Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it be before I receive my order?

Items shown as "In Stock" are typically dispatched within 24 hours. Fender sizes showing as "Out of Stock" or custom sizes will typically be dispatched within 30 days.

Fender covers that are not "In Stock" can usually be made to order within 7days.

How long is the guarantee on my DEFENDA fenders?

DEFENDA™ Inflatable Fenders are the toughest out there, so we offer an industry leading "No Quibble" 10 Year Guarantee against defects in materials or construction. To activate your extended guarantee, please ensure that you register your purchase via the "Register" page.

Can I buy fenders in a size that's not listed?

Yes! We have many standard sizes, but are also happy to manufacture fenders to your own specification. This typically takes 30 days, from confirmation of order and payment.

What is Bioprene?

Traditionally the Neoprene core has been made with petrochemical (oil) based raw materials. However, our sustainable Bioprene shares the same properties of traditional Neoprene but with a significantly reduced impact on the environment.

The polymeric sponge, BIO-II, is USDA Certified and made from green and natural resources using renewable rubber, sugar cane and plant oil, as well as recycled oyster shells. From raw material preparation, manufacturing, to final delivery, carbon footprint is reduced by 52%. Also, 79% of the carbon is from renewable sources according to ASTM-D6866.

The Bioprene used in every FENDASKIN is completely Neoprene-free and PAHs (Class II), REACH/SVHC and RoHS compliant.

A further negative impact of Neoprene use is that it is very difficult to dispose of in an environmentally responsible way, with most of the waste Neoprene ending up in landfill. However, we are delighted to announce that, in partnership with Circular Flow, we are now able to tackle the issue of waste Neoprene. Old Neoprene Covers can now be recycled at the Circular Flow facility and turned into a range of other products. When new FENDASKINS are ordered, DEFENDA offer to recycle the old set at no extra charge, customers just need to ship them to the recycling facility.

Are Hypalon fenders the best choice for inflatable fenders?

No! There are many misconceptions about Hypalon fenders and much of the available information is out-dated, so to answer this question in more detail, we will start with some history;

Hypalon was a chlorosulfonated polyethylene synthetic rubber (CSM) product, manufactured in the USA by DuPont. In it’s day, it was considered the “Gold Standard” for RIB tubes and other inflatable products, such as fenders.

However, subsequent legal restrictions on the materials used to manufacture Hypalon required a revision of the product specification, which was detrimental to it’s performance. Therefore, in 2009 DuPont decided to cease production altogether. Since DuPont own the Hypalon Trademark, this means that since 2009 no product has been manufactured that could correctly (or legally) be called Hypalon.

CSM fabric is still manufactured by a number of other companies, although it’s not exactly the same product as the original DuPont Hypalon. These fabrics have good resistance to abrasion, chemicals and UV degradation, however, in recent years alternative materials have been developed that offer substantial advantages, when it comes to the manufacture of specialist products like superyacht fenders.

At DEFENDA we have spent many years researching and testing materials and manufacturing processes for our fenders. We found that the greatest advances have been made in PVC laminate fabrics, which now offer not only performance characteristics that are superior to CSM, but also the ability to close seams with high-frequency welds, instead of glue. These seams are guaranteed not to leak and won’t come apart like glued seams can, when exposed to extreme tropical heat.

In conclusion; whilst Hypalon was once the “go-to” fabric for high quality RIB collars and inflatable fenders, we are now able to make fenders that are lighter, stronger and pack away to a significantly smaller volume than a CSM (Hypalon) equivalent. Using a High Tensile Polyester Laminate fabric, along with state-of-the-art laser cutting and high-frequency welding processes, we have taken the superyacht fender to the next level and can confidently say that these are the best available.

However, if there’s anything else you need to know about the materials and technology that go into our fenders, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.