Economical option to the stock Cobalt fender clip

[TwoBurgers]

Hey Gents!
I came across a economical and easy way to have similar functionality of the Cobalt fender clip option using your (not used) bimini top mounts. Accon Marine makes a 1/2" male insert (they call it a "post") which includes a stainless ring for attaching a fender rope. So, since I do not regularly use my bimini on my '13 232, I can now use these bimini post mounts with my 15" round Taylor fenders to more quickly deploy. My past process was to loop pre-measured fender lines to the rear and mid cleats when docking at my favorite restaurant. With these mounts, not only will the deployment be quicker, but the location of both the mid and rear bimini mounts is better for protecting the boat. I ordered four of the 1/2" posts for about $56 delivered.
Here's the information...
Accon Marine, LLC
13655 Automobile Boulevard
Clearwater, FL 33762

727-572-9202

Part number was 401-R-.5-P

Best,
Chris

[jhnmdahl]

There are also a handful of products like this in the aftermarket:

https://www.wholesalemarine.com/taco-ma ... -lock.html

but they're obviously more expensive and require installation.

[Krob1114]

First time we tied up to a friends pontoon, apparently the rail on the pontoon pushed in our fender clip and released the fender.
We didn't notice until we pulled out of the cove and were taking off the fenders. We immediately went back to where we tied to friends but couldn't find our fenders. Dealer wants over $100 to replace. Haven't needed it yet.

[Photo_G]

Hi TwoBurgers.

Thanks for the tip! This looks like an awesome and economical way to clip mount fenders ($14.11 ea.), no drilling required! We keep our bimini mounted but, when it's not deployed, the front base is available for this type of solution which could save some time and may provide better protection. Here's the manufacturers link for reference:

https://shop.acconmarine.com/products/9 ... anger.aspx

Take care,
G

[TwoBurgers]

First time we tied up to a friends pontoon, apparently the rail on the pontoon pushed in our fender clip and released the fender.
We didn't notice until we pulled out of the cove and were taking off the fenders. We immediately went back to where we tied to friends but couldn't find our fenders. Dealer wants over $100 to replace. Haven't needed it yet.

Hey! Let me check with my GF - we actually found a fender with a QR male clip attached on the beach opposite The Hamptons while on vaca this summer. I'll check if she still has it - happy to sent it your way.
Chris

[Photo_G]

Quick update: The post is even less expensive ($10.92 ea.) here: https://www.opentip.com/product.php?products_id=7655283

...and the base plus post (401-R-.5) is just $33.81: https://www.opentip.com/product.php?products_id=2084055

G

[Krob1114]

First time we tied up to a friends pontoon, apparently the rail on the pontoon pushed in our fender clip and released the fender.
We didn't notice until we pulled out of the cove and were taking off the fenders. We immediately went back to where we tied to friends but couldn't find our fenders. Dealer wants over $100 to replace. Haven't needed it yet.

Hey! Let me check with my GF - we actually found a fender with a QR male clip attached on the beach opposite The Hamptons while on vaca this summer. I'll check if she still has it - happy to sent it your way.
Chris

Thanks.

[Mike in SC]

Is it the same as the Taco fender lock?
Having trouble with pics and links...but a search for Taco Fender Lock will show you a 61 dollar part that I think Cobalt had engraved and priced accordingly.

[TwoBurgers]

Is it the same as the Taco fender lock?
Having trouble with pics and links...but a search for Taco Fender Lock will show you a 61 dollar part that I think Cobalt had engraved and priced accordingly.

Nope. It's just the male end of the normal bimini top with a loop welded. If you are not using the bimini, the male end (with stainless loop) can be tied to a fender and used as a quick attach.
C

[Mike in SC]

[/quote]
Nope. It's just the male end of the normal bimini top with a loop welded. If you are not using the bimini, the male end (with stainless loop) can be tied to a fender and used as a quick attach.
C
[/quote]

I guess I was wondering if the original Cobalt part was similar or the same as theTaco fender lock. I like your idea but use the bimini all summer.
Thanks.

[TwoBurgers]

Nope. It's just the male end of the normal bimini top with a loop welded. If you are not using the bimini, the male end (with stainless loop) can be tied to a fender and used as a quick attach.
C
[/quote]

I guess I was wondering if the original Cobalt part was similar or the same as theTaco fender lock. I like your idea but use the bimini all summer.
Thanks.
[/quote]

Ahh... The Taco looks nice and like stock. I would think the trick would be installing the part into the top cap (top of the hull cap) and being able to properly install the backing hardware. I would go that route if it were easy... but I've had to tighten a few bolts in the deep inside recesses and it is no fun at all. I had to use a snake camera to just see what I was able to get a wrench on...
Chris

[Mike in SC]

[/quote]

Ahh... The Taco looks nice and like stock. I would think the trick would be installing the part into the top cap (top of the hull cap) and being able to properly install the backing hardware. I would go that route if it were easy... but I've had to tighten a few bolts in the deep inside recesses and it is no fun at all. I had to use a snake camera to just see what I was able to get a wrench on...
Chris
[/quote]

I get it.
I like the look and function of the Taco product, but would make my decision based on how hard it would be to install.
We're doing some upgrades this fall/winter with stereo and LED lighting inside the boat, I should have ample time to see what kind of access I can get to the areas I want to mount them.
Thanks,
Mike.

[Motex2011]

2burgers - Check out this thread before you invest much money in fender clips. I'm pretty much done with them after this costly mistake.

viewtopic.php?f=44&t=3315

Hope this link works.

[TwoBurgers]

Wow!!! Really hate it for that guy! He tried to do the fender clip thing to help his boat and ended up damaging his gel coat. We've all been there one way or another.
I re-visited this post to follow-up on the "clips" I purchased. Since the clips will fit into the Bimini female ends already installed, I think I should be ok. Thought process is that they should be sturdy enough given all the torque put on them from the Bimini in wind and all. That said, I did see two possible areas to watch out for after tying them up to my 15" Taylor ball fenders today. 1) each clip is just the stainless male end with a loop welded on. If it is allowed to swing freely before being clipped into the Bimini receiver, it could easily chip gel coat. I say this because my GF is a bit slap happy when it comes to like things (she also slams down the seats which bugs the hell out fo me). So, I'm thinking I'm going to control the fender deployment. 2). When using the rearward (there are three) Bimini receiver, it places the fender right at the raised Cobalt lettering. So, I had to adjust where the fender would touch the hull so as to avoid rubbing into the lettering. Retentive I know, but it's who I am and I own it. And my 232 looks awesome! The net is that by using the clips the two fenders will be located better and be able to be deployed more easily. Time will tell... I do wish someone made light weight clips...
Chris

[go4it]

I'm a little late to this discussion and ordered my cs23 with the factory fender clips......it is what it is. I've read the posts but couldn't determine what is involved with adjusting the fender height - is there a velcro strap, do you re-tie the line or what?
Appreciate any feedback.
Thanks