Let’s Talk About Taylor Made 46011/3005.1791 46011 Pro Dock Cushion
Having spent over a decade around boats, docks, and marinas, I’ve seen firsthand the damage that poorly protected docks can inflict on boats. Dings, scratches, and even more serious hull damage are common occurrences. That’s why I was eager to get my hands on the Taylor Made 46011/3005.1791 46011 Pro Dock Cushion, a product promising both superior cushioning and durability.
My own need stemmed from a recent near-miss with my own boat. A strong gust of wind pushed my vessel hard against the dock, and I narrowly avoided significant damage. I needed a reliable solution to prevent future incidents, something better than the flimsy, air-filled bumpers I’d been using.
Upon unboxing the Taylor Made dock cushion, I was immediately impressed by its solid feel. The hybrid construction, with its dual-density foam, felt substantial and well-made. The bright white color was clean and professional, and the pre-drilled mounting holes looked perfectly aligned.
I considered several other dock bumpers before choosing the Taylor Made. Cheaper options seemed flimsy, while others lacked the dual-density construction. I felt the hybrid design promised the best balance of impact absorption and long-term durability, which is crucial in the harsh marine environment.
My initial impression was overwhelmingly positive. The Taylor Made 46011/3005.1791 46011 Pro Dock Cushion felt like a serious piece of equipment, built to withstand the rigors of dock life. This gave me confidence that it would protect my boat effectively.
Real-World Testing: Putting Taylor Made 46011/3005.1791 46011 Pro Dock Cushion to the Test
First Use Experience
I installed the Taylor Made dock cushion on a particularly exposed section of my dock, known for taking the brunt of wind and waves. The installation was straightforward, using stainless steel screws (not included) to secure it to the wood. The pre-drilled holes made the process quick and simple.
The dock cushion truly proved its worth during a recent storm. Sustained winds and choppy water repeatedly slammed boats against the dock. The Taylor Made cushion absorbed the impacts with minimal give, preventing any damage to the hulls.
The cushion offered immediate ease of use; simply install and forget. No inflating, adjusting, or worrying about leaks. Its solid construction gave me immediate peace of mind.
After its initial use, I was thrilled with the performance. No unexpected issues arose, and the cushion performed exactly as advertised. This solidified my confidence in its reliability.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of constant exposure to sun, salt spray, and the occasional scraping from passing boats, the Taylor Made dock cushion shows minimal wear. The white color remains bright, and the foam hasn’t degraded or become brittle. The UV protection seems to be doing its job.
The durability of this dock cushion is exceptional. The hybrid foam construction is clearly superior to traditional vinyl or air-filled bumpers. It holds its shape and provides consistent protection, even after repeated impacts.
Maintaining the Taylor Made dock cushion is incredibly easy. A simple rinse with fresh water removes any salt buildup or grime. The closed-cell foam doesn’t absorb water, preventing mold or mildew growth.
Previously, I’d used inflatable fenders that required constant maintenance and were prone to punctures. The Taylor Made dock cushion far outperforms these older solutions, offering superior protection and requiring virtually no upkeep. It has truly exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Taylor Made 46011/3005.1791 46011 Pro Dock Cushion
Specifications
The Taylor Made 46011/3005.1791 46011 Pro Dock Cushion features a hybrid construction, combining two different densities of EVA and PE foam. The lower-density EVA foam (2.8 pounds per cubic foot) forms the inner core, providing compressibility. The outer layers consist of higher-density PE foam (8.7 pcf) for enhanced durability.
Its dimensions are designed for both horizontal and vertical mounting options. The cushion is UV protected to resist fading and degradation from sun exposure. The cushion is pre-drilled for easy installation; however, hardware is not included.
The dual-density foam is critical for performance. The softer inner core absorbs the initial impact, while the tougher outer layers prevent tearing and abrasion. The UV protection ensures the cushion maintains its integrity and appearance over time.
Performance & Functionality
The Taylor Made 46011/3005.1791 46011 Pro Dock Cushion performs its primary job flawlessly: protecting boats from dock damage. It effectively absorbs impacts, preventing scratches, dents, and more serious hull damage. The cushion is reliable and performs consistently, even under heavy use.
One strength lies in its ability to handle both large and small impacts effectively. A slight weakness is that the white color can show scuff marks, though these are easily cleaned. Overall, it exceeds expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is simple and functional. Its rectangular shape allows for versatile mounting options. The build quality is top-notch, using high-quality materials that feel solid and durable.
The cushion is extremely user-friendly; installation is straightforward, and no ongoing adjustments are required. There’s no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The robust construction suggests it will last for years. The UV-protected foam is resistant to weathering, and the durable outer layers prevent tearing or abrasion.
Maintenance is incredibly simple: a quick rinse with water is usually all that’s needed. Repairs should be minimal.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Taylor Made 46011/3005.1791 46011 Pro Dock Cushion doesn’t come with any included accessories, aside from the pre-drilled mounting holes. Customization options are limited to paint (though I wouldn’t recommend it), or wrapping it with a durable fabric.
It is compatible with standard stainless steel mounting hardware, available at any marine supply store. The cushion is a standalone product, designed for straightforward installation and use. No other accessories are really required.
Pros and Cons of Taylor Made 46011/3005.1791 46011 Pro Dock Cushion
Pros
- Superior Impact Absorption: The dual-density foam provides excellent cushioning, protecting boats from damage.
- Durable Construction: The UV-protected foam and robust outer layers ensure long-lasting performance.
- Easy Installation: Pre-drilled mounting holes make installation quick and simple.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal cleaning and upkeep.
- Versatile Mounting: Designed for both horizontal and vertical applications.
Cons
- White Color Shows Scuffs: The white finish can show scuff marks more easily than darker colors.
- Hardware Not Included: Mounting hardware (screws, bolts) must be purchased separately.
Who Should Buy Taylor Made 46011/3005.1791 46011 Pro Dock Cushion?
The Taylor Made 46011/3005.1791 46011 Pro Dock Cushion is perfect for boat owners who value robust dock protection and ease of use. It’s an excellent choice for anyone with a boat regularly docked in areas exposed to wind, waves, or heavy boat traffic. Marina owners looking to upgrade their docks with durable and low-maintenance bumpers will also find this product ideal.
Those who should skip this product are individuals looking for the absolute cheapest possible solution. Those with very limited docking space where a smaller, more flexible bumper might be necessary, may want to consider other options.
Must-have accessories include high-quality stainless steel mounting hardware appropriate for the dock material (wood, concrete, etc.).
Conclusion on Taylor Made 46011/3005.1791 46011 Pro Dock Cushion
The Taylor Made 46011/3005.1791 46011 Pro Dock Cushion is a superior product that delivers on its promises. Its hybrid construction provides excellent impact absorption and long-term durability. The Taylor Made dock cushion offers excellent protection at a reasonable price point.
The price is justified by the quality of materials and the peace of mind it provides. I would absolutely recommend it to any boat owner looking for reliable dock protection.
If you’re serious about protecting your boat from dock damage, invest in the Taylor Made 46011/3005.1791 46011 Pro Dock Cushion. You won’t be disappointed.