After being in the same slip now for almost 2 years I am starting to see some wear on the gelcoat where our 2 fenders rub. We have the boat tied up well and it actually spends most the time sitting there not touching the fenders at all but if the wind is out of the North it pushes the boat against the fenders and the dock.

We use the Polyform HTM-3. I am wondering if the covers for them would help. I am assuming that the small wear is from the fender getting dirty and rubbing on the boat like sand paper. The stern fender is the only spot that is very noticeable because that is where most the pressure occurs when the winds pick up. With a boat in the slip next to us there is nothing different I can do with the lines to pull it off the dock 100% of the time.

Any thoughts?

Yes they work. You could get the whips that will hold the boat off hte dock as well. They look like fishing rods for your boat.

Don't bother with the lightweigh mesh-style fender covers that West Marine sells - once they snag on something, they start shredding. Do a Google search and find some made out of heavy velour-type material. KEEP THEM UP OUT OF THE WATER. If they soak up grit, you'll be right back where you started.

I made some out of Sunbrella for at the dock and a couple out of fleece for when rafted up to other boats. Haven't had a chance to use them too much to see how they hold up but I love the fleece ones, they are so soft.

Get some custom made fleece ones. They are the best and will save your paint/gelcoat.

We are considering these:

http://www.mecoastmarine.com/