When it comes to protecting ships and docks, marine fenders are among the most important tools. One of the most trusted types in heavy-duty docking is the DO Fender. It’s strong, reliable, and built to handle high impact. But even the best equipment needs care.
If you’re using DO Fenders in your port, marina, or shipyard, giving them regular maintenance will help you avoid early damage, reduce costs, and make sure your setup stays safe and efficient. Whether you’re a port manager, ship owner, or just someone looking after a dock, this guide will give you simple, effective maintenance tips that keep your fenders working longer.
What Is a DO Fender?
A DO Fender is one of the “O”-shaped rubber marine bumpers having a flat backing. It finds extensive usage wherever high impact strength is required, such as for quay walls, container terminals, and tug vessels. With regards to other variations like the D Fender or DD Fender, DO Fenders have the ability to provide greater energy absorption along with wear resistance.
Why Maintenance Is Important
DO Fenders are exposed to rough weather, seawater, heavy vessel traffic, and physical force. Over time, even the most durable rubber can crack, harden, or lose shape. With regular maintenance, you’ll:
- Extend the fender’s working life
- Avoid unexpected replacement costs
- Keep your docking area safe
- Prevent damage to ships or dock walls
1. Inspect Fenders Regularly
Start with a visual check. Walk along the fenders and look for damage like cracks, cuts, warping, or missing parts. DO Fenders can take a beating during docking, and small problems can turn into big ones if ignored.
Be sure to also check:
- The back plate (if installed)
- Fixing bolts and brackets
- Joints between sections
- Any signs of rubber peeling or surface hardening
Schedule inspections monthly. If your area sees high vessel traffic or storms, check more often.
2. Clean Off Salt and Marine Growth
Salt, barnacles, algae, and dirt collect on rubber surfaces over time. These don’t just look bad—they can also weaken the rubber and reduce the fender’s grip on the dock wall.
How to clean your DO Fender:
- Rinse with fresh water once a week
- Use a soft brush to remove dirt
- Scrape barnacles gently with a plastic or wooden tool
- Avoid high-pressure washing unless absolutely needed
Clean fenders last longer, look better, and work more effectively.
3. Check for Rubber Hardness
As rubber ages, it can harden and lose its flexibility. When this happens, the DO Fender won’t absorb impact as well, which puts your dock and boats at risk.
Use a durometer (a tool that checks rubber hardness) to test your fender. If it’s much harder than when first installed, or you notice visible cracking, it might be time to replace that section.
4. Maintain Mounting Hardware
The bolts, brackets, and plates that hold your fender in place are just as important as the fender itself. Over time, saltwater can cause metal to rust or loosen.
During each inspection:
- Tighten loose bolts
- Replace rusted hardware
- Check for bent or cracked mounting plates
A secure mount keeps the fender working correctly and prevents it from falling or tearing away under pressure.
5. Apply UV Protection
If your DO Fender is installed in direct sunlight, the rubber can dry out and crack due to UV exposure. This is more common in tropical or coastal areas with high sun exposure.
Simple protection steps:
- Use UV-resistant rubber coatings
- Shade fenders when possible
- Rotate fenders if only one side is exposed
If UV damage is a big concern, you might consider switching to D Rubber Fenders, which are often treated with UV-resistant compounds.
6. Store Extra Fenders Properly
If you keep spare DO Fenders on site for future use, store them correctly. Poor storage can cause shape loss or material damage before they’re even installed.
Storage tips:
- Keep fenders in a cool, dry space
- Lay flat or upright to avoid bending
- Don’t stack heavy items on top
- Cover them to block sunlight
This applies not only to DO Fenders, but also to D Fenders and DD Fenders, which can also suffer from poor storage practices.
7. Avoid Sharp Contact During Docking
While DO Fenders are made for tough use, they can still be damaged by sharp objects. Ensure no metal edges or broken parts on vessels scrape the fender during docking. Train your dock staff or crew to approach slowly and avoid aggressive landings.
Some fender damage is unavoidable, but with care, you can avoid unnecessary cuts or punctures.
8. Replace When Necessary
No fender lasts forever. Even with great care, rubber ages, hardware wears out, and the structure can break down over years of service. If your DO Fender is no longer performing as it should—even after repairs—it’s safer and more cost-effective to replace it.
When replacing, consider newer designs or materials, or evaluate if a DD Fender or D Rubber Fender might better suit your needs.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your boat fender doesn’t have to be difficult. With a minor upkeep each month—grooming, checkup, and minor repair—your fenders’ lifespan can be increased by years, cost can be cut, and your dock can be protected.
In looking for robust, long-lasting, and resilient marine fenders such as DO Fenders, D Fenders, and DD Fenders, suppliers that offer high-quality rubber products built to weather the rigorous marine environment must be chosen.
Choosing the right fender is important—but keeping it in a clean state is what will make it last. With care, your fender will keep on performing day after day.