Frequently asked questions.
Everything you need to know before you dock with confidence.
Whether you're preparing for everyday docking or storm season, we're here to help. If you can't find the answer below, email hello@northgearstore.com and we'll be happy to assist.
About the products
What's the difference between NORTHGEAR chafe guards and the cheaper ones online?
Three things: the materials, the engineering, and the way they hold under load.
Generic chafe guards use polypropylene webbing — cheap, UV-vulnerable, stiff after a season. NORTHGEAR uses heavier-duty materials engineered to flex under load and stay in position when wind shifts mid-storm.
The other difference is fit. Generic chafe guards are sold as "universal" — meaning they fit nothing properly. NORTHGEAR is sized for specific line diameters and chock geometries.
The price difference reflects the difference in build, not in margin.
Will NORTHGEAR products fit my boat?
Our products are designed to fit most recreational boats between 25 and 55 feet.
If you're unsure which size you need, simply email hello@northgearstore.com with your boat model, dock line diameter, and a photo of your setup. We'll help you choose the right product before you order.
What materials are used in NORTHGEAR products?
Every NORTHGEAR product is built using premium marine-grade materials selected for durability and long-term performance.
- Dock Lines: Double-braided marine-grade nylon.
- Chafe Guards: Heavy-duty webbing with our signature non-slip design.
- Mooring Snubbers: Marine-grade rubber designed to absorb shock loads.
- Fender Covers: Soft, gelcoat-safe fabric that's machine washable.
How long should dock lines actually last?
Quality dock lines can last for years when properly maintained.
Inspect them regularly for fraying, stiffness, flattening, or excessive fading. Replacing worn lines before they fail is one of the easiest ways to protect your boat.
Storm performance
How does NORTHGEAR perform in real storm conditions?
NORTHGEAR is engineered for the moments when the line is the only thing standing between your boat and damage. Real-world conditions 40–50-knot gusts, sudden tide shifts, wind direction changes during storm passage are exactly what these products are built for.
If you've ever walked the dock at 2 a.m. before a storm, this is what NORTHGEAR is built for.
Do I really need a snubber?
If your boat is moored or kept on a slip during the weather, yes.
A snubber absorbs the shock loads that snap dock lines and rip cleats out of decks. Without one, every gust transmits the full force of the wind directly to your hardware. With one, that force is cushioned over a longer time period — preventing the sudden peak loads that cause failure.
It's the cheapest insurance you can buy for the most expensive thing on your boat.
Shipping & delivery
Where do you ship from?
Orders to US customers ship from our US fulfilment centre — typically delivered in 2–5 business days.
Orders to Australia, New Zealand, and the EU ship from our regional warehouses with similar delivery times.
How fast does shipping arrive?
For US customers: 2–5 business days standard. For AU/NZ customers: 1–3 business days standard. For EU customers: 5–8 business days standard.
If you need it faster, email hello@northgearstore.com before ordering and we'll work out an expedited option.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, to most countries with established marine markets, including the US, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and most of the EU.
For other destinations, email us first, and we'll quote shipping directly.
Warranty & support
What does the Lifetime Limited Guarantee cover?
We stand behind every NORTHGEAR product against manufacturing defects for the life of the product.
If something we built fails because we built it wrong — wrong material, wrong stitching, wrong tolerances — we'll make it right. That's the guarantee, and it's the reason we put the NORTHGEAR name on it.
Normal wear and tear, UV degradation over years of use, or damage from misuse are not covered. But if you're using NORTHGEAR products as designed and something fails, we want to know about it.
Email hello@northgearstore.com with your order number, a description of the issue, and photos. We'll respond within two business days.
What if my product fails during a storm?
Email us. Tell us what happened. Send photos.
We're a small team, and we treat storm failures as the highest priority issue we deal with. If something we made didn't hold when it should have, that's information we need — for your boat and for every boat owner who buys from us after you.
Can I return a product if it doesn't fit my boat?
Yes — within 30 days of receipt, in unused condition, in original packaging.
We'd rather you buy the right size the first time. Email hello@northgearstore.com with your boat type and line diameter before ordering, and we'll tell you exactly which product to buy.
About NORTHGEAR
Who is NORTHGEAR?
NORTHGEAR is a small, founder-led brand built around a single specialty: the connection between your boat and the dock.
We don't sell marine accessories. We engineer the protection systems that keep your boat exactly where you left it — chafe guards, dock lines, mooring snubbers, fender covers. Sold as a system. Backed for the life of the product.
If you've ever walked the dock at 2 a.m. before a storm, this brand is for you.
Why should I buy from NORTHGEAR instead of West Marine or a generic Amazon seller?
Two reasons: specialty and commitment.
Generic marine retailers carry hundreds of brands across thousands of products. They can't be experts in any of them. NORTHGEAR exists for one specific job — the engineered chain between your boat and the dock — and we know it better than anyone.
The commitment is the second reason. We back every product we sell with a Lifetime Limited Guarantee because we built it. A retailer can't make that promise — they didn't build the product, they just shelved it.
How do I get in touch?
Email hello@northgearstore.com for any question — sizing, fit, warranty, recommendations, storm prep, or just to talk about boats.
We answer every message personally. Usually within 24 hours.
Protect the line. Protect the boat.
Johnny Founder, NORTHGEAR
