Boating has always been a blend of tradition, skill, and adventure. However, as technology continues to advance, it is worth it for boaters to embrace the latest innovations to enhance their yachting experience. We will explore the rise of fender technologies, and examine the role of a Fender System in facilitating safer, more effortless procedures for docking and undocking boats, thereby minimising the risk of unwanted impact damage to the boat.
Some experienced boaters may say “I have been on boats long enough. We do things the way we always have, using our hands, our eyes and our instinct – that is what real boating is to me. Not some fancy technologies.” Long-time boaters often are not too quick to adopt new technology because they have years of practice and trust in the old-school ways of doing things. They reckon that sticking to what they know keeps the real spirit of boating alive, even though the technology could make their boating experience safer and easier.
New Technology Broadens the Horizon in Boating
Similar to the emergence of digital photography in the 1990s, there was initial resistance from professional photographers as they were deeply rooted in their established analogue techniques, and perceived this technological shift as a potential threat to the art. However, as time passed, they began to realise that digital cameras not only preserved the fundamental principles of photography but also expanded its scope, adding diversity and excitement to the craft while reducing cost. This flexibility ignited a resurgence of interest in the art, enabling professionals and amateurs to experiment with new styles without losing sight of basic photography theories and skills.
Similarly, the Fender System enhances the pleasure of boating by facilitating safe docking and undocking procedures, while boaters continue to refine and utilise their boat manoeuvring skills. This increased safety measure reduces potential damage to the boat and relieves boaters’ stress during the process, hence enhancing the overall experience on the water.
How Does It Help?
We probably agree that docking a boat is quite challenging, as boat fenders are set to mitigate the unavoidable knocks and scrapes that might cause during docking and undocking. Naturally, it is always an unexpected gust of wind, a sudden turbulence on the sea surface, or an oversight that makes boat arrival and departure at a berth risky and even dangerous.
Despite its usefulness, boat fenders come with complications for boaters, as they are bulky to store and inconvenient to use, not to mention the challenges of having a crew to position them correctly at the bow, especially in turbulent waters. The situation can be even more problematic for those who have limited mobility, or those who love sailing solo – the necessity to abandon the helm to deploy or lift fenders during the docking and undocking process is not only risky, but it could be an unwise course of action.
The Fender System addresses all these challenges. Using smart sensing technology and remote monitoring & control, the system allows boaters to control boat fenders remotely from the cockpit when docking or undocking the boat, significantly reducing stress and effort, especially in dangerous situations.
The system is notably easy to use. It has been designed for boaters to manage it from anywhere on the boat using a smartphone or tablet and a simple app. Powered by batteries that last a long time, the system comes with a waterproof casing so boaters do not have to worry about regular replacements. The installation of the Fender System is considerably simple by just screwing it on the boat rails using a suitable screwdriver.
The Fender System is not just about making docking and undocking safer and more efficient, but also about keeping things neat. It also serves as a practical tool for novice boaters, allowing them to hone their sailing skills, while simultaneously enjoying sailing.
The integration of traditional skills and the Fender System is paramount to enhancing the yachting experience. By embracing innovations, boaters can preserve their connection to the rich heritage of seamanship while enjoying the safety and convenience.
Learn more about the latest version of our Fender System.
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