Creating Bumper Buddy Fenders

Where passion meets innovation in everything that we do.

Our Mission & Vision

To provide the most innovative boating technologies on the market–thereby fostering a new age of enjoyment, peace of mind, and interactivity while out on the waters.

1. Idea

2. Design

3. Production

PASSIONATE ABOUT BOATING.
FANATICAL ABOUT FENDERS.

4+

Development
Years

400+

Product

Manufacturers

15+

Foam

Variants

Crafting Innovation

Despite its many intricacies, Bumper Buddy’s overall shape is actually quite simple: a large, flat rectangle with four grommets at each corner. However, when Bumper Buddy’s halves are pulled apart, its true complexity is revealed. A network of supportive beams and integrated tunnels join together to form an interior compression system–which absorbs shock, reduces product weight, and prevents deflection upon mooring impacts.


In terms of versatility, Bumper Buddy’s patented suction cup and buckle strap systems would establish us the “GoPro of boat fenders”--allowing boaters to use Bumper Buddy upon virtually any mooring situation. Molded pathways and tunnels would even allow Bumper Buddy to leave the boat–tying onto vertical dock posts and thereby making Bumper Buddy a multipurpose fender.

Size Matters: From Inches to Insights

When we sketched Bumper Buddy for the first time in early 2020, we envisioned a boat fender that was larger and more versatile than any fender before it. Thus, at 32”x18”, Bumper Buddy is the largest EVA boat fender in the world. Bumper Buddy is so large, in fact, that to our knowledge, it is the largest injection-molded EVA product of any type in the world.

It was an uphill battle the entire way. In order to create an EVA boat fender of such size, our team spent several years designing, sourcing, negotiating, and patenting on behalf of this visionary concept–unwilling to sacrifice Bumper Buddy’s size and features for the sake of an easier production.

Applicable for all Makes and Models

Despite its many intricacies, Bumper Buddy’s overall shape is actually quite simple: a large, flat rectangle with four grommets at each corner. However, when Bumper Buddy’s halves are pulled apart, its true complexity is revealed. A network of supportive beams and integrated tunnels join together to form an interior compression system–which absorbs shock, reduces product weight, and prevents deflection upon mooring impacts.


In terms of versatility, Bumper Buddy’s patented suction cup and buckle strap systems would establish us the “GoPro of boat fenders”--allowing boaters to use Bumper Buddy upon virtually any mooring situation. Molded pathways and tunnels would even allow Bumper Buddy to leave the boat–tying onto vertical dock posts and thereby making Bumper Buddy a multipurpose fender.

Our "Why"

As a boat owner myself, I love the joy that comes with it. However, what often goes unnoticed is the difficulty of keeping our boats maintained. Calling myself a "boat Karen," I took all possible measures to ensure that traditional sausage fenders were properly secured. Despite my efforts, they would frequently shift, roll, or fall, leaving my fiberglass vulnerable to damage, especially against docks. Constantly monitoring them detracted from the carefree enjoyment of being out on the water with family and friends.

When I discovered scratches on my boat it was devastating, even though they were small, I knew they were there and I couldn't unsee them. Sending it for repairs revealed an exorbitant cost, which was disheartening, to say the least. They say "B.O.A.T." stands for "Break Out Another Thousand," but the price seemed outrageous. After exploring other options for protection, I came to the realization that the traditional fenders was far surpassed by the modern designs of newer boats.

- Carlie Long (Co-Founder)