Abstract: A fender is comprised of a relatively thin, wide, and elongate pad with a central core of resilient material completely enclosed in a durable cover with the cover having flaps that extend beyond the ends of the central core. Grommetted openings are located in the flaps. Cooperating fastening device, such as hook and loop material or snap fasteners, may be located on the inwardly facing surface of the fender with the corresponding fastening device secured to the target attachment surface for the fender in order to preclude motion of the fender once installed thereon. Length adjustable straps have a J-hook on one end that is received within one of the grommetted openings with the opposing end having fastening device thereon for wrapping the straps around a securement object and fastening the strap in a closed loop therearound.

Abstract: Swim platforms extending from relatively larger boats are often used by operators of personal watercraft (e.g., Jet Ski.TM.) for boarding such larger boats. The hard structure of a swim platform, in combination with the relatively unprotected edge or gunwale of the personal watercraft hull, can lead to at least cosmetic damage to the watercraft superstructure as it contacts the swim platform, particularly if the relatively low watercraft is tossed or rolled beneath the swim platform due to wave or wind action. The present fenders for watercraft provide temporarily installable and removable pads or fenders for swim platforms and for personal watercraft, to preclude such damage. The fenders include closed cell foam cores with synthetic fabric covering, and in at least one embodiment, are foldable for compact storage in the watercraft. The attachments ensure that the fenders cannot move relative to the attachment edge, in order that they cannot float up to expose an unprotected edge or surface.