Fenders serve as a cushion betwwen your boat, and it’s gel coat or painted sides and the dock. Proper use will prevent damage. This article gives basic information on selection and use of fenders.

Types- Most fenders are inflated plastic badders. A few are made of soft foam.

A. Round: Made of PVC. Generally have 2 eyes so fenders
can be hung horizontally or vertically.

B. Flat: Puncture proof less likely to roll out of place.
Other uses such as cushions, knee pads when working etc.

Fender Size Guide

Round Buoys
to 25 feet 9″ diameter
20-35 11.5″
30-45 15.5″
40-55 18.5″

Hole Through the Middle Fenders
20-30 Feet HTM 1 or 6″ diameter
25-40 Feet HTM 2 or 8″ diameter
30-45 Feet HTM 2 or 8″ diameter
40-60 Feet HTM 3 or 10″ Diameter

Proper Inflation: Fenders can be reinflated with a bicycle
type air pump. If no air gauge aim for a moderately firm
fender with some give to it.

Extras when cruising: It’s a always a good idea to allocate
storage space for fenders when taking a cruise. You can’t
predict your docking configuration and plenty of fenders and
a fender board will allow proper docking.

Securing Fenders: Use stanchion base, deck cleat or toe
rail. Don’t use lifelines as this will break lifelines. A clove hitch
is a good way to attach fender to boat.

# of Fenders: Minimum of 3. 1 at the point of maximum beam,
then 1 each fore and 1 aft of maximum beam.

Rafting- Place your fenders at point of greatest contact
which is generally the point of max beam. Bunch 3 fenders
at maximum beam, then 1 fore and 1 aft for further
protection.

There are also special fenders made for rafting
situations.

Fender boards are of particular use when you are tying up
to pilings. A horizontal or vertical tie may not work. A
fender board bridges the gap and keeps the fenders in place.
These can be made from a 2 X 4 and some padding.

Share or bookmark this story: