Fenders: Your Boat’s Best Friend (and How to Tie Them Right)

Fenders: Your Boat’s Best Friend (and How to Tie Them Right)

Let’s face it: bumps happen. Whether you’re sidling up to a busy dock or rafting with friends, protecting your boat from those inevitable scrapes is just part of being a responsible captain. That’s where fenders come in – those trusty cushions that stand between your pride and joy and a world of potential dings. But a fender’s only as good as how you attach it, right? So, knowing your knots is key. Forget fancy jargon; we’re talking about practical, real-world know-how that can save you headaches (and gelcoat damage!).

Why bother learning knots? Simple: a slip-up here can leave your boat exposed. You need a knot that’s not just strong, but also easy to tweak and utterly dependable, no matter what the weather throws at you.

So, what knots should you know? A few stand out from the crowd.

First up, the bowline. This one’s a classic for a reason. It creates a loop that won’t budge, yet it’s surprisingly easy to untie, even after it’s been under pressure. Think of it as your go-to for attaching the fender line directly to the fender. I’ve used this knot countless times, and it’s never let me down.

• Tying it is easier than it sounds: Picture a rabbit popping out of its hole, circling a tree, and then diving back in. That’s basically it! (Okay, maybe look up a quick video if that description doesn’t quite cut it.)

Next, we have the clove hitch. This knot is all about quick adjustments. Need to raise or lower a fender in a hurry? The clove hitch is your friend. It’s great for attaching the fender line to a rail or cleat. Just be aware that it can be a bit temperamental under constant movement or on slippery surfaces. I remember one time, I relied solely on a clove hitch, and the fender slipped right as I was docking! Lesson learned: a little extra security goes a long way.

• Here’s the lowdown: Wrap the rope around the rail, cross it over itself, wrap it again, and tuck the end under. Easy peasy. For extra peace of mind, especially when things get choppy, throw in a half hitch afterward.

Finally, for those times when you need serious staying power, there’s the round turn and two half hitches. This knot is rock-solid, perfect for longer stays or when you’re leaving the boat unattended.

• How to tie it? Wrap the rope around your attachment point twice, then tie two half hitches. Simple, but incredibly effective.

Now, let’s put it all together. Here’s how to get those fenders hanging just right:

But wait, there’s more! Where you put your fenders is just as important as how you tie them.

• Think widest point: Fenders go where your boat’s widest. It’s simple physics.
• Protect the soft spots: Bow, stern, those fancy hull windows – cover ’em all!
• Vertical or horizontal? Depends on what you’re fending off. Flat docks? Go vertical. Pilings? Horizontal is your friend.
• More is better: Don’t be stingy with fenders. A little extra protection never hurts.

Okay, time for a reality check. Even seasoned boaters goof up sometimes. Here are a few common fender fails to avoid:

• Wrong height: Fenders dangling in the air or submerged in water? Useless!
• Bad knots: Knots that slip are just asking for trouble.
• Not enough fenders: Leaving big sections of your boat unprotected is a recipe for disaster.
• Runaway fenders: Make sure your fenders can’t slide out of position.

Bottom line? Mastering a few basic knots and understanding fender placement is a small investment that pays off big time. Protect your boat, enjoy your time on the water, and happy boating!