Let’s Talk About Taylor Made 11391 Pontoon Rail Fender Adjuster 36 Piece Display
Few things are more frustrating than a beautiful day on the pontoon boat marred by struggling with fenders. The Taylor Made 11391 Pontoon Rail Fender Adjuster 36 Piece Display promises to eliminate that hassle, offering a simple and secure way to adjust fender height on pontoon boats with 1″ square rails. This display of 36 individual adjusters aims to equip a significant number of boat owners with a solution to a common boating problem.
My own pontoon adventures have often involved precarious balancing acts while attempting to re-tie fenders to accommodate varying dock heights and wave conditions. I needed a system that was quick, easy to use, and wouldn’t require constant readjustments or complicated knots. The Taylor Made product seemed like a potential answer to these woes, offering a more civilized boating experience.
The Taylor Made 11391 Pontoon Rail Fender Adjuster 36 Piece Display arrived in a simple cardboard box, the individual adjusters neatly arranged within. My initial thought was that the ABS plastic construction felt lightweight but appeared reasonably sturdy. The clamping mechanism looked straightforward, and I was eager to test its grip on my pontoon’s railing.
I considered alternatives like the traditional rope-and-cleat method, and even some more elaborate stainless-steel fender adjusters. However, the simplicity and ease of installation promised by the Taylor Made product, coupled with the quantity offered in the display, swayed my decision. I was excited to see if they could deliver on their promise of convenience.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. They seemed like a clever solution, but the proof would be in the pudding – specifically, how well they held up to the rigors of real-world use on the water.
Real-World Testing: Putting Taylor Made 11391 Pontoon Rail Fender Adjuster 36 Piece Display to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Taylor Made fender adjusters was during a weekend trip to a local lake known for its choppy waters and varying dock heights. I installed a set on my pontoon boat before heading out. Installation was surprisingly easy, taking only a few seconds per adjuster.
The adjusters performed well in calm conditions. Adjusting the fender height was simple and quick, requiring just a simple repositioning of the adjuster on the rail. However, once the waves picked up, I noticed some slippage on a couple of the adjusters, requiring me to tighten them further.
I was initially pleased with the ease of use but slightly concerned about the potential for slippage in rougher conditions. This was a surprise, as I expected the clamping mechanism to provide a more secure hold.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Taylor Made 11391 Pontoon Rail Fender Adjuster 36 Piece Display, I have a better understanding of their strengths and limitations. They are undeniably convenient for quick adjustments in calm waters. However, their durability in harsher conditions is questionable.
After a few particularly windy days, I noticed some minor wear and tear on the plastic clamping mechanism of a few adjusters. There were no complete failures, but the plastic showed signs of stress. The adjusters themselves require minimal maintenance; a quick rinse with fresh water after each use is sufficient to prevent salt buildup.
Compared to my previous method of tying and re-tying knots, these adjusters offer a significant improvement in convenience. However, their long-term durability and performance in rough waters leave something to be desired. I found myself checking them more frequently than I would have liked, especially on windy days.
Breaking Down the Features of Taylor Made 11391 Pontoon Rail Fender Adjuster 36 Piece Display
Specifications
- Designed for 1″ and 1-1/4″ square rails of pontoon boats. This is a crucial specification, limiting its use to pontoon boats with specific rail dimensions.
- Mounting structure clamps securely to square tubing. The clamping mechanism is the heart of the adjuster, responsible for securing the fender line.
- Can be repositioned quickly and easily. This is the core benefit, allowing for rapid fender height adjustments.
- Constructed from durable ABS plastic. The choice of ABS plastic impacts both the weight and the durability of the adjuster.
- Simple height adjustment for lines up to 3/8″. This dictates the maximum diameter of fender lines that can be used with the adjuster.
These specifications are important because they directly affect the functionality and usability of the fender adjusters. The clamp must hold firmly, the plastic must withstand UV exposure and impacts, and the line capacity needs to be adequate for typical fender lines.
Performance & Functionality
The Taylor Made 11391 Pontoon Rail Fender Adjuster 36 Piece Display performs its primary function adequately: allowing for quick fender height adjustments. However, its performance is significantly impacted by weather conditions. In calm waters, they work flawlessly, but in rougher conditions, slippage becomes a concern.
The main strength of these adjusters is their ease of use. Repositioning them is a breeze, making it easy to accommodate changing dock heights or wave conditions. The weakness is the clamping mechanism’s tendency to slip under stress, which could be improved with a more robust design.
They meet the basic expectations of a fender adjuster but fall short of exceeding them. A more secure clamping system would significantly enhance their performance and reliability.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is simple and functional. The ABS plastic is lightweight, making them easy to handle and install. The weight is important for not adding extra stress to the boat’s rail system.
The Taylor Made 11391 Pontoon Rail Fender Adjuster 36 Piece Display is user-friendly with virtually no learning curve. Installation and adjustment are intuitive, even for novice boaters.
Durability & Maintenance
The longevity of these adjusters is questionable, especially with frequent use in harsh conditions. The ABS plastic is susceptible to UV degradation and can become brittle over time.
The adjusters are easy to maintain. A simple rinse with fresh water after each use prevents salt buildup and helps prolong their lifespan.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Taylor Made 11391 Pontoon Rail Fender Adjuster 36 Piece Display does not come with any additional accessories. There are no customization options available, as the design is fixed.
The adjusters are compatible with any standard fender line up to 3/8″ in diameter. There are no specific accessories from other brands that are particularly relevant.
Pros and Cons of Taylor Made 11391 Pontoon Rail Fender Adjuster 36 Piece Display
Pros
- Simple and quick fender height adjustments. The primary benefit, saving time and effort compared to traditional methods.
- Easy installation with no tools required. Makes them accessible to all boat owners, regardless of their technical skills.
- Lightweight ABS plastic construction. Prevents excessive weight on the pontoon rails.
- Affordable solution for fender management. Provides a cost-effective alternative to more expensive fender adjustment systems.
- 36-piece display is ideal for outfitting multiple boats or rental fleets. This large quantity offers exceptional value for businesses or individuals with several pontoons.
Cons
- Slippage can occur in rough water conditions. The clamping mechanism is not always secure, requiring frequent readjustments.
- Durability of ABS plastic is questionable over the long term. Susceptible to UV degradation and potential cracking.
- Limited to pontoon boats with 1″ and 1-1/4″ square rails. Restricts its use to a specific type of boat.
Who Should Buy Taylor Made 11391 Pontoon Rail Fender Adjuster 36 Piece Display?
The Taylor Made 11391 Pontoon Rail Fender Adjuster 36 Piece Display is perfect for pontoon boat owners who primarily boat in calm waters and value convenience over ultimate durability. This is especially true for those who frequently adjust their fenders to accommodate varying dock heights. Rental companies or marinas that manage fleets of pontoon boats could also greatly benefit from the value offered by the 36-piece display.
Those who regularly boat in rough conditions or require a more robust and secure fender adjustment system should skip this product. Consider investing in stainless-steel adjusters or exploring other more durable alternatives.
A must-have modification would be adding a rubber or textured insert to the clamping mechanism to increase its grip on the pontoon rail. This could significantly improve its performance in rougher conditions.
Conclusion on Taylor Made 11391 Pontoon Rail Fender Adjuster 36 Piece Display
The Taylor Made 11391 Pontoon Rail Fender Adjuster 36 Piece Display offers a convenient and affordable solution for fender management on pontoon boats. The ease of use and quick adjustment capabilities are undeniable benefits. However, the questionable durability of the ABS plastic and the potential for slippage in rough conditions are significant drawbacks.
At $106.79, the price is reasonable for a 36-piece display, making it a good value for those who need to outfit multiple boats. It’s a great solution for a pontoon boat fleet.
I would recommend this product with reservations. If you boat primarily in calm waters and prioritize convenience, the Taylor Made 11391 Pontoon Rail Fender Adjuster 36 Piece Display is a worthwhile investment. However, be prepared to monitor them frequently and consider upgrading to a more durable solution if you encounter rough conditions regularly. Add these to your boat and experience the convenience, but be mindful of their limitations.