all good. I agree. There’s many on this particular site that are gun shy about new posters because over the years there’s been a lot of scammers. Many around have been on here for 20 plus years and it’s line a tight but family so they’re protective.

like i said, all good. The covers look great. 👍

That’s exactly right, my gel coat was $20k and I refuse to listen to anyone saying no fender covers are necessary. I saw what my polyform fenders did to my old gel coat and it wasn’t pretty. These covers from Flexifabrics.com are 5mm neoprene with a soft polyester lamination, super thick and soft.

As a long time diver, I can tell you that sand has a real affinity to neoprene. It is one of the last things I would use as a fender cover

Padraig

I get what you’re saying, but I think there’s a bit of a misconception here—and I’m a diver myself, so I understand the concern. Boats typically aren’t docking in sandy environments to begin with, and these covers are polyester-laminated on the outside—they don’t trap sand at all. In fact, debris tends to brush right off the surface. The real issue with debris buildup is with fleece-style covers, which actually hold onto dirt and grit much more.

With Flexifabrics covers, the neoprene is underneath that outer layer and acts as a 5mm protective cushion, so it’s not even exposed in the way you’re describing. That cushioning is exactly what helps protect gelcoat from scuffs and impact.

Also, neoprene is used in wetsuits for a reason—it holds up extremely well in harsh saltwater environments, resists wear, and is easy to rinse clean. There’s also a reason most yacht fender covers are constructed using neoprene (often around 2mm to save on cost), and why companies like Body Glove consistently choose neoprene—it performs exceptionally well in sun and saltwater, especially when it’s properly laminated with a polyester outer layer like these.

From a practical standpoint:

-Smooth outer surface = less friction and less debris retention

-Cushioned core = better protection than thin fabric covers

-Water-resistant materials = no soaking or heavy, waterlogged covers

-Easy to clean = quick rinse vs. holding grime

So the idea that neoprene-based covers are somehow worse because they “trap sand” doesn’t really line up with how these are actually constructed or used. Flexifabrics has clearly put thought into the design, and it shows in real-world use.

Claims not to be affiliated with the company but takes a defensive posture, touts the benefits and posts multiple links to the company.

After reading the posts in this thread I decided to go to Copilot to find out what AI has to say on this topic and here was the answer:

“For most boaters, polyester is the best overall choice because it lasts longer, resists UV, and handles abrasion better. This is especially true if your boat stays in a marina or sees regular docking.

Choose fleece if:

* You want the softest possible contact surface
* You dock infrequently
* You’re protecting a freshly polished or delicate hull finish

Choose polyester if:

* You want maximum durability
* Your fenders see heavy use
* You want better UV and water resistance
* You prefer a tighter, cleaner look over time”

Then AI provide this summary about Neoprene, “Neoprene is the premium, performance‑oriented option for boat fender covers. It sits between fleece and polyester in softness, but far exceeds both in fit, durability, and stability. If you want the tightest, cleanest, most secure cover that won’t slide, neoprene is the top choice.”

Those fleece ones are the worst, always sopping wet , hold water , look like crap after a short time. Those were the biggest waste of money.
If someone has black fenders and with no covers they can`t tie up to me. They`ve always left a bunch of black specks that have to be buffed out .