How do you avoid Dock Rash on your glass boat?

 

I fish alone and have used a combination of dock types where I have to tie up at the dock while launching and loading my boat.  I try to take the wind direction into account so the wind will keep the boat away from the dock when I tie up, but I can't always defend against wave action.

 

So,,, how do you protect your glass boat?

 

And, how do you repair the Dock Rash when you get it?

I also fish alone and have wondered the same thing. Best thing I can come up with is to use bumpers. Most lakes I fish have pads on the docks that help some but not 100%. Just have to realize some dock rash is part of the game.

First off dock rash isn't just part of the game. My dad has a 99 Ranger without any "rash" on it and I've got an 86 without any on it either. You just have to be careful. The best bumpers we've found are the BPS Vinyl fenders. http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Vinyl-Marine-Fenders/product/10205173/?cmCat=CROSSSELL_THUMBNAIL not the hard ones, but the type like a cushion. Another option would be the cheap throw cushions. They don't last as long but they'll keep it padded and protected. The advantage is with the fenders, they will contour to the boat and not mark it up like some bumpers do.   

Power poles!

Use bumpers when tying up to a dock to prevent it.

To get rid of some rash on gelcoat, start out using a light rubbig compound by hand, most will buff out with the compound.  If it does not you need to get  a medium/heavy grit compound .

Sever scratches can be wet sanded out using 1000 - 1200 grit sandpaper dunking it in a bucket of water to keep it wet, then compound the sanding marks out with the rubbing compound, then polish and wax.

These are the kind I use. I dock my boat for a week or two at a time when I stay at a cabin. They work well.

 

I attempt to tie up so my boat spans two poles and the dock cannot touch anything but the rub rail.  The Power Pole is used when there is no wave action and then I just play the wind to tie the front.  The above pictured bumpers look like an excellent idea for lengthy tie-ups.

 

FL

My boat had dual power poles on it when I bought it so that's what I do