Fred: You wrote " and many tough situations, I agree with your analysis. However most boaters do not venture as you did. Having expensive and oversized fenders are not required. I believe that Taylor designs their fenders for those mariners that only go from one marina to another. Tying up at strange commercial harbours is not the norm. Fortunately we have a choice. The same goes for flares, Orion vs Solas. etc & etc. All depends on what kind of boating you do. That is why it is important to equipe your boat depending on the type of cruising you plan. Fortunately we have choices. Regards Leonard Stern, INDIFFERENCE

It might be of interest to know that I contacted Taylor-Made fenders and even though my fender with a leaky valve qualifies for replacement, even as old as it is, they are sending a replacement valve that I can install myself. I've done this on another fender with good results. I'd expect the same results with this fender. I cannot speak to the fenders made by another company that was mentioned by another poster, but I do know that Tayler-Made also makes fenders that are of heavier, 'commercial' duty than those that are typically sold in most chandleries. I've never used any of these 'commercial' fenders, as the price is much higher than the lower price 'recreational' fenders, as the 'recreational' fenders have suited my use well. *Rudy & Jill Sechez * *BRINEY BUG-a 34' Sail-Assisted Trawler * *850-832-7748 * *Deltaville VA* > > <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail> Virus-free. www.avg.com <http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>