ShoreMaster's Corner Bumpers: Protecting Your Boat and Dock with Style

Key Takeaways

• Corner bumpers shield the dock’s most vulnerable 90° edges and reduce hull scuffs during tight maneuvers, making dock corner bumpers a high‑ROI upgrade for waterfront property owners.
• ShoreMaster’s corners are constructed from durable, rotationally molded, hollow‑core PVC and are available in five colors to match your dock system aesthetics. 
• Designed for a seamless fit and finish, these bumpers integrate flawlessly with ShoreMaster’s Infinity Dock Systems (RS4, RS7, TS9, FTS9). Stainless steel fasteners are included for a straightforward and secure installation.
• Proper size and placement are critical for effective protection. Combine corner bumpers with side and post bumpers to create full-perimeter coverage for your slip or mooring area.

Every boat owner has felt it at some point – that slow, tense approach to the dock, which can be especially unnerving on a particularly windy day. The sides are one thing, but the unforgiving 90-degree corner is where a gentle nudge can quickly escalate into a deep, costly gouge in a boat’s hull. The slightest miscalculation, lapse in focus, or unexpected shift in current can spoil an otherwise perfect day on the water. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution to make docking a stress-free experience.

ShoreMaster’s dock corner bumpers are designed to absorb and dissipate impacts in vulnerable transition zones. They attach seamlessly with all ShoreMaster Infinity Dock System models, including the RS4, RS7, TS9, and FTS9, and are available in gray, white, black, tan, and blue, allowing owners to match the dock corner bumpers to their preferred waterfront aesthetic.  

What a Corner Bumper Does and When You Need One

Corner bumpers protect the most impact-prone areas of a dock, where boats often pivot, drift, or become misaligned during approach, by absorbing and dispersing force at vulnerable junctions. Unlike horizontal or rub rail bumpers that shield linear edges from glancing contact, corner bumpers provide a buffer against direct collisions at angular transitions, including tight slips, finger piers, and high current or windy locations, where significant damage is most likely to occur.  

For optimal protection, it’s important to understand the distinct roles of bumpers and fenders. Fenders are portable cushions that hang from boats, along critical areas such as the hull sides, bow, and stern, to prevent direct contact with docks, pilings, or other vessels during mooring. Meanwhile, dock bumpers are protective components directly attached to the dock to absorb impact from boats and shield structural edges from wear and collision. 

When strategically used in tandem, bumpers and fenders create a multi-layered barrier against potentially costly damage, helping preserve dock structure and vessel finish.  

ShoreMaster Corner Bumper at a Glance  

The ShoreMaster corner bumper combines material durability with the refined aesthetic and enhanced ease of ownership of the ShoreMaster Infinity Dock System. 

• Construction: ShoreMaster corner bumpers are constructed from rotationally molded, hollow-core PVC—a durable, marine-grade material known for its resilience and impact absorption. The rotational molding process involves heating a hollow mold filled with plastic resin and rotating it on multiple axes (RotoMold, n.d.). This method ensures even distribution of the material, creating a seamless, uniform, and highly durable structure that’s perfect for challenging marine applications. 

• Design: The hollow-core design allows for slight flex upon contact, helping to dissipate force while protecting both the dock and the vessel. All ShoreMaster dock bumpers are finished with non-marring, UV-resistant pigments, enabling them to maintain their color and integrity even under prolonged sun exposure. They’re available in gray, white, black, tan, and blue, allowing owners to color-match the bumpers to other ShoreMaster dock accessories.

• System Integration: These bumpers are engineered for a perfect fit with ShoreMaster’s Infinity Dock Systems, including the RS4, RS7, TS9, and FTS9. The mounting flanges align perfectly with the dock frame, creating an integrated appearance that looks like a factory installation. Each unit ships with screws and finish washers.

Spec Category	Detail
Part Numbers & Color Codes	White: 1004245; Black: 1004246; Tan: 1004247; Blue: 1004249; Gray: 1030665
Price (MSRP)	~$49 to ~$51
Mounting	Screw-through flanges with finish washers to deck
Dock Systems	RS4, RS7, TS9, FTS9
Material	Rotationally molded hollow-core PVC
Colors Available	Black, Blue, Tan, Gray, White
Warranty	ShoreMaster Limited Warranty

Compare: How ShoreMaster Stacks Up  

ShoreMaster’s corner bumpers are ideal for dock owners seeking a premium, system-matched solution with elevated aesthetics and long-term resilience. While similar products from other brands offer solid protection, ShoreMaster excels in structural integration, finish options, and molded durability, making it a top choice for luxury waterfront installations.

	ShoreMaster	Taylor Made	Great Northern Docks	HydroHoist
Material	Rotomolded PVC	Hybrid Foam with a softer, compressible inner core made of lower-density EVA foam	Vinyl	Heavy-duty Marine-grade Vinyl
Side Length	9.5"	~12"	8.375"	Not publicly listed
Colors	White, Tan, Black, Gray, Blue	White	White, Gray	Black
Mounting Style	Integrated Flanges; Seamless integration with Infinity Dock Systems	Top/Bottom Flanges	Universal screw-on; mounts vertically or horizontally; seamless integration with Feather-LITE track system	Thru-Bolt, Center Cutout
Notable Features	Hollow core, non-marring, UV resistant	UV-resistant, vinyl-covered, air-cushioned contact surface	Solid, Compact Profile	Rounded corners to facilitate smoother docking and launching transitions

Selecting Size, Color, and Placement  

Corner bumpers are most effective when installed at high-risk junctions – areas where boats are likely to pivot, drift, or misalign during docking. 

Key placement zones include:

• Slip Entrances: Especially in tight slips where boats enter at an angle or in reverse.
• L-shaped Transitions: Where perpendicular dock segments meet, creating exposed corners.
• Finger Pier Ends: Vulnerable tips that extend into traffic lanes or turning zones.
• Boathouse Entries: Narrow or angular entrances where hulls may scrape during approach
• Windward Corners: Areas most exposed to prevailing winds or strong currents.

While ShoreMaster enables you to match bumper colors to your preferred waterfront aesthetic, we recommend installing high-contrast tones for enhanced visibility. To ensure comprehensive coverage, assess the full perimeter of your dock: note the length of linear edges, the number of exposed corners, and any posts, pilings, or obstructions that may require additional protection. 

Strategically combining corner bumpers with horizontal rub rails and vertical dock bumpers ensures that your boat and dock are protected from every docking maneuver, whether in calm or challenging conditions. 

Installation Guide: ShoreMaster Corner Bumper  

Each ShoreMaster dock frame section features InfinityTracks along its entire width and length. This allows you to connect accessories by slotting the bracket into the channel and tightening the T-handle (Brinson Marine, 2019). Whether you're adding seating, cleats, or handrails, ShoreMaster’s InfinityTrack system offers the easiest way to enhance your dock’s functionality, convenience, and safety.

Corner Bumper Installation on InfinityTrack Systems (RS4, RS7, TS9, FTS9):

1. Slide the corner bumper into the track and insert the provided stainless steel screws and finish washers into the InfinityTrack channel at the desired corner.
2. Align the bumper flush with the dock edge, ensuring it contours snugly around the corner.
3.  Use a screwdriver or drill to tighten the hardware until the bumper is firmly anchored. Avoid over-tightening to prevent stress fractures, warping, and damaging the dock surface.

ShoreMaster corner bumpers can also be mounted to PolyDock and RhinoDock systems using compatible brackets or direct screw installation. For docks with elevated corners or vertical posts, ShoreMaster’s vertical corner bumpers offer additional coverage. These bumpers extend protection upward, shielding hulls from scrapes during high-water conditions, angled approaches, or when docking larger vessels with higher freeboard.

Care, Cleaning, and Seasonal Checks  

Here are the essentials for keeping your dock bumpers in optimal condition:

• Periodic Cleaning and Inspections: Rinse bumpers with a mild soap solution and use a soft brush to remove dirt, algae, or salt buildup. While cleaning, inspect for cracks or loose connections, especially after extreme weather events. 

• Tighten Connections: Screws and bolts may loosen over time due to repeated impacts and environmental stressors like freeze-thaw cycles. Periodically tighten all fasteners and consider applying a dab of marine-grade sealant around screw heads to prevent corrosion and water intrusion.

• Replace Damaged Components: If you notice significant wear, such as deep abrasions, structural cracks, or compromised mounting, replace the affected bumper immediately. Delaying replacement can lead to hull damage or costly dock repairs, especially during peak boating season.

In regions with heavy ice, consider removing dock accessories. While the bumpers are extremely durable, they are not designed to withstand the immense pressure of shifting ice sheets. 

Bundle for Full Protection  

ShoreMaster’s InfinityTrack system offers the easiest way to enhance your dock’s functionality, convenience, and safety. This innovative design utilizes the top frame channel and the InfinityTrack bracket to seamlessly connect accessories anywhere along the edge of a dock section with just a simple T-handle 2. With no drilling or specialized tools required, you can reposition or remove accessories anytime you please or as your needs evolve. 

Here are dock protection accessories to consider:

• Side and Vertical Bumpers: Combine your corner bumper with 10-inch side dock bumpers along the dock side rail and vertical bumpers on posts to protect your boat from impacts at all angles and heights, accommodating fluctuating water levels.

• Handrails: Adding ShoreMaster dock handrails instantly enhances dock safety. Available in 3’, 4’, 5’, 6’, 8’, or 10’ lengths, they feature all-aluminum, precision-welded construction.

• Cleats: Made from durable polyethylene, the 8” poly cleat adds tie-up points for mooring boats anywhere along the perimeter of any Infinity Dock System.

• Ladders: Get in and out of the water easier and safer with ShoreMaster’s Pivoting Dock Ladders. Available in 3-, 4-, and 5-step configurations, these essential additions feature slip-resistant threads, a vertical pivoting action, and a locking pin that allows you to flip them up when not in use.

Whether sliding furniture into the perfect spot or adding watersport racks for a weekend with the family, the ShoreMaster InfinityTrack System lets you adapt your dock to what the day holds, while maintaining the sleek, design-coherent look the ShoreMaster Infinity Dock System is known for. 

Where to Buy and Warranty Notes  

Ready to style your waterfront system with the best dock protection package? Use the dealer locator tool below to get a list of authorized ShoreMaster distributors in your area, or visit www.shopshoremaster.com to explore our extensive accessories catalog. 

ShoreMaster offers a limited warranty on its products to give our customers complete peace of mind. Warranty coverage begins on the date of purchase, guaranteeing that the products are free from defects in materials or workmanship, or we’ll repair or replace them. You can view the complete limited warranty terms and conditions here. We also recommend registering your ShoreMaster products here to facilitate warranty service in the unlikely event that anything goes amiss.

FAQs

• Will corner bumpers fit floating and sectional docks? 

Yes. ShoreMaster corner bumpers are compatible with both floating and sectional Infinity dock systems. They’re designed to mount seamlessly to ShoreMaster’s InfinityTrack-equipped frames, including RS4, RS7, TS9, and FTS9 sectional docks, as well as PolyDock and RhinoDock floating systems with minor hardware adaptations. For non-Infinity systems, direct screw mounting or bracket kits may be required. 

• PVC vs. polyethylene—does it matter? 

Both materials are marine-grade and built to withstand harsh waterfront conditions. ShoreMaster’s corner bumpers are made from rotationally molded PVC, offering excellent flexibility and impact absorption around dock edges. Other brands may use UV-resistant polyethylene, which provides durable performance in high-traffic or extreme environments. 

While both are excellent for marine applications, ShoreMaster’s PVC construction allows for smoother contouring and a softer contact surface, ideal for protecting hulls during angled approaches.

• Do I still need fenders? 

Yes. Bumpers absorb impact at fixed points on the dock, while fenders move with the boat, cushioning contact during shifting winds, waves, or boarding. For full protection, use both: bumpers for structural defense and fenders for hull safety.

References:

RotoMold USA (n.d.). What is Rotational Molding?

Brinson Marine (2019). ShoreMaster Accessory Showcase