Bob-
I like the idea of the "hemp" or sissal fenders in that they add style to the boat and could even be left in place, rather than being stored, leaving the locker for more important uses like holding fish, beer, wine, or ? (not guns or dope, and no smoking the hemp, either!)
The round fenders Like Da Nag likes would look good with the boat, too, but pose the same storage problem.
I saw a Viking tug at Ballena Bay near San Francisco a few years back that had a big sissal nose bumper and tires hanging off of the sides it that looked both very authentic and classy at the same time!
I even thought of getting some small "solidish" tires, like aircraft tires, and having a canvas maker construct Sunbrella or heavy canvas covers for them to dress them up and color coordinate them with the boat, etc. Could add sewn on or silkscreened lettering or designs to customize them. Durability would be a problem, perhaps, depending on your mooring/docking practices. The tires could have tubes in them to adjust the stiffness of the cushioning effect, just like the regular ones.
Joe.