Spongex vs Polyform

[ski6]

I am needing to get some new bouys for my course.Which is better, the spongex bouys or polyform soft cylinder bouys? Also,do you guys have any images of the spongex bouys installed at a lake? I am looking for something that will last long.

Thanks

[Kelvin]

If you don't have any wally's go with the polyform.  They are well built and look great, but they won't hold up to a prop hit at all. 

[jdarwin]

I've used the spongex from Overton's for the past 6 years.  They last two seasons before completely fading out (and will survive a prop hit).  You could re-paint them and continue to use them but it may leave marks on the boat.  They are durable and are less than 1/2 the cost of polyforms.  I use polyforms for my 55's and re-paint them when they begin to fade. http://www.nlta.org/Images/Tourney_5.jpg

http://www.nlta.org/Images/Tourney_5.jpg

http://www.nlta.org/Images/Tourney_5.jpg http://www.nlta.org/Images/Tourney_5.jpg

[LeonL]

Guys I've posted this before, but assuming that you won't lose the guides totally due to damage or vandalism, go with the polyform.  Yeah they cost more but I've got polyform boat guides that are over 10 years old.  They fade out too, but you can dye them (RIT brand  yellow at Wal-Mart) they're bright as new. 

[jdarwin]

Leon - I guess I could dye the spongex buoy as well but I worry about marks on the boat - any problems?  I typically donate my two-year old boat guides to a friend who has a public course.

[Weappa]

I use polyforms - the yellows fade here in Colorado within a year, two years max.  I keep thinking we need to come up with large bright yellow condoms to put over them if you get the idea.   Business case doesn't justify it though.   I've tried paint, but it leaves marks on the boat.  I know, don't hit em.   Need to check into the RIT dye.  Does it leave marks? 

[ski6]

Thanks for you input? Any1 got any other images where u can see the bouys closer up?

[LeonL]

Joe, couldn't address rub off of dye from spongex, but there's no transfer from polyforms, dye gets absorbed.  Just soak 'em in a bucket of dye for 12-24 hours.  Turn 'em upside down and tie them down with the bucket bail.  By the way, you mean that you have drivers that hit boat guides! :-)  I paint turn buoys and entrance gate buoys with engine enamel (Chevy Orange color).  Don't ever seem to get any marks on boats from entrance gates (wider of course) but have seen some orange on skis.

[GAJ0004]

I use spongex for the yellow gate balls. They fade after 2-3 seasons, but they survive multiple prop hits. If you are on a public lake the spongex is the way to go. I have not tried painting them.

[Ed_Johnson]

This year I switched all the buoys on my Lake here in Orlando from Spongex to Polyforms, and H2O turn buoys to Bubble-buoys. Best move ever. I was always repainting the other buoys and had polyform 55's here for over 4 years and still looked good. Everyone who has now hit one of the Goode buoys has thanked me for not having a trip to the emergency room. Going over one is a none event. I bought spares but have never had to replace one of them yet.......ED

[Mateo_Vargas]

LeonL, does 1 package of dye last for all the yellow guides? Also have you tried this on the green guides?

[LeonL]

Mateo, yeah you can do a dozen with a envelope of Rit in 2 gallons of water.  Two packs might be better.  Heck I even pour it back in a 2 gallon plastic jug and use it the following year.  Haven't tired the green buoys, as our seem to hold color a lot better than yellow.  I'm sure they will take dye just the same, just have to pick the right color.  Let me know how you like the results.  They will last at least a season before fading.