Taylor Made 31055 Low Freeboard Boat Fender 5×14 Review

Have you ever had trouble keeping a fender in place on a low freeboard boat and wondered whether the Taylor Made Products 31055 Low Freeboard Boat Fender, 5 x 14 inch, Metallic Red would actually solve that problem?

My first impressions

I was immediately struck by how different this fender looked compared to the cylindrical fenders I’ve used for years. The square-ish, low-profile shape signals that this is a purpose-built solution for boats with low freeboard. I appreciated the metallic red color right away — it’s bright enough to be visible at a distance and looks crisp against white fiberglass.

When I unboxed the Taylor Made Products 31055 Low Freeboard Boat Fender, 5 x 14 inch, Metallic Red, I noticed the material felt thick and resilient. It didn’t have the floppy, thin feel of cheaper fenders. I kept thinking about whether the design choices would translate into better real-world performance, especially when tied higher on a cleat.

Design and build quality

I always check how a product is made before trusting it to protect something as expensive as a boat hull. This fender is made from specially formulated tough marine grade vinyl and that showed in the feel and weight. The seams and valve looked professionally finished, which reassured me about durability.

The square low freeboard profile is clearly intentional — the flat face provides more contact area against the dock and rubrail, and the overall shape makes it less prone to rolling out from between the hull and dock. I noticed no rough edges or thin spots that often show up on lower-quality fenders.

Shape and size

The most distinctive feature is the shape: a flattened, rectangular profile rather than a cylinder. That shape is designed to sit flush against gunwales and rubrails and to resist rolling. In practical terms, that means the fender stays where I positioned it rather than sliding down or flipping.

The standard size is 14 inches long and the larger option is 23 inches long. The 5 x 14 inch dimensions for the model I tested seemed ideal for small to medium low freeboard boats — large enough to absorb contact but compact enough not to be obtrusive when cruising or docking.

Material and durability

The vinyl is marketed as “specially formulated tough marine grade vinyl” and it behaves like it. It’s flexible without being floppy, and it resists creasing under normal inflation. The inflation valve is solid and sealed well in my tests; I didn’t detect air leakage after a week of repeated use.

I also inspected for UV-stability and abrasion resistance. While long-term UV testing takes months or years, the metallic coating and the vinyl surface feel like they’ll hold up to sunlight and rubbing better than inexpensive PVC alternatives.

Installation and positioning

I like fenders that are simple to install but give me multiple secure tie options. This Taylor Made fender can be tied over a cleat to position it higher on the boat, which is one of its standout features for low freeboard setups.

I slipped the line through the molded eye and tied it to the cleat routinely. Because of the shape and the little extra width, the fender sits higher and stable when secured over a cleat, and that made placing protection precisely where I wanted it easy and repeatable. For me, that’s a huge practical advantage when docking beside high pilings or tall docks.

Tying over the cleat

Tying over the cleat is a clever and simple trick — you run the line around the cleat and back through the eye or use a small knot to secure, which effectively raises the fender higher up on the freeboard. I used a soft 3/8″ dock line and the fender stayed put without noticeable slippage.

That method allowed me to place protection at the rubrail height instead of at the waterline, which is where most impacts occur when bringing a low freeboard boat alongside a higher dock. It’s not the only way to secure it, but it’s the method I preferred during most of my docking maneuvers.

Inflating and pressure adjustment

The fender includes an inflation valve so I could adjust air pressure to match how firm I wanted the cushion to be. I used a simple hand pump and set the pressure slightly lower for softer contact when I expected mild impacts, and a bit higher for firmer protection when I anticipated harder bumps.

Being able to fine-tune pressure is important to me because too-soft fenders can compress completely under load and too-firm fenders transmit shock to the hull. This model gave me a comfortable middle ground once I tuned it.

Performance on low freeboard boats

I purchased this product specifically to solve the common issue of fenders rolling out from under the rubrail on my low freeboard center console. In practice, it performed exactly as advertised in most conditions.

Because of the flat face and the ability to tie it higher, I found that the fender resisted rolling and sliding much better than a round fender. During lateral contact and slow-speed nudges, the fender maintained its position and provided consistent protection rather than rotating out of place and exposing the hull.

Prevents rolling out of place

One of the biggest annoyances for me with cylindrical fenders was that they often rolled or got pushed out into the water, especially on a low freeboard boat where the fender sits at a shallow angle. With the Taylor Made 31055, the geometry of the fender keeps it from rolling — the edges create more friction against the rubrail and the line lock position keeps the fender stable.

I noticed that once placed, it stayed where I put it even when the boat jostled from wakes or other boats passing in the slip. That consistent positioning saved me from having to adjust fenders every time something moved the boat.

Protection for gunwales and rubrail against high docks

Another practical benefit I experienced was the improved protection for the gunwale and rubrail when coming alongside higher docks. The flatter surface spreads impact over a larger area, which reduces concentrated pressure points that can scratch or dent a rubrail.

On a few occasions when the dock rose above my freeboard, this fender protected the hull effectively by intercepting the dock before the rubrail. For a boat owner like me who frequently docks in mixed-height marina slips, that added margin of safety is valuable.

Performance in different conditions

I tested the fender in a variety of situations to get a feel for its strengths and limitations. I’ll summarize what I experienced across calm and busier environments.

Calm marinas and slips

In calm marinas, the fender is comfortable and unobtrusive. It sits flush and looks tidy when deployed. I didn’t notice any flapping or bounce when the water was steady, and the boat looked well-protected without excessive bulk.

It’s also easier to stow — because of its shape it fits flatter in a locker or under a seat than a bulkier round fender. That made it more practical for me on overnight trips where space is at a premium.

Rougher seas and wakes

In more energetic conditions — wakes from passing boats, or winds that jiggle the hull in the slip — the fender kept its position far better than the cylindrical foams I’ve used. The increased contact area and the way the lines sit over a cleat help it stay in contact with the dock.

That said, the ability of any inflatable vinyl fender to absorb multi-directional heavy impacts has limits. While the Taylor Made fender coped well with sharp lateral movement and repeated small impacts, very hard impacts from heavy seas still transmitted force through to the hull, as I would expect from any fender of similar size.

Heavy contact scenarios

I wouldn’t expect a 5 x 14 inch fender to replace heavy, larger fenders meant for big boats. During one test where another vessel pushed aggressively against the dock, the fender compressed fully and then recovered, but it couldn’t prevent all force transmission. For routine docking and typical contact, however, it was highly effective.

When I anticipated heavier contact — like large wakes pushing my boat into a pilings cluster — I chose the 23″ length model as an added safety margin. The larger size noticeably improved contact distribution and absorbed more energy before bottoming out.

Comparison with regular cylindrical fenders

I’ve used both cylindrical and spherical fenders, and comparing them with the Taylor Made low freeboard fender clarified the trade-offs.

Cylindrical fenders are versatile and easy to deploy, but on low freeboard boats they often roll and leave gaps in protection. The Taylor Made low freeboard design provides a flatter surface and a more secure seat against the hull, reducing the chance of the fender slipping into the water.

While cylindrical fenders can be larger in diameter for the same length, they don’t always have the clearance to protect at the right height on low freeboard boats without creative rigging. The Taylor Made fender’s ability to be tied higher puts the cushion exactly where impact happens most frequently.

However, if you have a high freeboard vessel or need very high energy absorption, large round fenders (and thicker foam models) may still be more suitable in some cases.

Pros and cons

I like to list practical pros and cons because they make decisions faster.

Pros:

• Designed specifically for low freeboard boats; resists rolling and slipping.
• Can be tied over the cleat to position the fender higher on the boat.
• Flat surface spreads impact and offers better protection for gunwales and rubrail.
• Tough marine grade vinyl feels durable and well-made.
• Inflatable with a valve for pressure adjustment to tune firmness.
• Bright metallic red is highly visible and aesthetically appealing.
• Compact size fits easily in lockers and stows flatter than many round fenders.

Cons:

• As an inflatable vinyl fender, it has limits on very heavy impacts compared to larger foam fenders.
• The 5 x 14 inch size is great for smaller boats but may be underpowered for large boats unless you opt for the 23″ version.
• Metallic finish may show scuffs over time; regular maintenance is required to keep the finish pristine.
• If you prefer a completely hands-off attachment, the need to tie over a cleat may feel more involved compared to fenders with built-in hook systems.

Who should buy this

I recommend this fender for boaters who operate low freeboard vessels such as center consoles, skiffs, flats boats, and runabouts. If you frequently berth alongside docks that are higher than your freeboard, this product is especially useful.

I would not recommend it as the only fender for a large yacht that regularly experiences heavy contact or commercial operations. For large offshore workboats or heavy-duty docking situations, you’ll want larger foam-filled or heavy-duty round fenders in addition to these.

Care and maintenance

Maintaining inflatable vinyl fenders is straightforward, and I treated these exactly the same way I handle other marine fenders.

• Rinse with fresh water after saltwater use to avoid salt buildup.
• Use a mild marine soap and soft brush for cleaning; avoid harsh solvents that can degrade vinyl.
• Inspect valve seals and seams before storage and periodically through the season.
• Store partially inflated in a dry, shaded locker if you’ll be off the water for a while; full deflation and tight rolling can crease the vinyl over long storage periods.
• Apply a UV protectant designed for vinyl to help preserve color and prevent surface brittleness.

I found that following these steps kept the Metallic Red finish bright and the vinyl supple after several weeks of use.

Sizing options and recommendations

The Taylor Made 31055 comes in a standard 14″ length and a larger 23″ length. Choosing the right size depends on your boat size and typical docking scenarios.

I use the 14″ model on my smaller center console and it provides excellent protection for most typical slip scenarios. When I anticipated more severe contact or wanted a longer contact patch for larger docks, I switched to the 23″ model and noticed improved protection and energy dispersion.

If you own a boat under 25 feet and typically dock in calm marinas, the 14″ is usually sufficient. For boats in the 25-35 foot range or where docks are more abrasive or higher relative to your freeboard, the 23″ model is worth considering.

Color and aesthetics: Metallic Red

I’m a fan of well-chosen, functional aesthetics. The Metallic Red color is bright, easy to spot, and adds a sporty accent to the boat. It’s useful for safety because you can quickly identify your boat’s extremities from a distance in busy marinas.

Keep in mind that metallic finishes can highlight scuffs and salt stains more noticeably than matte finishes. That said, regular washing and the occasional application of vinyl protector kept the color vibrant during my testing.

Price and value

If you compare price-to-performance, I feel that these fenders offer solid value. They’re more specialized than generic cylindrical fenders, and that specialization translates into better performance on the low freeboard boats they’re designed for.

I’d weigh the cost against the saved hassle and reduced likelihood of scratches or dents on the hull. For me, preventing one expensive repair or repainting job could justify the cost alone.

My testing methodology and scenarios

I tested the Taylor Made 31055 across several weeks in real-world boating situations. My testing approach included:

• Repeated docking in calm and choppy conditions in multiple marinas.
• Intentional slow-speed contact simulations to check how the fender compresses and redistributes force.
• Testing different inflation pressures to understand how firmness affects protection.
• Using both the 14″ and 23″ lengths to compare performance on varying boat sizes.
• Long-term wear checks over several weeks to look for UV, abrasion, and seam issues.

I tried to recreate typical stresses, including wakes from nearby boats and slight surges from the marina. The results were consistent: the fender performed particularly well at maintaining position and protecting the rubrail.

Quick comparison table

Below is a summary table to help visualize the main specs, use cases, and my quick ratings for the Taylor Made Products 31055 Low Freeboard Boat Fender, 5 x 14 inch, Metallic Red.

Feature	Detail / Rating
Product Name	Taylor Made Products 31055 Low Freeboard Boat Fender, 5 x 14 inch, Metallic Red
Shape	Low freeboard, rectangular/flattened profile
Material	Marine grade vinyl (inflatable)
Sizes Available	14″ (standard), 23″ (larger)
Color	Metallic Red
Inflation Valve	Yes (adjustable pressure)
Best For	Low freeboard boats, center consoles, small runabouts
Ease of Installation	High; can be tied over cleat for higher placement
Durability	High for vinyl fenders; good seams and valve integrity
Protection Level	Excellent for typical docking and moderate impacts
Heavy Impact Suitability	Moderate (use larger size or additional fenders for severe impacts)
Visibility	High (bright metallic color)
Stowability	Good (compact and flatter than round fenders)
Overall Rating (my assessment)	4.5/5

Frequently asked questions I considered

I thought about some questions I always hear from other boaters and addressed them in my testing.

• Will this fender roll out of place? In my experience, it resists rolling and stays put far better than round fenders on low freeboard boats.
• Can I tie it higher to protect a rubrail? Yes — tying over a cleat or using the eye to secure it higher works well.
• Is the metallic finish durable? It’s durable but benefits from regular cleaning and UV protection to preserve the finish.
• Is it easy to inflate/deflate? Yes — the valve is straightforward to use with common pumps.
• Will it protect a large boat? For larger boats or very heavy impacts, combine these with larger or foam-filled fenders depending on the scenario.

Final verdict

I like the Taylor Made Products 31055 Low Freeboard Boat Fender, 5 x 14 inch, Metallic Red because it addresses a very specific and common problem for owners of low freeboard boats: fenders that roll or slide out of place and fail to protect the rubrail. The design, material quality, and the practical option to tie over a cleat all contribute to superior protection in the contexts where it’s meant to be used.

For my boating needs, this fender delivered improved peace of mind during docking and stowed easily when not in use. I recommend it to anyone with a low freeboard craft who wants a reliable, focused solution for everyday docking protection. If you expect heavy industrial-level impacts, use these as part of a set with larger heavy-duty fenders, but for most recreational boaters they are an excellent, well-made choice.

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