The easiest way to inflate a Hauraki Inflatable Fender is to use the supplied valve adaptor and a low‑pressure pump designed for inflatable bedding or boats. For quick manual inflation a regular dinghy hand pump works well; for speed and convenience an electric 12 V air‑bed pump or a battery powered blower from major tool brands (for example Makita, DeWalt, Hikoki, Ryobi) gives fast, controlled results. 

Avoid high‑pressure compressors unless you have a reliable low‑pressure regulator or gauge fitted, because overpressure stresses seams and can shorten service life. Aim for the recommended no‑load pressure of 1 psi, similar to a low pressure inflatable dinghy. 

If the fender feels unusually firm in hot conditions bleed a little air to compensate for temperature‑related pressure rise.

As a guide, we recommend every boat should always carry at least 3 fenders onboard (larger boats should carry 4-5).  The size of fender mostly depends on the length and design of your boat, but ultimately it comes down to personal preference and how the fenders are going to be used. 

When selecting the size and quantity of fenders for your boat and the following points should be taken into consideration:

• The length of your boat.
• How much freeboard your boat has, the height of its top sides, and where the fenders will be used on the boat.
• What are you rafting up to (wharfs or other boats) and where you are rafting (calm waters or waters prone to waves or boat wakes). 
• The displacement of your boat.  Lighter weight boats can be at the lower end of the size spectrum while heavier boats should be at the upper end.

Hauraki Inflatable Fender Size Guide:

Proper fender placement is essential to protect your hull from damage and ensure safe docking or rafting.

General rules for positioning:

• Fender Location - Locate the fenders on the boat where it is most likely to make contact.  Usually in the middle of the hull or the widest part of the boat. 
• Vertical position - Use vertical fenders when docking against floating pontoons or when rafting up to another boat.
• Horizontal position - Lay fenders horizontally when rafting against poles, piles, or fixed structures.
• Height - Adjust so the widest part of the fender sits at the contact point, or the top of the fender approximately 300mm above the rub rail.
• Spacing - Use enough fenders to distribute load evenly, especially in swell or surge.  For curved hulls keep the fenders closer together (reduce spacing); for straight / flatter hulls you can spread the fenders further apart.
• Avoid overloading - Position fenders so they will not be trapped or pinched if a wave or wake hits the boat.

Correct placement reduces scuffs and damage to your boat, absorbs impact, and prolongs fender life.

Inflatable fenders are lightweight, which means they can move or “sail” in strong winds. To keep them stable, you can add a small amount of water inside the fender to create ballast.

How to do it:

1. Before inflating, unlock the valve.
2. Using a hose, pour 1–2 litres of fresh water into the fender.
3. Close the valve, then inflate as normal.
4. Always ensure the valve is positioned at the top when the fender is hanging, so the water remains at the bottom away from the valve.

This added weight helps the fender hang more steadily and significantly reduces movement in windy conditions.

Other options include hanging a weight underneath the fender.  Run a short loop of line through the fender D-ring and attach a small weight (lead or stainless) inside a mesh bag below the fender, or use a purpose-made weighted fender bag. This keeps the fender upright and reduces swinging.

Or you can use a fore/aft safety line (a second short fender rope) to stop the fender from swinging along the rail or hull in gusts. Keep this line slightly slack so the fender can still float to the correct height

Several knots work well for securing fenders, but the most reliable and widely used are:

• Clove Hitch with Half Hitch
• Round Turn and Two Half Hitches

These knots are:

• Quick to tie
• Easy to adjust
• Strong under load
• Simple to untie even after being tightened

A consistent knotting method ensures your fenders stay secure regardless of conditions.

We don't recommend using fender hooks for the likes as these can move or break.  A good secure knot is the best way to attach a fender to a boat.  

Hauraki Fenders are designed for durability, strength, and long service life in marine conditions.

Construction features include:

• Heavy-duty reinforced PVC (1.2 mm thick) for excellent abrasion and UV resistance
• Extra strong D-ring attachment points (designed upgraded in 2025) and 8mm 316 stainless steel d-rings.
• Heat-welded seams and attachments for maximum strength (no glues used)
• Doubler tapes welded over seams for additional reinforcement
• Manufactured in a controlled environment to ensure material consistency and weld integrity.
• Every fender must pass a 7 day pressure test prior to being packaged. 

This robust construction allows the fenders to handle demanding conditions, repeated impacts, and year-round use.

Hauraki Inflatable Fenders are built to provide many years of service when used and maintained correctly.

Longevity comes from:

• Thick 1.2 mm reinforced PVC
• Double-reinforced welded seams
• Heavy-duty 316 stainless steel D-rings and reinforced attachment points
• UV-stable materials designed for harsh marine environments

When paired with fender covers and stored correctly, customers experience long-term performance with regular or permanent use.

Hauraki Fenders are manufactured from commercial‑grade, airtight, UV‑resistant PVC, and looking after that material is straightforward but important for longevity. For routine cleaning, rinse with fresh water to remove salt and grime, then wash with a mild marine detergent or diluted liquid soap using a soft sponge or brush; avoid abrasive pads that can abrade the PVC surface. For stubborn marks use a dedicated PVC cleaner, test any product on an inconspicuous area first, then rinse thoroughly and dry. Never use strong solvents, petrol, diesel, concentrated bleach, or aggressive degreasers — these chemicals will soften, discolor, or weaken PVC and can damage welded seams.

Using a fender cover provides the best protection from UV and environmental ageing and will extend service life.  Keep valves clear of salt and grit

For storage, deflate or release tension, dry and store fenders in a cool, shaded, ventilated place away from hydrocarbons and sharp objects.

Inflatable fenders naturally change pressure with temperature: as air warms during the day it expands and raises internal pressure, and as it cools overnight the pressure falls. Sunlight on a fender can produce a rapid rise in pressure that leaves it feeling very firm, while shaded or cooler conditions make it feel softer. These normal thermal shifts are the most common reason fenders appear to lose or gain air but can be commonly mistaken for an air leak. 

The type of fender cover you should use depends on the situation where you use your fenders most.  The following table will help identify the best cover for you. 

For knitted polyester and fleece covers, machine wash on a cold, gentle cycle using a mild liquid detergent; avoid powder detergents that can leave residue. Turn covers inside out and wash similar colours together to protect the exterior finish. Neoprene covers should be rinsed with fresh water after use and can be wiped with a mild soapy solution for stubborn grime; gently scrub with a soft brush or sponge and rinse thoroughly.

Never use bleach, harsh solvents, abrasive cleaners, or strong detergents on any Hauraki fender covers, as these can weaken fibres, strip coatings, and reduce UV resistance.

After washing, air dry covers flat or hung in the shade; do not tumble dry and avoid prolonged direct sunlight to prevent fading and neoprene degradation.

For stubborn oil or grease stains on polyester or fleece covers, pre-treat with a small amount of diluted dish soap or a specialised fabric stain remover, test on an inconspicuous area first, then launder as above.

Regular care extends life: rinse covers to remove salt as this will help protect your hull as well, inspect covers and seams for wear, and replace covers that show excessive abrasion or seam failure. Store fenders and covers dry if possible in a ventilated area away from fuel, solvents, or direct sun.

For best longevity, rotate covers and clean them every few months or after heavy soiling.

All fenders—regardless of material or brand—can be punctured or grazed if they come into contact with sharp or abrasive objects such as nails or bolts, rough concrete, excessive waterline growth on docks and jetties.

To maximise protection:

• Use Hauraki Fender Covers to reduce abrasion and add another protective layer.
• Always check the surface the fender will touch—avoid nails, bolts, sharp corners, vent covers, and rough edges.
• Deploy more than one fender to distribute impact and reduce point pressure.

With correct positioning and covers, grazing and puncture risk is greatly reduced.

Technically it is possible, but extremely unlikely.  Our heavy duty, reinforced PVC construction and heat‑welded seams require an extremely large force or gross overpressure to fail and to date we are yet to see one of our fenders fail in this manner.  

To minimise the risk of losing pressure in an inflatable fender: Inflate fenders to the recommended operating pressure, ensure you deploy the correct number and size of fenders so loads are shared across multiple units and over their full surfaces, and position fenders so they cannot be forced against sharp edges or protrusions. Use covers for added protection, check valves and seams regularly for damage or wear, and avoid high‑pressure compressors or pumps that can easily overinflate the fender; a low‑pressure gauge or a 12 V air‑bed pump provides safer control. If a fender feels unusually firm in hot conditions, bleed a little air to relieve excess pressure and recheck when temperatures stabilise. In the event of a puncture or seam failure, remove the fender from service, use a repair kit or professional repair for permanent fixes, and replace any fender with compromised welds or large tears to protect hull safety.

If punctured, an inflatable fenders can be easily repaired using a standard PVC repair kit available from your local chandlery or inflatable boat repair company.  Instead of PVC glue, 3M Marine Adhesive Sealant 5200 also works really well.  Tear-Aid is also a good option for a fast and effective, glue free repair.

We suggest replacing any fender with a large tear or puncture rather than relying on a repair or temporary fix. 

A soapy‑water test is the quickest and most reliable way to locate an air leak in an inflatable fender; it works by revealing escaping air as visible bubbles wherever the air is leaving the fender. Begin by inflating the fender to higher than its normal working pressure (about 2 psi) and make sure the valve cap is fitted as you will test around it first.

Work in a calm, sheltered spot so wind and surface ripple won’t disturb bubble formation.
Mix a gentle soap solution using warm water and a few drops of ordinary liquid dish soap (or a mild hand soap). A practical ratio is roughly 1 teaspoon of soap to 500 ml of water; the solution should be soapy but not extremely sudsy — too much foam makes bubbles hard to see. Put the solution in a spray bottle or a small squirt bottle for controlled application, or use a soft sponge for stubborn grime areas. Avoid harsh detergents, solvents or bleach that can damage PVC or valve seals.

Start testing at the valve and valve cap because most leaks show there first. Spray or sponge the soapy solution around the valve stem, under the cap, and the valve housing, watching carefully for a continuous stream or cluster of small bubbles. If bubbles appear, mark the spot immediately with a waterproof marker so you can dry and prepare the area for repair. If nothing shows at the valve, methodically work around the entire fender.  Move slowly and cover the surface in overlapping passes so no area is missed.

Once you locate a leak, clean and dry the area thoroughly and carry out a puncture repair.

We accept all the popular payment methods such as PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Bancontact, iDEAL, Shop Pay and Union Pay.

Returns

We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it (as new), unworn and unused, with tags, and in its original packaging.  You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.  Custom made / non stock products are not eligible to be returned.

To request a return, you can contact us at info@haurakifenders.com  It is your responsibility to return the item/s to Hauraki Fenders, 21 Rangi Ave, Schnapper Rock, Auckland 0632, New Zealand.  Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.

You can always contact us for any return question at info@haurakifenders.com

Refunds

We will notify you once we’ve received and inspected your return, and let you know if the refund was approved or not. If approved, you’ll be automatically refunded on your original payment method excluding the total freight cost.  Because our products are shipped from New Zealand, a portion of the product sale price covers some of the freight cost (in conjunction with the order freight charge).  Any refunds or exchanges will not include the total freight cost (i.e. the order freight charge + the freight portion of the product sale price).  Please remember it can take some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund.

Australia

All goods are shipped from New Zealand directly to you using DHL Express or a similar airfreight service.  You are not liable for any duties, taxes or GST arising from the importation of the goods into Australia.

Expected delivery is 1-5 days depending on your location.

For the quickest delivery, your shipping address should be a physical premises.  In some cases, a PO Box is also acceptable, but delivery will take longer.  If there is an issue with delivering to your PO Box address, we’ll get in touch with you before we ship your goods.

USA, Europe & Rest of World

All goods are shipped from New Zealand directly to you using DHL Express or a similar airfreight service.  Tax, duty and tariffs are not charged on products sold outside of New Zealand and Australia.  If any are applicable upon importation into your destination country, the shipping company will contact you directly for payment of these on arrival of the products into your country.

Expected delivery is 3-7 working days depending on your location.

For the quickest delivery, your shipping address should be a physical premises.  In some cases, a PO Box is also acceptable, but delivery will take longer.  If there is an issue with delivering to your PO Box address, we’ll get in touch with you before we ship your goods. 

You will receive an email confirmation from us after you have placed an order.  You'll receive another email once your order has been shipped and it will contain the tracking details of your package.  If your order is shipped in parts, you will receive tracking details for each separate shipment/part. 

Yes, we ship our products all over the world from New Zealand.

Shipping cost can vary between products due to the size and weight of each product. If you wish to know the cost to ship, please add the required products to the cart and proceed through the first steps of checkout. Once the system understands which products you are wanting purchase and where your shipping address is located, the shipping cost will display for you.