{"product_id":"polyform-a-3-buoy-17x23-white-pvc-fender-40-50-ft-boats","title":"Polyform A-3 Buoy 17x23 White PVC Fender 40-50 ft Boats","description":"\u003cp class=\"nvn-hero\"\u003eThe Polyform U.S. A-3 is the all-purpose inflatable buoy boaters have trusted for decades. At 17 inches in diameter and 23 inches long, it's sized for 40 to 50 foot boats and works equally well as a fender against the dock or a mooring buoy off the stern. White PVC, a single molded rope eye, and the same A-series build that's on more boats than any other buoy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"nvn-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Polyform U.S. A-3 is one of the workhorses of the A-series, the line of inflatable buoys that's on more boats around the world than any other. It's a simple idea done right. A tough white PVC body, a single molded rope eye, and enough air-cushioned give to protect a hull worth a lot more than the buoy itself. Boaters have leaned on these for decades because they just work, season after season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis one is the A-3 size. It measures 17 inches in diameter and 23 inches in overall length, with a circumference right around 53.4 inches. Polyform sizes it for boats in the 40 to 50 foot range, and that recommendation matters more than folks think. A fender that's too small on a big boat gets crushed flat in a blow and lets the hull kiss the dock. The A-3 has the volume to keep a 45-footer standing off the pilings even when the wind pipes up and the boat starts working against its lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a fender, it hangs vertically from a cleat or a rail and rides between your hull and whatever you're tied to. The dock. A piling. Another boat rafted alongside. On a boat this size you're rarely running just one. Most owners hang several down each side, spacing them to cover the widest part of the beam and the spots where the hull would otherwise touch. In real chop you'll want more of them, not fewer, so the boat has cushion everywhere it might swing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut the A-3 isn't only a fender. That's the beauty of the A-series. The same buoy works as a mooring marker, a temporary anchor float, or a fat cushion between two rafted boats. Inflate it, tie it off, and it does whatever the day asks. That flexibility is why a lot of crews keep a couple of spares in the lazarette.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rope eye runs 1-1\/8 inches across, molded straight into the body so there's no hardware to rust or pull loose. Run your line through it and hang the buoy however you like. One tip from years of doing this: match your line to the eye. A thin line can slip and let the buoy ride up or down, so a fuller dock line with a proper eye splice holds its position far better. On bigger boats working in current, two attachment points keep the fender from rolling and walking out of place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare is straightforward. The A-3 inflates through a valve, and the golden rule is don't overinflate it. You want some give when you press on it, not a drum-tight ball. Overinflated buoys bulge, wear their seams, and put real strain on the rope eye when the boat loads them up. Leave a little softness and the buoy flexes the way it's meant to. If you store it inflated at the dock in full sun through the season, back the pressure off a touch. PVC lasts a long time, but heat and pressure together are what age it fastest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe white finish is clean and classic, and it shows the marina too. Black streaks from pilings and dock rub are normal on any light-colored fender. A wipe-down with a marine cleaner brings it back, and fender covers are an easy upgrade if you want to keep the topsides pristine and the buoy looking sharp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWho's this for? Owners of 40 to 50 foot boats who want a proven, no-nonsense buoy that pulls double duty. If you run a smaller boat, step down to a smaller A-series size so the fender isn't oversized and awkward to stow. And if you need a hard, fixed-shape fender for a specific rail setup, that's a different tool. But for all-around fending, mooring, and general on-the-water use on a mid-size cruiser or trawler, the A-3 is about as trusted as it gets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"nvn-features\"\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e17-inch diameter, 23-inch overall length: sized to keep 40 to 50 foot boats standing off the dock in a blow.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSingle molded 1-1\/8-inch rope eye: no hardware to rust or pull loose, run your line straight through.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHeavy-duty white PVC body: takes years of dock rub and sun without giving up.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAir-cushioned inflatable design: absorbs surge and chop so your hull never touches the piling.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAll-purpose A-series build: works as a fender, a mooring buoy, or a raft-up cushion.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRecommended for boats 40 to 50 feet: matched volume so it won't crush flat under a big hull.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRoughly 53.4-inch circumference: full-size cushion for wide-beam cruisers and trawlers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eInflates through a valve: top it up or back it off with a common fender pump.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"nvn-trust\"\u003e\n  \u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from NVN Marine\u003c\/h2\u003e\n  \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eAuthorized Polyform U.S. reseller, full manufacturer warranty\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eNMEA member and ABYC certified, advice from real boat techs\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSame-day shipping before 3 PM ET on in-stock items\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eNY headquarters and Fort Lauderdale flagship retail store\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"nvn-faq\"\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eWhat size boat is the Polyform A-3 for?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003ePolyform recommends the A-3 for boats in the 40 to 50 foot range. At 17 inches in diameter it has the volume to keep a mid-size cruiser or trawler off the dock even when the wind is working the boat against its lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eCan I use the A-3 as both a fender and a mooring buoy?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eYes. The A-series is an all-purpose design. The same buoy works hung vertically as a fender, tied off as a mooring marker, or dropped between two rafted boats as a cushion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eWhat are the A-3's dimensions?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eIt measures 17 inches in diameter and 23 inches in overall length, with a circumference of about 53.4 inches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eHow big is the rope eye?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eThe molded rope eye is 1-1\/8 inches across. It's built right into the body, so there's no separate hardware to corrode or pull loose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eWhat line should I run through the eye?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eMatch your line to the eye. A thin line can slip and let the buoy ride out of position, so a fuller dock line with a proper eye splice holds far better. On bigger boats in current, use two attachment points to stop the fender from rolling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eHow many fenders do I need on a 45-foot boat?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eOn a boat this size you'll want several down each side, spaced to cover the widest part of the beam and the spots where the hull would otherwise touch. In real chop, hang more rather than fewer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eWhat is the A-3 made of?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eA tough white PVC body. It stands up to years of dock rub and sun exposure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eCan I overinflate it?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eDon't. You want some give when you press on it, not a drum-tight ball. Overinflating bulges the buoy, wears the seams, and strains the rope eye when the boat loads it up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eDoes the A-3 come with a rope?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eNo. It ships as the buoy with its molded rope eye. You supply your own line to hang or moor it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n  \u003cdetails\u003e\n    \u003csummary\u003eHow do I keep the white finish looking clean?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eBlack streaks from pilings and dock rub are normal on any light fender. A wipe-down with a marine cleaner brings it back, and fender covers help keep it looking sharp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"nvn-specs\"\u003e\n  \u003ctbody\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTitle\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA-3 Model; 17 Inch Diameter x 23 Inch Length; 1-1\/8 Inch Rope Eye Diameter; White; PVC; With Bar Code; For Boats 40 Feet To 50 Feet In Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBrand\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePolyform U.S.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eManufacturer Part Number\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e91-415-516\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eUPC\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e743952019521\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eModel\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eA-3\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDiameter\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e17 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eLength\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e23 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCircumference\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e53.4 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRope Eye Diameter\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1-1\/8 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eColor\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWhite\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMaterial\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePVC\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRecommended Boat Length\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e40 ft to 50 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eType\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInflatable Buoy \/ Fender\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\n{\n    \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n    \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n    \"mainEntity\": [\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"What size boat is the Polyform A-3 for?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Polyform recommends the A-3 for boats in the 40 to 50 foot range. At 17 inches in diameter it has the volume to keep a mid-size cruiser or trawler off the dock even when the wind is working the boat against its lines.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Can I use the A-3 as both a fender and a mooring buoy?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Yes. The A-series is an all-purpose design. The same buoy works hung vertically as a fender, tied off as a mooring marker, or dropped between two rafted boats as a cushion.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"What are the A-3's dimensions?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"It measures 17 inches in diameter and 23 inches in overall length, with a circumference of about 53.4 inches.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"How big is the rope eye?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"The molded rope eye is 1-1\/8 inches across. It's built right into the body, so there's no separate hardware to corrode or pull loose.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"What line should I run through the eye?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Match your line to the eye. A thin line can slip and let the buoy ride out of position, so a fuller dock line with a proper eye splice holds far better. On bigger boats in current, use two attachment points to stop the fender from rolling.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"How many fenders do I need on a 45-foot boat?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"On a boat this size you'll want several down each side, spaced to cover the widest part of the beam and the spots where the hull would otherwise touch. In real chop, hang more rather than fewer.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"What is the A-3 made of?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"A tough white PVC body. It stands up to years of dock rub and sun exposure.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Can I overinflate it?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Don't. You want some give when you press on it, not a drum-tight ball. Overinflating bulges the buoy, wears the seams, and strains the rope eye when the boat loads it up.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"Does the A-3 come with a rope?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"No. It ships as the buoy with its molded rope eye. You supply your own line to hang or moor it.\"\n            }\n        },\n        {\n            \"@type\": \"Question\",\n            \"name\": \"How do I keep the white finish looking clean?\",\n            \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n                \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n                \"text\": \"Black streaks from pilings and dock rub are normal on any light fender. A wipe-down with a marine cleaner brings it back, and fender covers help keep it looking sharp.\"\n            }\n        }\n    ]\n}\n\u003c\/script\u003e\n","brand":"Polyform U.S.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45064619524189,"sku":"2008748","price":76.29,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0299\/7266\/0317\/files\/ImageServerAPI_1a6b1c8a-92e1-41d9-b13b-fe0c154e62c7.png?v=1789603011","url":"https:\/\/nvnmarine.com\/products\/polyform-a-3-buoy-17x23-white-pvc-fender-40-50-ft-boats","provider":"NVN Marine","version":"1.0","type":"link"}