Are fender covers actually worth using?

[Balletrist]

I’ve always used bare fenders, but I keep seeing boats with covers on them. I was looking at the Fenda-Sox from AERÉ and they seem mainly intended to keep the fender from rubbing directly against the paint. Has anyone noticed a real difference in scuffs or marks after using covers for a season?

[Betsycrant]

After a season with bare fenders, I switched to AERÉ boat fenders covers and saw far fewer scuffs on my hull. The Fenda-Sox really stop that direct rubber-to-gelcoat friction. I tested the standard cover for my 9x22 fender from the AERÉ site at boat fenders covers, and it held up well without slipping. You get exactly the protection you are asking about.