Hinged Boat Fenders: Do They Work?

Boat fenders, also known as boat bumpers, are a must-have accessory for all types of boats, from motor yachts to small runabouts. They act as a cushion between a boat and a dock or another boat, preventing damage to paint, varnish, gunwales and hulls. The number of fenders you need depends on how you plan to use them and the length of your boat. In this article, we will be looking at whether hinged boat fenders work.

Hinged vinyl-covered flat fenders are great for small boats with tumblehome

Boat fenders are a must-have boating accessory, protecting your boat and your wallet in the case of a docking mishap or unexpected motion due to wind or current. They can be tied to a cleat on your boat or on a dock, or to a guard railing. The number of fenders you need depends on the length of your boat, with two to four fenders per side working well for most boats.

Boat fenders are also known as boat bumpers

Boat fenders, often referred to as boat bumpers, are a must-have boating accessory. They act as a cushion between a boat and a dock or another boat, preventing damage to paint, varnish, gunwales and hulls. They can also help protect your boat and your wallet in case of a docking mishap or unexpected motion due to wind or current.

There are different types of boat fenders, including flat fenders, which are either modular or articulating and vinyl-covered. Hinged vinyl-covered flat fenders wrap vertically around small boat gunwales and are great for boats with tumblehome (topsides that slant inward at the gunwale). The number of fenders you need depends on how you plan to use them and the length of your boat. Two to four fenders per side should work well for most boats. You may also want an extra fender that isn't tied on but is managed by a crew member and can be placed wherever it's needed at the last minute.

When it comes to tying fenders, with floating docks, it's best to tie them so they're just above the waterline. You can attach a fender line to a cleat on your boat or on a dock, or to a guard railing. To prevent damage to the overall railing, it's best to tie fender lines to the bottom of stanchions where the railing is strongest.

Fenders can be tied to a cleat on your boat or on a dock

Fenders, also known as boat bumpers, are a must-have accessory for any boat owner. They act as a cushion between your boat and a dock, jetty or another boat, preventing damage to paint, varnish, gunwales and hulls.

The number of fenders you need depends on the length of your boat and how you plan to use them. Two to four fenders per side should work well for most boats, with an extra "roving fender" that isn't tied on but can be placed wherever needed at the last minute.

When tying fenders to floating docks, it's best to position them just above the waterline. This can be adjusted by circling around until you're ready.

Two to four fenders per side should work well for most boats

The number of fenders you need depends on the length of your boat and how you plan to use them. Two to four fenders per side should work well for most boats. For example, flat fenders are either modular or articulating and vinyl-covered. String together the modular style to create a custom-fitted system. Hinged vinyl-covered flat fenders wrap vertically around small boat gunwales, and are great for boats with tumblehome (topsides that slant inward at the gunwale). You can attach a fender line to a cleat on your boat or on a dock (at a strategic and menacing dock corner). Many powerboats also tie fender lines to their guard railing and the clove hitch is ideal because it can slide along the rail to adjust placement at the last minute if needed.

Fenders can be tied to the bottom of stanchions to prevent damage to the overall railing

Hinged boat fenders are vinyl-covered flat fenders that wrap vertically around small boat gunwales. They are ideal for boats with tumblehome (topsides that slant inward at the gunwale).

Fenders, also known as boat bumpers, are used to provide a cushion between a boat and a dock or another boat. They are used to prevent damage to paint, varnish, gunwales and hulls overall.

When tying fenders to a floating dock, it's best to tie them so they're just above the waterline.

Frequently asked questions