DIY Boat Slip Bumpers

Your boat is valuable, and keeping it in good condition is crucial. Boat slip bumpers, also known as dock bumpers, are a good way to protect your boat even when it’s not moving. These bumpers, made of foam, rubber, polyurethane or plastic, and often reinforced with steel, attach to the edges of your boat slip and protect your boat from damage should it bump up against the dock while moored. Installing your own boat slip bumpers is fairly easy, but doing it right takes a little planning.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Stainless-steel screws or nails
  • Hammer or screwdriver
  • Power drill
  • Silicone sealant
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose an appropriate material for the bumpers. Foam bumpers are the most economical, while steel-faced bumpers are the most durable. Be sure that whatever material you choose is water-resistant and non-reactive.

    • 2

      Decide which bumper shape and type you want. Thicker, larger bumpers will be appropriate for heavily used boat slips or those with large boats, while thinner, less-expensive bumpers may be sufficient for infrequently used boat slips or those housing smaller boats. Some bumper types consist of continuous strips of cushioning material that run along the full length of the boat slip, while others involve shorter strips or pads mounted at intervals along the slip instead. If you want your bumper to cover protruding corners in your boat slip, make sure you obtain fitted corner pieces of bumper material as well. Check to see if the bumper type you are interested in comes with predrilled holes for installation or requires these to be drilled. Some materials, such as reinforced rubber, are difficult to cut or drill without professional equipment.

    • 3

      Measure the length of your boat slip. To determine how much material you will need for your bumper, you will need to know how long your boat slip is. You should plan to make two bumpers (or two sets of shorter bumpers), one for each side of the boat.

    • 4

      Determine the appropriate height for attaching the bumpers. If you plan to install the bumpers along the length of your boat slip, ensure they are placed at the optimal height to protect your boat. When your boat is moored in the slip, make note of the height at which it is most likely to make contact with the sides of the boat slip. This area of potential contact is where you should install your bumpers.

    • 5

      Plan alternate locations for your bumpers. If your boat is more likely to rub against vertical pylons or posts in your boat slip than against the sides, plan to install the bumpers on these pylons instead. Bear in mind that not all bumper types are amenable to being mounted vertically.

    • 6

      Install the bumpers according to manufacturer’s instructions. In most cases, this will involve little more than attaching the bumpers to the deck with stainless-steel screws and a cordless drill, though in some case you may also need to install mounting brackets. Be sure to coat the screw or nail holes with silicone sealant after installation; this will protect them from water damage.