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Repairing Aere inflatable fenders

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by bayoubud, Jul 16, 2019.

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  1. bayoubud

    bayoubud Senior Member

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    Over the last year we have retired 5 Aere inflatable fenders. All came with the boat and don't know how old they are. They had leaks in the seams and ranged in diameter from 18" to 24", with a couple of D rings missing.The seams are similar to inflatable boats, which I have never had any success repairing. Are they worth trying to repair?
  2. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Probably not, the inflatable fenders take a ton of abuse (a lot more than RIBS) and will probably blow the seams you repaired. You could try calling Aere, they have only a 4 year warranty. I've had a lot of valves go bad with the Aere's and also had a D ring or two pull out over the years.

    The Taylor superyacht fenders are much better quality IMO than the AERE's. I used a set for 8 months and never once had to add air to them and the yacht they were on, moved a lot.
    bluebyu likes this.
  3. bayoubud

    bayoubud Senior Member

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    Thanks J, what I was thinking. I bought some Polyform F series, similar to the Taylor fenders. Was only going to use the Aere's when needed if repairable, doubt they would hold up anyways.
  4. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I have had excellent performance from the Taylor brand of the RIB material fenders. Taylor calls them superyacht fenders. I wouldn't hesitate to buy them.
  5. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Is there any way to contact Aere?
    1) Tell the truth, new (to you) fenders were on the boat, you don't have sales receipt (unless in ships records).
    Any warranty?
    2) Ask what to patch with?
  6. YachtForums

    YachtForums Administrator

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    I was on the phone with Aere this morning to alert them of this thread, but we got disconnected.
  7. bayoubud

    bayoubud Senior Member

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    No, they are not new and wasn't implying that. I could not find any receipts, think they are at least several years old. I did not buy these and am not complaining about any loss. Probably been through some rough conditions. Used three of them over the last year which gave out plus one from my previous boat. Just tried to inflate the last largest one because of hurricane Barry and the seam has totally separated. Have no idea what conditions they have been through, but for the money I can buy Polyform F series or Taylor Made tuff end's which would likely not fail like these type fenders. Have a couple monster Polyform F11's around 10 years old permanently at our dock for heavy weather which are really heavy duty, also heavy to handle but really tough. If the Aere's are dependable after repairing I was going to use them for back up. I don't have much confidence in that happening now.
    Last edited: Jul 17, 2019
  8. bayoubud

    bayoubud Senior Member

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    Thanks, I appreciate the effort but have decided not to repair these. No confidence they can be repaired and be dependable.
  9. Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Some MFGs are proud of their product and replace failed components past the warranty specs.
    That's why I suggested to call them up and honestly ask.
    Shipping the core back and new product to you is not included in these deals.
  10. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Patch them and use them for target practice......or floats for when you're swimming......LOL
  11. bayoubud

    bayoubud Senior Member

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    Capt Ralph, appreciate that info did not think of doing that because I did not buy them. The material seemed heavy enough, the seam is were the problems were, put together like a inflatable boat which have the same issues and hard to repair. They are expensive brand name product which you do not expect to have 100% failure. There may have been a reason for the failures but honestly I have never had a quality fender fail until using these type fenders. Saying that, we have laid up against dock pilings and floating docks more than ever before in the last year, but that is what fenders are for. I should have read your post before I put them in our dumpster. All history now, and we have a tenant that makes crab cakes using that dumpster, so ain't no way I'm dumpster diving. lol :eek:
    Last edited: Jul 17, 2019
  12. bayoubud

    bayoubud Senior Member

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    Now that's funny, good idea! My wife loves to float, but laying on a black float she would be well done Fast!!
  13. YachtForums

    YachtForums Administrator

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    At this point, I'm inclined to agree. Reached out to them twice yesterday, giving the opportunity to offer some guidance; show some good will. Crickets.
  14. bayoubud

    bayoubud Senior Member

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    Yes, it would have been good to get their opinion whether repair is feasible. I do not have any info for them, so it might be hard for them to make any recommendation without seeing the fenders, and I would not ship. Time to move on, have some experience with the Polyform and going with that type. Thanks for your time and effort.
  15. Capt Bill11

    Capt Bill11 Senior Member

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    If you still have them and want to get rid of them I’d be interested in taking them.

    I’ve repaired quite a few myself.

    Even ones the manufacturers said couldn’t be repaired.
  16. bayoubud

    bayoubud Senior Member

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    Would have gladly given them to you, but put them in my dumpster a couple of weeks ago.
  17. Fixinbones

    Fixinbones Member

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    I’m looking for fenders for my Princess V72. I used the polyform HTM-4s on my previous boat they are so **** heavy. Do you think the Taylor Superyacht fenders would be appropriate for daily use? I was thinking about the 18” x 42”. Any advice appreciated.
  18. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    Yes, I've been using the Taylor 18x42" superyacht fenders for about a year now for daily use. Currently using them on the owners second boat, a 66' MY. In 6 months I never had to add air to them. I'm extremely happy with them. They're lightweight and strong.
  19. Fixinbones

    Fixinbones Member

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    Thanks for the info. Do you know if Taylor makes specific fender covers for them?
  20. bayoubud

    bayoubud Senior Member

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    Procover fender covers should have them.