Abstract: A watercraft beaching device (10) includes one or more collapsible upright supports (11) and (12) which hold a pair cushioned hull engagement surfaces (13) in spaced apart relationship. Advantageously, hull engagement surfaces (13) are elongated to engage more than a single point or area along on side of the hull of watercraft (1) to prevent watercraft (1) from pivoting about the mooring point on the shoreline. Additionally, supports (11) and (12) are configured to hold hull engagement surfaces (13) a sufficient distance above the shoreline to insure that the hull does not come into contact with the aforementioned abrasive agents or shoreline.

Abstract: Bumpers and assemblies for swimming pool cleaners are disclosed. Such assemblies may include contoured frames to which flexible fins are attached to facilitate deflection of cleaners when obstacles are encountered. Side wings connecting the frame to the body of a cleaner may additionally be employed as part of the assemblies, as may a weight moveable about two axes. In use, the side wings both promote cleaner deflection and reduce body wear that otherwise would occur. The non-stationary weight permits continuous rebalancing of the cleaner depending on its location and orientation within a pool. An optional lower bumper facilitates operation of the cleaner by reducing the likelihood of its becoming trapped against objects such as steps located within swimming pools.

Abstract: An elongate linear elastomeric fender comprising an outer sheath surrounding a core, wherein the core comprises a plurality of tubes, and the outer sheath has a higher compressibility than the core. The fender can be flexible and continuous, providing ease of transport and installation. The different layers of the fender provide different absorption of kinetic energy upon impact, and also dissipate impact energy transversely throughout the fender.

Abstract: A rubrail mooring line receptacle apparatus integrating a rubrail with a mooring line receptacle. A pair of bow mooring lines are connected at their respective near ends to the bow of the watercraft, for example via respective starboard and port cleats, or via a centrally located bow eyelet. The distal end of the bow mooring lines are preferably connected adjustably to an abutment member, preferably in the form of a handle, which is snappably held in place at the gunwale. Port and starboard rubrail mooring line receptacles include a sidewall, a rubrail member integral with a lower portion of the sidewall, and, preferably, a flange member connected to an upper portion of the sidewall. The rubrail member is robust and preferably provides internal and external curvilinear surfaces, wherein the internal surface provides an interior hollow which is preferably concave and is sized to restably receive a bow mooring line therein.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fender for absorbing shocks and preventing wear of a first object in relative movement with respect to a second object, comprising a main protective element with axial symmetry and circular cross-section rotating freely about a geometrical axis fixed relative to a support secured to one or the other of the first and second objects and having a hardness index less than that of said first object, and two secondary protective cone-shaped elements with axial symmetry and circular cross-section arranged at each end of the main protective element, independent thereof, and also freely rotating about the same geometrical axis.

Abstract: A protective device (10) for protecting the bow (12) of a watercraft (14) from damage caused by collisions of the watercraft with trailers, docks, the shore, other watercraft, debris in the water, and the like, which does not significantly alter the resulting hydrodynamic flow of water over the bow (12) of a watercraft (14). The protective device (10) comprising a generally planar aliphatic transparent deformable urethane member (56) and an adhesive (22) securing the urethane member (56) to the exterior surface of the bow (12) of a watercraft (14).

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel fender, which has a sufficient shock absorbing action with respect to a ship and is capable of dispersing a compressive force given at the time when the ship comes alongside at the pier and reducing a friction force at the time given when the ship is moored at the pier. A fender of the present invention comprises a fender body 10, and a surface layer 12 with which at least an impact receiving surface of this fender body 10 is coated, wherein the surface layer 12 is made of a blended polymer of a crystalline polyolefin resin and a diene rubber and the proportion of the crystalline polyolefin resin in the blended polymer exceeds 50% by weight and not more than 85% by weight.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protector assembly or fence type structure that is easily installed along the sides of a dock where water craft are docked or attempting to become docked. The fence type structure protects the water craft as well as the dock from being damaged. The invention includes a frame with spaced apart vertical members supporting a horizontal array of vertically supported tubular roller members which rotate when contact is made with a water craft as it approaches the dock. The fence type structure is attached by a bracket to a top side area of the dock so that it hangs vertically and extends to a location near the surface of the water. The fence type structure can be rotated about the top bracket to a position up and out of the water for cleaning and repairing, as well as for removing debris which may have been trapped by the dock structure and the fence type structure of this invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bumper device for boats, which is extremely simple to use. The device comprises inflatable bodies, which are associated with the peripheral walls of the boat, and means for inflation-deflation of the inflatable bodies. The means for inflation-deflation can be activated by command, for transition of the inflatable bodies from a condition of rest, in which they are deflated, to a condition of work, in which they are inflated, and project from the peripheral walls of the boat, in order to protect the peripheral walls during mooring manoeuvres.

Abstract: A marine fender has high bonding strength between a high-slip synthetic resin plate such as an ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene plate and a rubber fender member, and quite long life-time of the high-slip synthetic resin plate . The high-slip synthetic resin plate and a rubber layer are previously welded to each other. The high-slip synthetic resin with the rubber layer and the rubber fender member are welded to each other by vulcanization. In this way, the marine fender is made.

Abstract: A mounting connector for suspending articles such as fenders from the life lines and life rails in boats provides a secure attachment while enabling rapid disengagement or adjustment in the position of the fender. The mounting connector includes a hook arrangement which hooks onto the life line or life rail and includes a blocker which can be inserted into the hook to prevent accidental disengagement. The fender line passes through two closely spaced parallel holes in the body portion of the connector and can be readily adjusted lengthwise relative to these holes when the connector is moved to a horizontal position, but which bind with such holes when in normal suspended condition.

Abstract: A protective device to be installed onto the keel or hull of a watercraft, such as the pontoon of a pontoon boat can be easily installed by a boat owner without professional assistance. Furthermore, the protective device is securely attached to the bow of the boat and provides effective impact resistant protection to the bottom of the boat without detaching or degrading over time.

Abstract: A loading dock bumper comprising:(a) a first rigid part for fastening to said dock(b) a second rigid part engaged with said first rigid part by at least one connecting device, said second rigid part being moveable with respect to said first rigid part between a first and a second position, and said first and said second rigid parts when engaged defining a substantially enclosed hollow therebetween; and(c) a compressible resilient material dispersed between said first and second rigid parts within the hollow therebetween,wherein said second part is moveable with respect to the first part between the first position wherein the resilient material is not compressed and the second position wherein said resilient material is compressed, wherein any load applied to said bumper moves the second part towards the second position and compresses the resilient material to provide dampening of the load applied.

Abstract: A watercraft docking system for receiving watercraft along side of a dock. The watercraft docking system having a first and a second support member which are coupled to an elongated roller to allow the elongated roller to rotate on the longitudinal axis. The watercraft docking system is mounted on a dock, where the dock has a support structure and a dock platform having a walking surface. The first and second support members are secured to the support structure to hold the elongated roller at a predetermined distance from the dock.

Abstract: In a marine fender with a structure for fixing a pad to a fender frame, the pad has at least one concavity formed in a front surface thereof, and a pad hole piercing the pad from a bottom of the concavity. A bolt with a head is inserted from a front side of the pad through the pad and fender holes, and a nut is disposed at a rear side of the fender frame to engage the bolt to thereby fix the pad to the fender frame. A washer is interposed between the head of the bolt and the bottom of the concavity. In case the bolt is attached to the fender frame, the nut is disposed in the concavity of the pad to engage the bolt, and the washer is interposed between the nut and the bottom of the concavity. In either case, the washer is disposed in the concavity such that a rim of the washer engages an inner periphery of the concavity to prevent rotation with each other. The head of the bolt or nut is joined to the washer.

Abstract: A bumper for a boat dock is provided which is durable, resilient and visible at night. The bumper is constructed of an expanded polymer such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The bumper is preferably made of translucent polyethylene foam with a density of between 2 and 4 pounds per cubic foot. When polyethylene foam is subjected to impact, it absorbs the force of the impact and returns to its original shape. The present invention includes a light for illumination of the bumper itself or illumination of an area immediately adjacent the bumper. A slot in the bumper is provided for accepting the illumination source. If the bumper is translucent, as with white polyethylene foam, the illumination source may be inserted into the back of the bumper such that light is emitted through the front of the bumper. If the bumper is opaque, the illumination source may be inserted into a slot in the bottom of the bumper so that the light is emitted from the bottom of the bumper.

Abstract: The impact absorption system uniquely features arrangement of composite structures which include fiber-reinforced high strain-to-failure viscoelastic matrix material. According to many embodiments, a gravitationally or buoyantly suspended hollow fiber-reinforced urethane reaction bumper is closely and anteriorly situated with respect to fiber-reinforced urethane tension tubes which are secured at the ends and disposed in an approximately vertical plane. In operation, an incoming marine vessel impacts the bumper which in turn impacts the tubes. The invention takes advantage of the great deformability, high energy absorbency and other beneficial properties of fiber-reinforced high strain-to-failure viscoelastic matrix material. Moreover, applicability/adaptability of individual bumper systems to varieties of marine vessels is made possible through analysis and arrangement/rearrangement/exchange/interchange of structural components.

Abstract: A marine fender has high bonding strength between a high-slip synthetic resin plate such as an ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene plate and a rubber fender member, and quite long life-time of the high-slip synthetic resin plate. The high-slip synthetic resin plate and a rubber layer are previously welded to each other. The high-slip synthetic resin with the rubber layer and the rubber fender member are welded to each other by vulcanization. In this way, the marine fender is made.

Abstract: Bumpers and assemblies for swimming pool cleaners are disclosed. Such assemblies may include contoured frames to which flexible fins are attached to facilitate deflection of cleaners when obstacles are encountered. Side wings connecting the frame to the body of a cleaner may additionally be employed as part of the assemblies, as may a weight moveable about two axes. In use, the side wings both promote cleaner deflection and reduce body wear that otherwise would occur. The non-stationary weight permits continuous rebalancing of the cleaner depending on its location and orientation within a pool.

Abstract: A fender for a personal watercraft includes a hook portion shaped to hook under the bond flange of the personal watercraft for quick and easy attachment. The fender includes at least one flex region enabling the fender to conform to either of the front hull and the rear section of the personal watercraft. An attachment member such as a suction cup and/or a securing line is disposed adjacent an end of the fender opposite from the hook portion for attachment to the personal watercraft. In the method of manufacturing the personal watercraft fender, a hook portion, one or more flex regions, and a channel for receiving the attachment member are formed via rotationally molded PVC, and the attachment member is secured in the channel in a second step. The fender may also be provided with a gas chamber filled with a pressurized gas such as air to provide added cushioning and longer life.

Abstract: A protective tip cover is provided for a tip of a snowboard, surfboard, bodyboard, windsurfing board, or other sport board. It includes an integral body of energy absorbing elastomeric plastic having a channel-shaped cross-section interior surface and a rounded exterior surface front portion, and an external top and bottom. Disposed within the channel-shaped interior is a tie coat for tieing an adhesive to the body, and a pressure sensitive adhesive--preferably in the form of a double-faced tape--with a first face engaging the tie coat. The adhesive has properties which will provide secure adhesion of the body to a sport board. A release sheet engages the adhesive and when removed the tip cover can be secured to the sport board nose or tail. The protective tip cover when used with a snowboard is abrasion resistant (e.g. an abrasion resistance according to ASTM D 1044 (H-22 Wheel) of less than 10, typically about 3) and retains its energy absorbing and abrasion resistance properties at temperatures below 0.

Abstract: A rubbery marine fender comprises a main rubber body portion, a shock receiving rubber portion and a securing rubber flange portion, in which a rubber buildup portion protruding outward from the outer surface of the main rubber body portion is arranged on the outer surface of the main rubber body portion at either or both regions adjacent or close to a buckling peripheral line thereof.

Abstract: A watercraft hull having at least one removable protective wear strip. The watercraft hull includes at least one mounting groove extending along the longitudinal length of the watercraft hull along the lowermost portion of the hull. A wear strip is removably attached to each mounting groove such that when the watercraft hull is pulled from the water, the wear strip contacts the shore to prevent damage to the watercraft hull. A series of attachment devices is embedded in the watercraft hull along the mounting groove. A series of connectors passes through the wear strip to removably attach the wear strip to the mounting groove contained in the watercraft hull. When the wear strip becomes worn, the wear strip can be removed from the watercraft hull and replaced with a new wear strip.

Abstract: A dampening and shield structure such as a fender with a plurality of resilient laminated bumpers. A plurality of these bumpers each have a two or more elastic laminae or layers. In each such multiple layer bumper, at least one of the lamina is folded to enclose at least one other lamina, so that the folded laminae and any laminae they enclose form a laminated loop. Alternate embodiments have a bumper loop that has at least one lamina that is not folded. Some embodiments have substantially different length laminae folded into a laminated loop such that there are definite spaces between one or more adjacent pairs of lamina. The number of laminae comprising the laminated loops can vary. Another embodiment is a mechanically floating fender flexibly mounted to elastically intercede during a collision. The floating fender has a plurality of bumpers which may be single layer or laminated, and the bumper loops are oriented to be continually in contact with the structure on which the fender is mounted.

Abstract: A portable device for submerging near the shoreline of a waterway, for supporting and mooring a watercraft therein, comprising a base with lower footings adapted to prevent slippage along the bank of the shoreline, and corresponding pairs of upper runners for supporting the watercraft hull during landing and mooring.

Abstract: A first aspect of the present invention is an energy dissipating dolphin including a plurality of elongate piles in a body of water extending substantially vertically from a bed underlying the body of water. Each pile has a proximal end driven sufficiently deep into the bed to be substantially fixed against horizontal movement and pivoting at the proximal end about a lengthwise axis upon application of a horizontal load. A plate has a hole corresponding to each distal end of a pile, the hole having a diameter sufficient to actually receive a corresponding distal end of a pile while allowing for rotation and translation of the distal end of the pile relative to the plate. A connector connects the plate and the piles.

Abstract: A protector for the bow portion of a boat hull consists of a sheet having a rear-opening pocket adapted to engage the prow of the boat. When in use, the sheet extends rearwardly from the prow, covering the center portion of the boat hull. Lines are attached at one end to the rear-most portion of the sheet, and are adapted to be secured to the boat at the other end. A weight and a forward-opening scoop pocket are located at the rear of the sheet. The sheet is secured to the boat by placing the rear-opening pocket over the prow of the boat, dropping the remainder of the sheet into the water below the prow so that the weight causes the rear of the sheet to sink below the prow, propelling the boat forward so that the scoop pocket fills with water and pulls the sheet along the hull toward the stern of the boat, retrieving the lines from the water and securing the lines to the boat. Floats are attached to the lines so that the lines may be easily retrieved from the surface of the water.

Abstract: A boat hull protector for protecting the surface of the hull and keel of a boat from nicks and scratches in a beaching situation. The boat hull protector incorporates a single positioning and securing means for properly positioning the invention under the boat's hull, and additionally for securing the invention to the boat once positioned. The improvement abolishes the need to incorporate additional positioning components such as floats and drags, separate from the securing components.

Abstract: A foam collar system for boats which is affixed to the external surface of the boat hull. The foam collar system is formed from a molded polymeric foam material, a reinforcement coating on the outer surface of the polymeric foam and a surface coating on at least a portion of the reinforcement coating. The foam collar acts as a fender for the boat during boarding of other craft or mooring. In this manner, a durable, highly attractive foam fender system for high speed boats with planing hulls is provided. Also disclosed is a method for making the foam collar and a boat including the foam collar. The foam fender does not require inflation, it can be fabricated in an aesthetically pleasing manner, it is durable and it is inexpensive to make and maintain.

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: An integral dual durometer rubrail for protecting a boat gunwale including a base portion of a first hardness and having a bottom surface and a top surface, and a first body portion of a second hardness affixed to a portion of the base portion top surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for serving and displaying food including a continuous watercourse. Patrons sit around a periphery of the watercourse and food carriers circulate in the watercourse and carry various types of food. The food carriers are structurally independent from one another so that each food carriers is independently removable from the the watercourse. The food carriers also have a bumper sized to maintain a predetermined spacing between the food carriers in the watercourse.

Abstract: A protective device (10) for preventing damage to the hull of a watercraft (12) is shown formed of elongated members (10a, 10b) of flexible material and having pressure sensitive structural adhesive on a side thereof for attaching the members to the surface of a watercraft. Member (10a) serves as a first protective member and is formed with a central section (13) having longitudinally extending cavity (30) to enable the member to conform to variously shaped hulls. One or more supplemental members (10b) are shown for attachment on each opposite side of the first protective member and serve as auxiliary protective members.

Abstract: A fender protective structure includes a top layer of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene on a resilient layer comprised of a rubber and plastic alloy. Bore holes are provided in the resilient layer for permitting bulging to facilitate energy absorption when the fender protective structure is impacted by a moving object.

Abstract: A tubular compression spring body made of a thermoplastic elastomeric material has stepped internal and external wall surfaces that are designed so that when the body is compressed, it absorbs a large amount of the compression energy and has a low rebound force. Also, when compressed again after rebound, the compression spring body exhibits excellent repeatability in its force-displacement performance. In different embodiments, the compression spring body may be designed to exhibit various force-displacement performance curves in order to meet various criteria desired by the user, such as maximum energy absorption and/or minimum rebound force.

Abstract: A quay side device for engaging a chain for a marine fender attached to a fitting face of a quaywall or another berthing installation comprises a pair of rigid plates separated in parallel to each other, a round hole formed in a protruding portion of the rigid plate from the quaywall, a support rod detachably inserted into the round holes between the protruding portions of the rigid plates, and a fixing member arranged in end portions of the rigid plates embedded in the quaywall.

Abstract: A composite camel structure includes an elongate hollow, rigid cylindrical core, opposite ends of the core having respective caps sealingly connected thereto, a buoyant material of cured urethane foam substantially filling the core and being sealingly enclosed therein. A cushion is thermally bonded to and sealingly surrounds the core, the cushion having a substantially unbroken outside surface, being formed of a polymeric component consisting of polyethylene being at least 80 percent low-density polyethylene, and a process additive component including an effective amount of an ultraviolet inhibitor. A pair of parallel-spaced, transversely oriented guides extend between opposite sides of the cushion in axially spaced relation to the core, each guide defining a guide opening through the cushion for receiving hawser chains whereby the camel structure rides up and down with the tide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dock pole bumper assembly for securing a boat to mooring piling. The assembly has a stationary portion which is secured to the piling and forms a track along which the movable portion glides. A movable portion has a rigid part and a flexible deformable part. The rigid part is provided with a guide channel for engaging the stationary portion during use of the bumper assembly. The resilient deformable portion has an impact-receiving contact surface and non-contacting opposing side walls. Mooring cleats are mounted on the side walls of the rigid member to allow a mooring line of a boat to be secured thereto. An insert of a friction-resistant material is fitted in the guide channel to facilitate movement of the movable portion along the stationary track.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a boat comprising a hull member including a gunwale having an outer peripheral surface, and a deck member including a depending peripheral portion including an inner concave surface engaged with the outer surface of the hull member with an interference fit.

Abstract: An edge trim piece for sealing the junction between top and bottom hull members of a watercraft includes a main body having a first end for engaging the top hull member, a second end for engaging the bottom hull member and a bridging section between the first and second ends for overlying the junction between the hull members. The edge trim piece has a sealing cover for the bridging section that has a first end secured to the first end of the main body and a second end that extends in the direction of but is not secured to the second end of the main body.

Abstract: An apparatus for docking a smaller vessel, such as a dinghy, to a substantially horizonal platform or swimstep of a larger vessel, such as a boat. The docking apparatus comprises a pair of mounting brackets attached at spaced locations to the edge of the swimstep. A substantially vertical bumper attached to each mounting bracket extends vertically above and below the swimstep. An adjustment bracket connected between each bumper and mounting bracket permits vertical, horizontal and rotational adjustment of the bumper with respect to the swimstep. For soft dinghies, a line connected to the dinghy and the bumper docks the two together. For hard dinghies, the bumper includes a cushion interposed between the bumper and the hard dinghy.

Abstract: A bumper and sling arrangement assists a user to dock his or her boat to a dock or the like by allowing the user to set-up the sling in slack condition between moorings on the boat and dock, and then allowing the user to tighten the slackness out of the sling until the boat is pulled into the dock. The bumper is suspended from the sling in between the boat and dock. As the sling is tightened, the bumper is compressed between the boat and dock in order to constrain relative movement between the boat and dock to practically eliminate such relative movement, as well as, simultaneously, to cushion what relative movement that cannot be eliminated.

Abstract: A marine fender assembly includes a slip sheet for contacting a dock or other second object when a boat is moored. A cushion sheet is connected to the slip sheet, to make a shock absorbing subassembly for absorbing shock of lateral movement of the boat relative to the second object. The cushion sheet may be disposed between the slip sheet and the boat hull. In some embodiments, the slip sheet comprises two layers and a space between the two layers, and the cushion sheet is contained between the two layers, within the slip sheet. A fastener subassembly is secured to the shock absorbing subassembly, typically at the top of the shock absorbing subassembly so that the shock absorbing subassembly may be suspended downwardly along a portion of the boat hull. In some embodiments, attachment of the cushion sheet to the slip sheet is limited to loci adjacent the top of the cushion sheet, whereby sliding movement between the boat and the e.g.

Abstract: An integral dual durometer rubrail for protecting a boat gunwale including a base portion of a first hardness and having a bottom surface and a top surface, and a first body portion of a second hardness affixed to a portion of the base portion top surface.

Abstract: An apparatus (50) for serving and displaying food including a continuous watercourse (54). Patrons sit around a periphery of the watercourse. Food carriers (58) circulate in the watercourse and carry various food trays. The food carriers are structurally independent from one another so that each food carriers is independently removable from the said watercourse. The apparatus further includes structurally independent spacer members (60) positioned between the food carriers along the watercourse. The spacer members are sized to maintain a predetermined spacing between the food carriers in the watercourse.

Abstract: A boat bumper includes an elongated pipe encased in an injection molded material and having a pair of elongated spaced apart pads affixed to a rearward side of the body. Each pad has a generally V-shaped notch formed therein for receiving the bow edge of a boat. A bracket has a head portion extending around the pipe and is located between the two pads, the bracket having a pair of legs projecting rearwardly outwardly through the casing, to receive the eye on the bow of a boat therebetween. A ring is mounted on the bracket and projects diametric to the legs through the casing and forwardly from the body. The casing is formed of a fluorescent colored injection molded material, and the pads are formed of a resilient compressible material to cushion dynamic impacts thereon.

Abstract: A rail system for a boat is provided which includes a rail having a shock absorbing channel in the top surface of the rail and extending the length of the rail. The rail has a side surface which is adhesively secured to a hull of the boat. A bottom surface of the rail can be rendered concave or be provided with a plurality of channels to deflect water away from the boat.

Abstract: A boat dock bumper is provided for protecting the hull of a watercraft when the watercraft is moored to a dock, pier, piling, or like structure, and includes a flexible, generally rectangular-shaped member attachable to the watercraft, a flexible upper portion for resting on the gunwale of the watercraft, and a deformable major body portion which can be conformably positioned contiguous to the hull of the watercraft. Disposed within and extending through the rectangular-shaped member from the upper portion to the major body portion are a plurality of flexible, bendable, elongated batten members which provide support and stability for the rectangular-shaped member when the boat dock bumper is attached to the watercraft.

Abstract: A boat bumper for protecting a boat from damage upon impacting a mooring or the like is disclosed. The bumper comprises a plate extending over a portion of the hull of the boat. Padding is positioned on the plate for separating the plate from the hull of the boat. The plate is connected to the boat so as to be displaceable with respect to the boat during an impact, and yet not be removed therefrom. A pair of suction cups connect the plate to the boat, the stem of the first suction cup riding in an elongate slot in the plate, and the second connected to the plate via a resilient cord.

Abstract: A boat fender is particularly constructed to provide protection where needed on low freeboard boats with a minimum of rolling. The fender includes a substantially cylindrical body portion having first and second ends and an axis of elongation, and an ear portion integral with the body portion at its first end and making an angle of about 45.degree.-100.degree. (e.g. 90.degree.) with respect to the axis of elongation. Both the body portion and the ear portion are of resilient material, such as resilient plastic, and are typically hollow. An opening is provided in the ear portion large enough to receive a line therein for tying the fender to a cleat or support on a boat or dock. The contour between the ear portion and the body portion roughly conforms to the gunwale of a low freeboard boat. The fender may be attached to a boat, or it may be attached to a dock, so as to protect the boat from impacting the dock.