The Ultimate Guide To Installing Fenders On Your Boat

Fenders are essential for protecting your boat from damage when docked or tied up alongside other vessels. They act as a buffer between your boat and a dock, seawall, or another boat, preventing scrapes, scratches, and much worse. When hanging fenders, it's important to consider the size, number, placement, and orientation (vertical or horizontal) of the fenders, as well as the type of knot used to secure them. The placement and orientation depend on what your boat will come into contact with, while the type of knot ensures the fenders stay securely in place. This guide will teach you how to put fenders on a boat effectively.

How to choose the right size fender for your boat

Choosing the right size fender for your boat is crucial to protect it from damage. Here are some detailed guidelines on how to select the appropriate size:

Firstly, the general rule of thumb is to select a fender size based on your boat's length. For cylindrical fenders, aim for 1 inch of diameter for every 4 to 5 feet of boat length. For round or spherical fenders, you'll need 2 inches of diameter for the same boat length. This rule provides a good starting point, but other factors come into play.

Consider the location, boat weight, and water conditions. If you frequent waters with heavy chop or tidal surges, you'll need more substantial fenders than if you docked in a calm lake. The former scenario may call for larger fenders or an increase in the number of fenders used.

When rafting with other boats, opting for the largest-diameter fenders is wise. Different boats will rock differently and have varying freeboard and hull flare, so larger fenders provide better protection.

Additionally, the number of fenders you use is important. A good rule of thumb is to use one fender per 10 feet of waterline, with a minimum of three fenders. For example, a 20-foot boat would need three fenders, while a 40-foot boat would require four.

When placing your fenders, always put at least one at the widest point of your hull, as this section is most prone to impact.

In summary, selecting the right size fenders for your boat involves considering length, location, and water conditions. Remember to use an adequate number of fenders and place them strategically for optimal protection.

How to decide how many fenders you need

Fenders are a necessary precaution to protect your boat from damage when docked, tied up next to another boat or an obstruction, or rafting with other boats. The number of fenders you need depends on the length of your boat, the conditions it will be used in, and the type of surface it will come into contact with.

A good rule of thumb is to use one fender per 10 feet of waterline, with a minimum of three fenders. So, for example, a 20-foot boat would need three fenders, while a 40-foot boat would need four.

However, this is not a firm recommendation, as the number of fenders can also depend on location, boat weight, and conditions. If you are boating in waters with heavy chop or a tidal surge, you will need more protection than if you are docked in a calm lake.

When rafting with other boats, it is recommended to use the largest-diameter fenders available, as different boats tied together will rock differently and have varying freeboard and hull flare. Large-diameter ball fenders are a good choice as they can hang from the rail or cleats and are wide enough to keep rub rails from knocking together.

In addition to the number of fenders, it is also important to consider their placement on your boat. At least one fender should be placed at the widest point of your hull, as this is the part that will bump into something first along the sides. You can place other fenders forward and aft. When tying up to a pier, bulkhead, or floating dock, vertical placement of fenders is typically the easiest and most practical method. When tying up to a dock or pier with exposed pilings, horizontal placement is recommended.

How to hang fenders vertically or horizontally

To hang boat fenders, you must first consider the type of surface your boat will contact. This will determine whether you hang your fenders vertically or horizontally.

If you are tying up to a pier, bulkhead, or floating dock, vertical placement is the easiest, most practical, and preferred method. Place the fender a few inches above the water surface to prevent it from getting gunked up. The more fenders, the better—use a minimum of two, with one placed at the widest point of the hull and one near the stern.

When tying up to a dock or pier with exposed pilings or a "navy-style" bulkhead, horizontal placement is recommended. Center the fender on the piling and tie it horizontally. If the waters are rough, or you will be leaving the boat unattended for an extended period, consider using a fender board as an alternative. A pair of cylindrical fenders placed vertically behind a two-by-four is a simple and effective solution.

For cylindrical fenders with an "eye" on one or both ends, you can hang them vertically with a rope secured by a bowline through one eye. To hang them horizontally, use a rope threaded through both eyes and hold it in place with a half-hitch or "figure eight" stopper knot.

Center rope cylindrical fenders can be hung both vertically and horizontally by threading a rope through a hole in the fender's centerline. To hang a center rope cylindrical fender horizontally, tie a half hitch or figure eight on both sides to prevent it from sliding out of position.

How to tie a cleat hitch knot

Fenders are a necessary precaution to protect your boat from damage when docked, tied up alongside other vessels, or facing obstructions. To ensure your fenders are secure, it is important to tie a strong boating knot such as a cleat hitch. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to tie a cleat hitch knot:

Step 1: Begin by making a wrap around the base of the cleat. Start your wrap on the edge furthest away from where the line originates.

Step 2: Create a figure eight on the cleat. If the line is going to be under a lot of pressure and the cleat is big enough, repeat this step two or three times.

Step 3: To lock the knot in place, add a hitch to the final turn. Make a loop with the tail end, hook it underneath the cleat, and pull it taut. Ensure that the tail end is pointing away from the line's origin.

Now you know how to tie a cleat hitch knot, you can use it to secure your fenders to a solid anchor point on your boat, such as a station or a cleat. Remember to always use strong, non-slippery lines when tying your knots to ensure they stay put.

How to care for your fenders

Fenders are a necessary precaution to protect your boat from damage when docked, tied up alongside other vessels, or rafting. They are typically air-filled vinyl cushions that hang off your boat to act as padding between the hull of your boat and a dock or another object.

• Use the right size fender for your boat: As a rule of thumb, a cylindrical fender should have 1" of diameter (2" for round/spherical fenders) for every 4' to 5' of boat length. However, fender size also depends on location, boat weight, and conditions.
• Use the appropriate number of fenders: A good rule of thumb is to use one fender per 10' of waterline, with a minimum of three fenders. So, for example, a 20' boat would need 3 fenders, while a 40' boat would need 4.
• Place fenders correctly: Always place at least one fender at the widest point of your hull. When rafting with other boats, use the largest-diameter fenders available. When tied to a pier, bulkhead, or floating dock, vertical placement is typically easiest. When tying up to a dock or pier with exposed pilings, horizontal placement is preferred.
• Use the right knots: Learn how to tie a "slip hitch" or "cleat hitch" knot to secure your fenders properly. The "slip hitch" is a temporary knot that can easily be pulled out when you need to adjust or move the fender. The "cleat hitch" is ideal for tying fenders to boat cleats, which are often the best places to tie on smaller boats.
• Store fenders properly: When not in use, consider storing your fenders in a locker or securing them to the side decks. Larger boats may have dedicated fender lockers within the transom, under the cockpit sole, or under the seating area.
• Regularly inspect and maintain fenders: Check the lines attached to your fenders regularly to ensure they are not frayed or sun-damaged. Keep the fenders themselves clean and free of debris.
• Be mindful when taking fenders up or down: When raising or lowering fenders, be cautious not to catch them on pylons or other objects, especially when in close quarters with other boats.
• Consider using fender boards: If there are large spaces between pilings, consider using a fender board. A fender board connects to two fenders, forming a barrier that helps prevent the boat from bumping into the pilings.
• Tie fenders securely: Ensure that fenders are tied securely to solid, low spots on the boat, such as cleats, lifeline stanchions, or padeyes. This will help keep them steady and prevent them from swinging around.

By following these tips, you can effectively care for and maintain your boat fenders, ensuring they provide adequate protection for your boat.

Frequently asked questions