Hinged Boat Fenders: Effective Protection Or Hindrance?

Boat fenders are protective devices that act as a cushion between a boat and a dock, jetty, or another boat. They are used to prevent damage to the boat's topsides, hull, paint, varnish, gunwales, and other parts. Fenders come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, and can be actively used while boating or passively used for docking and mooring applications. The most common type of fender is the cylindrical fender, which can be hung vertically or horizontally. Other types include round fenders, flat fenders, transom-mounted fenders, rafting fenders, and V-shaped fenders. Hinged vinyl-covered flat fenders, in particular, are designed to wrap vertically around the gunwales of small boats and are suitable for boats with tumblehome (topsides that slant inward at the gunwale).

Types of boat fenders

Boat fenders are protective devices that act as a cushion between a boat and a dock or another boat to prevent damage to the topsides or hull of the boat. There are several types of boat fenders available, each designed for specific applications and offering varying levels of protection.

The most traditional and widely used type of boat fender is the cylindrical fender, also known as the "sausage" fender. These fenders can be hung horizontally or vertically and are suitable for smaller boats or when used in combination with other types of fenders. Round fenders, or ball fenders, offer exceptional impact protection due to their spherical shape, which distributes pressure evenly across a wide surface area. This type of fender is ideal for larger vessels or situations with repeated contact.

Flat fenders provide a broad, flat surface for protection and are perfect for boats with a square or flat hull design. They can also be conveniently stowed away when not in use. Specialty fenders, such as transom or corner fenders, are designed for specific applications. For example, transom fenders protect the sensitive stern area of a boat, while corner fenders shield the corners during docking.

Inflatable fenders are another option, consisting of an air bladder surrounded by a soft vinyl shell. They can be inflated to the desired hardness or softness using a small air pump. Non-inflatable fenders, on the other hand, are usually made of closed-cell foam or moulded plastic and are available in various shapes and sizes to fit applications where a cylindrical or spherical shape won't work.

Additionally, pontoon fenders are designed to protect the delicate aluminium fencing and unusual corners of pontoon boats. Personal watercraft (PWC) or jet ski fenders are tailored for smaller watercraft that sit lower in the water, offering ease of use and quick deployment. Transom-mounted fenders protect the transom or swim step of a boat during stern-to docking, typically found on larger boats.

How to tie a boat fender

Tying boat fenders involves two processes: tying a rope to a fender (the fender line) and then tying the fender line to your boat.

Tying a rope to a fender

A good knot to use is the bowline. It's strong, creates a loop that will go through one eye of the fender, and can be untied if needed, even when serious strain has been applied to the line.

Tying the fender line to your boat

The clove hitch is a good choice for tying the fender line to your boat. It's a quick and secure self-tightening knot that allows you to adjust the height of the fender and can be tied with one hand.

Other knots to consider

• Figure 8 knot: simple, does not damage the rope, and is often used as a safety knot.
• Double fisherman's knot: very reliable and durable, but difficult to untie.
• Double bayonet knot: a good alternative if a bowline is not possible.

Other ways to attach a boat fender

• Specialised brackets can be mounted to a vertical plane.
• Fender baskets can be fixed to rails or a flat surface.
• Fender boards can be used to cover a large hazardous area.
• A simple hook can be used.

Tips for placing your fenders

• Place your fenders along the widest part of the hull.
• If docking with only your bow next to a jetty, place most of your fenders there.
• If you're backing into a slip, you may need a fender to avoid hitting the transom on the dock.
• Hang fenders just above the waterline for floating docks.
• For fixed docks, consider the height of the dock and the tide.
• For rafting up to another boat, place one set of fenders lower and the other higher than the waterline.
• For catamarans or boats with less hull curvature, adjust your fenders so they can touch farther down, near the waterline.

How to tie up a boat to a dock

To tie a boat to a dock, you'll need the right gear and the right techniques. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Prepare Your Boat

Before you start, make sure your boat's cleats are securely fastened. Tighten any loose screws with a screwdriver. Check that your dock lines, which are attached to your boat cleats, are untangled and ready to use. As you approach the dock, assess its condition and ensure the dock's cleats and pilings look secure.

Choose Your Docking Gear

You'll need boat cleats, which are T-shaped pieces of hardware, typically made from galvanized metal, polymers, or wood. They're sturdy, simple to use, and reliable. Make sure you have enough cleats for both sides of your boat, with at least three cleats on each side. You'll need a bow cleat at the front, a stern cleat at the rear, and a midship cleat in the middle.

Protect Your Boat with Bumpers

Use bumpers, also known as fenders, to protect your boat from scratches or dents. These are usually made from foam or rubber and act as a cushion between your boat and the dock. For small boats, you'll need one bumper for the front and a couple for the sides. Larger boats will require more and bigger bumpers. Place the bumpers at points where your boat is most likely to make contact with the dock to avoid damage to the paintwork or hull.

Use the Right Ropes

Get strong, reliable ropes, such as nylon ropes, which are flexible and capable of absorbing the boat's weight. Consider three-strand ropes for strength and durability or double-braided ropes for extra resistance to harsh weather and abrasion.

Set Up the Dock Lines

There are three main types of dock lines:

• Bow Line: Connects from the boat's front cleat to a dock cleat.
• Spring Line: Runs at an angle from a cleat near the boat's stern to a dock cleat, preventing forward and backward movement.
• Stern Line: Ties the stern cleat to a dock cleat.

If you're docking in a slip with docks on both sides, you'll use four lines: two bow lines and two stern lines.

Tie the Dock Lines

First, toss the spring line to someone on the dock to hold the boat in position. Then, secure the bow line to a dock cleat ahead of the bow to prevent backward movement. Next, secure the spring line to a dock cleat at an angle towards the stern. Finally, tie the stern line to a dock cleat behind the stern, spacing it equally from the midship as the bow line. Always tie the lines at an angle to allow the boat to move with the waves and reduce strain.

Types of Knots

The easy cleat knot is a popular choice due to its simplicity. To tie it, make a loop with your rope, thread it through the cleat, spread the loop around the cleat's horns, and pull the rope's ends to secure the loop.

For more security, you can use an advanced cleat knot. This involves looping the rope around one side of the cleat from the bottom, crossing it over the top to the other side, looping it over again, and crossing it over one last time, tucking the tail between the top layers of rope.

If you're tying to a dock pole instead of a cleat, use a bind knot. Wrap the line around the pole, wrap it again, crossing the rope over itself, and feed the tail end through the wrapped line, pulling tightly.

Additional Considerations

• Always monitor wind direction and angle your boat accordingly.
• Check tide charts to accommodate rising or falling tides, leaving enough slack in your lines.
• Regularly check your ropes for any signs of damage, and replace them if necessary.
• Wear a personal flotation device until the boat is securely tied and you're safely ashore.

Boat fender placement

• Prepare fenders ahead of time by using "fender whips" (lines) to tie the fender to the boat. The type of knot and length of line will depend on the type of fender you have.
• Consider the type of surface your boat will come into contact with to decide whether to tie your fenders vertically or horizontally. Vertical fenders work well when tying up alongside another boat, a flat area of a dock, or a seawall. Horizontal fenders are ideal for tying up alongside a piling or post.
• Position at least one large fender at the widest part of your boat, with additional fenders forward and aft.
• When approaching the dock, you can initially attach the fender to the lifelines or rail, but for a more secure placement, attach it to a midships cleat, a toerail, or the bottom of a stanchion.
• Adjust the height of the fender based on the dock or piling you're working with. For floating docks, it's best to position the fender just above the waterline.
• If you're docking with only your bow next to a jetty, concentrate your fenders at the front of the boat.
• If you're backing into a slip, you may need a fender at the rear of the boat to avoid hitting the transom on the dock.
• When rafting up with another boat, it's best to have one set of fenders above the waterline and another set below to account for differences in boat height.
• For catamarans or boats with less hull curvature, adjust your fenders to protect the hull closer to the waterline.
• Always remove your fenders before getting underway to avoid having them ripped off by waves.

Boat fender size

Choosing the right size of boat fender is crucial to protecting your boat from damage. There is no official size guide or regulations for boat fenders, but there are some general rules of thumb and calculations to help determine the appropriate size.

Firstly, it is recommended to have a minimum of two, but ideally three, fenders for even the smallest boats. For mid-sized to larger boats, a good rule of thumb is to have at least one fender for every 10 feet of waterline per side.

The diameter of the fender is also important. A good estimate is to have 1 inch of cylindrical fender diameter or 2 inches of spherical fender diameter for every 4-5 feet of boat length. For example, a 15-metre-long boat would require fenders with a diameter of around 32 cm.

Fender length is another key consideration. They should cover at least 2/3 of the side of the boat protruding above the water. It is important to ensure that the fenders do not float on the water's surface.

The number and placement of fenders are also critical factors. Fenders should be placed approximately 250 cm apart along the side of the vessel, with a minimum of three fenders on each side. When hanging fenders, they should just skim the water's surface and then be raised by an inch or two to prevent the dock from pushing them out of position.

In addition to these general guidelines, it is important to consider the specific conditions in which the boat will be moored, the weight of the boat, and the material and type of fender being used.

Frequently asked questions