Protecting TI during launch and retrieval at boat ramp?

Last weekend I took the TI out and had to launch from a boat ramp. The wind and tide were up and the TI was getting moved all around knocking into the boat dock. Coming back in, I ran into the same issue with being blown into the docks at the boat ramp.
I am wondering what others do to protect the TI during a similar situation? Does anyone use boat fenders and if so, how do you use them and tie them on the TI? Other recommendations to protect the boat?

thanks
Ron

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2015 Hobie Tandem Island

This one in the picture works great for me. I lower it at the ramp and move it higher when sailing. Picture shows when it's in sailing mode. Inside noodle is a rubber hose so the line can't cut the noodle. I will have to replace the noodle once it's totally beat up. i have not tried fenders but heard from someone how much he hates it. Used this setup twice already and no complain.

Thanks Nap!. Seems like a low cost solution!

If you have them down during launch, how do you move them back into the sailing position shown in the photo?

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2015 Hobie Tandem Island

Tie it around the AMA with tension so it stayed in it's position while hitting the ramp. Because of the noodles you will still have room to rotate it back up. Try it and make adjustments (location and noodle length) while you're on the ramp. Another one in the middle might add more protection. Others might not want this as it may cause drag when their AMA is completely buried. Never had that experience and no intention to be in that situation as well so I'm good with this solution for now.

And with the tramp, I can easily raise it up or down if I need to or if I forget to raise it up at the ramp before sailing. Without Tramp, you have to fold the AMA of course.

Wow that's a short trailer, what is the make?

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Fair Skies, Max.

Wouldn't it be easier to unload the TI onto the scupper cart first, away from the landing. Prepare everything then just wheel it down to the water into the water and take off. Don't need no dock.

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Mark
Tandem Island- 2013
2 - Sports - 2014

I don't put any fenders out but have learned to not dilly dally around when launching and retrieving solo on days when the wind is blowing across the ramp towards the adjacent dock. I launch on a scupper cart, drop a mirage drive in, lower the rudder and remove\secure the cart. Then push or pull to orient the boat far enough away from the dock to give myself time to hop into the seat and start pedaling. I think it's more about timing and being ready to start pedaling and steering immediately to get away from the dock. Sometimes it takes a few tries to get into an ideal position to take off and I may give the boat a push in the desired direction also. It's a lot easier with a second person already in the boat pedaling because I can just control the TI from the water and hop on like a Hobo on a passing freight train to get away from the dock.

I found some 4.25" OD pool noodles at Walmart recently and I'm going to try running a rope through one to tie it between the akas lengthwise then run a bungee cord around the center and under the ama to the ama handle. I think this will make a pretty good fender. I need to raft up with some conventional sailboats next weekend and will see how this works out.
Chris