Tipcat and short button, or a long button?

[The Dreamer]

Time to change the rear fender on our boat.  She currently has a very misshaped long button, probably with a coir core, so I was looking to get a similar one, but with a solid rubber centre.  However, our local chandler recommended to go short, with a tipcat behind.  I have to say that I prefer the look of the latter, but as each is the same price as the long button, the cost is double, I am struggling to see any advantage other than the aesthetic.

 

Any views, well of course there’ll be views, so any advice?

Edited October 5, 2019 by The Dreamer

[adam1uk]

Aesthetic is worth paying for sometimes!

[Mike Tee]

If you need to lift the button out to give more room, it's easier to lift a short one (and easier to drop back in place) - also with the short button removed and the rudder turned to the side, you still have some protection for the stern with the tipcat

[john6767]

Is one tipcat and a short button long enough to clear the rudder.  I have a tipcat and a long button on ours.

[Rob-M]

If you go for the tipcat and button make sure you have fixing points in the correct places, we had to get extra fixings welded on so I could have the right look.

[pete harrison]

49 minutes ago, Rob-M said:

If you go for the tipcat and button make sure you have fixing points in the correct places, we had to get extra fixings welded on so I could have the right look.

Three tipcats is the solution I have always preferred as it prevents the butty running down the counter when on cross straps - cost being a distant second when compared to practicalities and protecting the stern of the boat.

[dave moore]

Two chunky tipcats and a button, for me. The whole purpose is to protect the ellum from impact. The cost of an extra fender is way less than having a rudder stock or ellum straightened. Honestly!

Dave

[frangar]

14 minutes ago, dave moore said:

Two chunky tipcats and a button, for me. The whole purpose is to protect the ellum from impact. The cost of an extra fender is way less than having a rudder stock or ellum straightened. Honestly!

Dave

And me! Which reminds me I need to get some new ones booked in with Brian at Bollington pretty soon! 

[The Dreamer]

Thanks all.  So a tipcat it is, along with, I think, a long button.  Looking around, I can pick these up for about £75 each.  Is that about the money?

[dave moore]

A long button may droop in time. I’d go for 2 tips and a smaller button. Rationale remains.

[Rob-M]

I agree with Dave, extra tipcat rather than a long button, nothing worse than a drooping fender.