To ensure the safety of the ship, it is usually necessary to install some ship protection devices, such as a fender in the boat. There are currently many different types of marine fenders on the market. However, the most common are Yokohama fenders. Yokohama fenders, also known as pneumatic fenders, are the best choice for STS operations worldwide. So, when a ship is fitted with these Yokohama fenders, what is the pressure?
We have to buy Yokohama fenders in order for the ship to be able to dock safely in the port or for ship-to-ship transfer operations. For transport purposes, the pneumatic fenders are usually ordered without being inflated. So once we have bought the Yokohama fenders, all we have to do is inflate them before installing and using them. But how do we restart the fenders? How much pressure should we apply to them?
Why is it Important to Use the Correct Pneumatic Fender Air Pressure?
Determining the appropriate pressure for a Yokohama fender is critical to making your boat safe and stable. The required pressure varies based on the size and type of fender, as well as the boat’s weight and size. However, a basic rule of thumb is to inflate the Yokohama fender until it is firm, but still allow for some squeezing.
Over-inflation stiffens the fender and reduces its ability to absorb impact, whereas under-inflation weakens it. Refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for exact pressure requirements, and consider factors such as boat size, docking conditions, and personal preferences to discover the best balance for your Yokohama fender.
Check and adjust pressures as needed to ensure the pneumatic fender functions properly and protects your yacht while tied or docked. Remember, pneumatic fenders should be inflated on a regular basis, not just when they are originally purchased. This will give it a fresh start in life and increase its lifespan.
Preparation Stage
When we receive the pneumatic fender, it does not contain much air. A small pneumatic fender may be inflated with a simple hand or foot pump. It is critical to have the correct nozzle while using an inflatable. Indeed, it is vital to have a system that enters the valve and properly seals.
You can ask the Yokohama fender suppliers for help on choosing a matching inflatable. It is also possible to select a universal compact adapter, which typically serves various purposes. Instead of a screwdriver, it opens the valve cover and connects to the “Schrader valve” on the car’s tires.
Step-by-step Inflation of the Yokohama Fenders
First, we will unscrew the valve cover. This contains a check valve that stops the pneumatic fender from collapsing after it has been fully inflated and before you unscrew the valve cover. Inflate the fender with the inflating equipment you have.
How can I know whether my Yokohama fenders are properly inflated? If you have a special test air pressure, that would be ideal. If you don’t have a gauge, use your finger to press on it. When you press down on an inflated pneumatic fender, it retains some slack, which is useful when the boat is bent over.
However, the Yokohama fender should not be so loose that it is unable to give protection. When the pressure in the fender reaches the required level, the valve must be closed using a plug.
Then follow the same procedure to inflate the other pneumatic fender. Finally, use the proper installation procedure to mount the pneumatic fender you ordered to the top of your boat. Next, you can use your boat without fear of ruining it in everyday life.
Common Yokohama Fender Dimensions and Performance Table
Pneumatic 50 Standard Sizes
| Nominal size diameter x length mm | Internal pressure | Minimum endurable pressure | Safety-valve pressure setting kPa | Testing pressure at 0 % deflection kPa | ||
| at 0% deflection kPa | at 60% deflection kPa | at 0% deflection kPa | at 60% deflection kPa | |||
| 500×1000 | 50 | 132 | 300 | 462 | – | 200 |
| 600×1000 | 50 | 126 | 300 | 441 | – | 200 |
| 700×1500 | 50 | 135 | 300 | 473 | – | 200 |
| 1000×1500 | 50 | 122 | 300 | 427 | – | 200 |
| 1000×2000 | 50 | 132 | 300 | 462 | – | 200 |
| 1200×2000 | 50 | 126 | 300 | 441 | – | 200 |
| 1350×2500 | 50 | 130 | 300 | 455 | – | 200 |
| 1500×3000 | 50 | 132 | 300 | 462 | – | 200 |
| 1700×3000 | 50 | 128 | 300 | 448 | – | 200 |
| 2000×3500 | 50 | 128 | 300 | 448 | – | 200 |
| 2500×4000 | 50 | 137 | 350 | 480 | 175 | 250 |
| 2500×5500 | 50 | 148 | 350 | 518 | 175 | 250 |
| 3300×4500 | 50 | 130 | 350 | 455 | 175 | 250 |
| 3300×6500 | 50 | 146 | 350 | 511 | 175 | 250 |
| 3300×10600 | 50 | 158 | 350 | 553 | 175 | 250 |
| 4500×9000 | 50 | 146 | 350 | 511 | 175 | 250 |
| 4500×12000 | 50 | 154 | 350 | 539 | 175 | 250 |
Pneumatic 80 Standard Sizes
| Nominal size diameter x length mm | Internal pressure | Minimum endurable pressure | Safety-valve pressure setting kPa | Testing pressure at 0 % deflection kPa | ||
| at 0% deflection kPa | at 60% deflection kPa | at0% deflection kPa | at 60% deflection kPa | |||
| 500×1000 | 80 | 174 | 480 | 609 | – | 250 |
| 600×1000 | 80 | 166 | 480 | 581 | – | 250 |
| 700×1500 | 80 | 177 | 480 | 620 | – | 250 |
| 1000×1500 | 80 | 160 | 480 | 560 | – | 250 |
| 1000×2000 | 80 | 174 | 480 | 609 | – | 250 |
| 1200×2000 | 80 | 166 | 480 | 581 | – | 250 |
| 1350×2500 | 80 | 170 | 480 | 595 | – | 250 |
| 1500×3000 | 80 | 174 | 480 | 609 | – | 250 |
| 1700×3000 | 80 | 168 | 480 | 588 | – | 250 |
| 2000×3500 | 80 | 168 | 480 | 588 | – | 250 |
| 2500×4000 | 80 | 180 | 560 | 630 | 230 | 300 |
| 2500×5500 | 80 | 195 | 560 | 683 | 230 | 300 |
| 3300×4500 | 80 | 171 | 560 | 599 | 230 | 300 |
| 3300×6500 | 80 | 191 | 560 | 669 | 230 | 300 |
| 3300×10600 | 80 | 208 | 560 | 728 | 230 | 300 |
| 4500×9000 | 80 | 192 | 560 | 672 | 230 | 300 |
| 4500×12000 | 80 | 202 | 560 | 707 | 230 | 300 |
Summarise
A properly inflated Yokohama fender protects your boat while parked or moored, reducing damage to both the boat and the dock. Regular maintenance and close monitoring of the pneumatic fender pressure will ensure the safety and reliability of your boat. This will allow you to spend quality time at sea without any worries. So please take the time to determine the optimum pressure for your Yokohama flaps, and your boat will be safe for many more years.
