Ball sizes

[O C Diver]

The cleats aren't there yet, but here is where they will be when that project bubbles up to the top of my priority list. Proper backing plates and all. They are the subject of a separate thread here somewhere.
View attachment 159290
Too far aft for a fender, but as good as I can get for locking lines.

With the cleat located there, if it works, I would try the fender at the hawse pipe. It maybe be worth adding a smaller middle fender to make it work, but that position should be far enough forward of the cleat.

Ted

 

[Helmsman]

Having locked through a few times on the Tennessee with floating bollards to tie to on a Helmsman, I use two 18” balls. One connected by the steps outside of the PH door and forward of where I tie off to the bollard. One by the stern on the side wall. I then use a next larger ball (can’t remember the size) up front after the curve, hanging off the railing. That one really helps if the stern kicks out, and the bow pushes in towards the wall.

 

[HeadedToTexas]

So three balls, right? Two 18s and a 21 or 24? That makes sense. Where to you store them when not in use? And where do you store the other fenders that were replaced by the balls?

 

[Irish Rambler]

I found that a combination is best. Cylinders starting at the stern and round as you go forward (one or two), starting at the curve. I think you would want a 24 round near the bow. One lesson I learned going through the locks-those nice fender covers get torn up going through locks. They get pinched against the wall. If the wall goes up and down in the locks, not a big issue, but if the boat slides up and down against the wall in the locks, the covers get torn up.

We just ease the mooring lines a touch.

 

[Irish Rambler]

We use cylinder fenders and tube gauze attached at the top with plastic zip ties for covers, its so cheap we just bin it when it gets too dirty. I get my two balls out when we moor stern to med style
Old mini tyres painted with white emulsion are ideal as they don't float, however they must be tied very securely to prevent them getting ripped off and blocking the lock gates.