Most boaters are aware that they need to protect one of their costly investments: their beloved boats! Boats are vulnerable to damage, especially since the boat’s hull (the exterior body of the boat) is susceptible to getting hit and damaged by moorings, underwater structures and rocks, and other boats. This is especially true for rougher water conditions. Since all these instances are unavoidable, a protective item should be placed to prevent the hull from getting destroyed. That’s when a boat fender comes in to give the ultimate protection to boats from any damage. 

What Exactly Is a Boat Fender?

A boat fender is a buffer zone between your boat and other objects while your boat is docked, rafted, or anchored. It absorbs the shock from an object that would otherwise come into contact with your boat and possibly damaged it. Fenders also decelerate a docked boat from rolls and surges. 

A lot of boat fenders are made to be inflated similar to a basketball using a standard needle air pump. Some boat fenders come with a simple design with round or cylindrical shapes while others can be painted and customised according to one’s taste in design. Some boat fenders are shaped to fit the part of a boat where it’s most likely to get hit. Many of these have flat or unusual designs that are efficient in protecting the boat’s hull.   

Using Boat Fenders

There is actually no enforced rule on how to use a boat fender. It’s really up to you how you are going to use them. However, if you’re not sure how to make use of these useful boat accessories, here are some recommendations on how to use them: 

• Choose the right size for your fenders. Inspect your boat closely and calculate if small or big fenders are appropriate for your boat. A good reminder is to know that the bigger the boat, the bigger the fenders you should use. However, you should avoid using fenders that are bigger in size, especially if your boat is small for two reasons: you may not have enough space inside your boat to store them and they can also influence the maneuverability of the boat.
• The strength and size of the fenders that you may get will totally depend on the weather conditions in the dock. 
• Consider getting fender covers to protect them from the sun. Along with salt water, the sun destroys everything. If you park your boat for a long period in a sunny location, think of having a sun protection to extend the life of the fenders. However, this is not necessary if you are okay to change them after a few years. Fenders are made to last a long time so you don’t have to purchase one every few months. If you take care of them, they can last a lifetime.

You can purchase boat fenders in your local marine boat stores available in all shapes, types, and sizes. 

Where To Tie Fenders Along The Boat?

The placement of the fenders is very important. In general, you place the fenders in the upper end of the hull that is just next to the deck level, but if you’re docking in a marina with different types of boats (with various shapes and sizes) docked there, you need to adjust the placement of your fenders accordingly. For example, if you have a yacht and you’re docking next to a Quintrex Fishabout, place your fender on the level of their deck. If the marina has a low pier and there is a chance that the waterline level of your boat will also get hit when it comes into contact with the dock, place the fenders in those areas. 

You can also place your fenders at the widest part of your boat, called the beam. Put fenders on both sides. Don’t forget to place fenders closer to the bow and to the stern and any other places of the boat where you think it would bump into other objects. Potential contact and damage are what you must have in mind when placing those fenders.

When to Put Fenders On Your Boat?

You prepare and rig out fenders before you enter the marina or a dock and you take them away when you are out at sea. If you feel a bit lazy and find rigging and taking the fenders away while you travel in the water burdensome, you can just keep the fenders rigged all the time you’re in the boat. However, if the weather is not looking great and there is a strong gust of wind or if it’s raining heavily, then you might have to stow away the fenders to prevent them from getting blown away by the wind.