Threading A Boat Fender: Rope Technique

Boat fenders are an essential accessory for any boat owner, acting as a cushion between your boat and a dock, jetty, or another boat. They are designed to protect your boat from damage caused by docking mishaps or unexpected movements due to wind or currents. When it comes to attaching a fender to your boat, you'll need to consider the size, placement, and number of fenders required. This process involves tying a rope to the fender, known as a fender line, and then securing the fender line to your boat. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to put the rope through a boat fender and ensure its proper placement.

Choosing the right rope

Durability and Strength:

Look for ropes that are durable, long-lasting, and strong enough to withstand impacts and everyday bumps and scrapes. Synthetic hemp rope, for example, is known for its toughness and resistance to water and saltwater corrosion.

Resistance to Water and Saltwater:

Boat fenders are often exposed to water and seawater for extended periods, so choose ropes that are waterproof and resistant to saltwater damage. Coir rope, made from coconut husk fibres, is an excellent choice as it is naturally resistant to seawater and highly durable.

UV Resistance:

The sun's ultraviolet rays can be damaging to ropes, especially those used in marine environments. Select ropes that are resistant to UV damage, such as synthetic hemp rope, which is highly resistant to UV degradation.

Weight and Buoyancy:

Consider the weight of the rope and its ability to float. Lighter ropes, like coir rope, won't add excessive weight to your boat. Additionally, ropes that float on water, such as hemp rope, are advantageous in boating and marine applications.

Aesthetics:

While durability and functionality are paramount, you may also want to consider the appearance of the rope. Synthetic hemp rope, for example, has the look of natural hemp while offering superior durability. Choosing a rope that complements your boat's colour scheme or traditional aesthetic can be important to some boat owners.

Eco-Friendliness:

If environmental considerations are important to you, opt for ropes made from natural materials that are biodegradable. Coir rope, for instance, is not only durable and saltwater-resistant but also ecologically friendly.

When selecting a rope for your boat fender, it's crucial to prioritize durability, strength, and resistance to water and saltwater damage. By considering these factors, you can ensure that your boat fender provides effective protection for your boat and complies with maritime safety standards.

Tying a bowline knot

To put the rope through a boat fender, you'll need to tie a knot. One of the most useful and reliable knots is the bowline knot. This forms a secure loop that won't jam and is easy to tie and untie. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to tie a bowline knot:

Step 1: Lay the rope across your left hand with the free end hanging down. Form a small loop in the line using your hand.

Step 2: Bring the free end of the rope up and pass it through the loop from the underside, as if making an overhand knot. Imagine a rabbit coming out of a hole.

Step 3: Continue by wrapping the free end of the rope around the standing line.

Step 4: Finally, bring the free end back down through the small loop you created in Step 1. You've now completed a bowline knot!

Step 5: To tighten the knot, pull on the free end while holding the standing line.

The bowline knot is a tried and tested method, used for centuries. It is strong and stable, yet easy to untie, even under severe tension. However, because it can be easily undone, it should not be used in life-or-death situations, such as mountain climbing. The bowline knot is perfect for fastening a mooring line to a ring or a post.

Attaching the fender to the boat

Tying a rope to a fender

First, you need to tie a rope to a fender. This is called a fender line. Some prepackaged vinyl fenders come with the line already attached, but if not, you can tie a line to a fender yourself. A good knot to use is the bowline, as it creates a loop that will go through one eye of the fender and can be easily untied if needed.

Tying the fender to the boat

Now you can tie the fender to your boat. This is done every time you dock. A clove hitch is a good choice for this. You can also use a half hitch knot as a simple alternative. To tie a half hitch knot, lay the line around the rail, bringing the end under the standing part of the line. Pull the end of the line up through the loop you just created. Pull it tight to secure it. You can repeat this process to create several half hitches, making your line more secure.

You can attach a fender line to a cleat on your boat or on a dock. You can also attach it to the guard railing. However, to prevent damage to the railing, it is best to tie the fender line to the bottom of the stanchions where the railing is strongest.

Sometimes, you can tie a line to either end of a fender and use it horizontally. This will cover a broader section of the hull but works best when fending off a protruding vertical piling.

Using a fender board

A fender board is used when you are at a fixed dock with protruding pilings. In this case, a traditional barrel fender will not protect your hull while rubbing against a piling. Here is when a fender board, either wood or heavy-duty PVC, is used in conjunction with the barrel fenders.

To make a fender board, you will need a drill and a 3⁄4- to 1-inch bit, about 10 feet of half-inch double braid line (though any rope will do), and a 4- to 6-foot length of 1-by-6 treated lumber.

First, decide how long your board needs to be, remembering that you'll need to store it aboard. Four feet should be the minimum. Measure 4 inches in from each end of the board and 2 inches down from the top edge. Drill a hole where these two marks intersect. The exact size of the hole is not important, but you will want to soften the edges of the drilled hole with a file or rasp to avoid any abrasion of the line. For a finished appearance, round off the ends of the board with an electric jigsaw.

Thread a length of line through the hole and secure it with a bowline. Repeat for the other hole. The lengths of rope needed are dictated by the height of your boat's handrail or other attachment points from which you'll be hanging your board. If you're worried about the fenders slipping, drill holes on either side of the fender locations. Thread lines through these holes to wrap around the top and bottom of the fenders. Avoid placing knots against the hull.

To deploy the fender board, first, hang at least two fenders over the side, bracketing the piling. Secure the fender board and hang it outboard of the fenders against the pilings. A projection, such as a bolt, sticking out of the dock can fetch up on the board as tide levels change, so be mindful of this.

Adjusting the height

When adjusting the height of your boat fenders, it's important to consider the type of surface your boat will be contacting. The height of your fenders will depend on whether you're docking next to another boat, a flat area of a dock, a seawall, or a piling/post.

If you're docking next to another boat, a flat area of a dock, or a seawall, vertical fenders usually work well. In this case, you'll want to hang your fenders so that they're just above the waterline.

On the other hand, if you're docking next to a piling or post, you'll want to hang your fenders horizontally. The height will depend on the height of the piling or post.

In general, you'll want to position your fenders so that they act as a buffer between your boat and whatever surface it's contacting. Stand on your boat next to the dock, boat, or other structure to adjust the height of the fenders accordingly.

• Use a clove hitch knot to secure the fender to a cleat or stanchion. This knot can be adjusted quickly as you come alongside the dock to ensure the fender is at the correct height.
• If using a clove hitch, finish it with a slippery hitch to make it easier to release and adjust the height.
• Tie the fenders as low on the boat as possible to something sturdy, such as a cleat, lifeline stanchion, or padeye. This will help keep them steady and prevent them from swinging around.
• If the spaces between pilings are large, use a fender board over two fenders to prevent the fenders from slipping between the pilings.
• Consider using a rail clamp, which allows you to quickly change the height of the fender.

Frequently asked questions