FENDERRODS

A lot of thought goes into how to hang fenders. We've all seen dozens of products, from large companies and small, that claim to present the best answer. In many cases, they fall short of a better mousetrap.

Into this market steps FenderRods "” and they seem to have a pretty good idea, at least for boaters who come in and out of the same slip regularly. 

FenderRods are 12-inch nylon dowels that attach to your fender via a 3/8-inch braided nylon line. You set the length of the line to position your fender correctly once. Thereafter, when you come into the slip you simply insert the dowel into a rod holder and your fenders are deployed. And that's it "” the better mousetrap.

For places like the bow and amidships, where there often are o rod holders, the company makes a smaller, six-inch dowel it calls the Companion, which can be secured to cleats or rails. Both products sell for about $20 each, and include the line.

-- Glen Justice