) |
| 12 inch | 30 cm | 72 inch | 183 cm | 45 – 60 ft (long) |
| 12 inch | 30 cm | 96 inch | 244 cm | 45 – 60 ft (extra long) |
| 18 inch | 46 cm | 29 – 96 inch | 74 – 244 cm | 60 – 100 ft |
| 24 inch | 61 cm | 29 – 96 inch | 74 – 244 cm | 100 – 200 ft |
| 3 ft | 91 cm | 4 – 14 ft | 122 – 427 cm | 100 – 200 ft (large) |
Custom diameters and lengths available within the SEARAFT range. Fenders ≥ 3 ft diameter ship with the load spreading kit.
What you get
- Dropstitch construction — holds shape under high pressure, no foam compression or sag
- Reinforced seams — built to take repeated rafting and dock impact
- 2-minute inflation — hand pump (HP20DA) or electric (OV10, GE2000) options
- Deflates flat for storage — a single 18 inch fender folds into a kit bag
- Available in black — custom colours available on request
- Compatible with NEO neoprene covers — colour-matched, optional yacht branding
Typical use cases
- Charter yacht handover positions — fast deploy at the dock without taking up locker space year-round
- Mediterranean rafting (Côte d'Azur, Sardinia, Greek islands) where two or three yachts moor alongside each other
- Tender bay protection — between the tender and the yacht hull during garage operations
- Refit yard protection during short-term moves alongside
- Owner trips where extra fenders are needed beyond the standard charter kit
Heavy-duty fender FAQ
How does heavy-duty differ from commercial grade?
Heavy-duty is built for private and charter use — fender sees heavy use during the season then storage in winter. Commercial grade is built for operational vessels with year-round, daily impact use (ferries, support boats, coast guard). Material thickness and seam reinforcement is uprated on commercial. For most private superyachts heavy-duty is the right choice.
What pressure should I inflate to?
The valve carries a pressure rating — typically 250 bar (3.6 psi) for heavy-duty. Inflate until the surface is taut and the fender holds its shape under load. Don't over-pressurise — the fender works best when it can absorb impact rather than transmit it back to the hull.
Can these handle Mediterranean summer UV?
Yes. The dropstitch fabric has UV-stabilised coatings. Rinse with fresh water at the end of each season and store deflated out of direct sun. Expected operational life is 8 to 12 years with normal Med summer use.
What if I damage one mid-charter?
Every fender ships with a repair kit. Small punctures and seam wear can be repaired on board in about 30 minutes — kit contains patches, adhesive, and instructions. For major damage we can ship a replacement to your next port — typical Mediterranean transit is 4 to 7 days.
Do you supply matching covers?
Yes — see the custom NEO covers page. Handmade neoprene in black, navy blue, or grey. Optional yacht name or charter branding.