Last Updated on June 20, 2025
When you tie your boat to a dock, whether it's for a short stop or the whole season, you need to protect it. This means having the right boat fenders, the correct number of them, and making sure they are attached properly. We often see boats with too few fenders, or sometimes too many, and they might be in the wrong spot or not at the right height. This guide will help you keep your boat safe while it's docked.
How Many Fenders Do You Need?
It's always a good idea to have more fenders than you think you'll need. You might get by with two, three, or four fenders for your boat, but you should have at least one or two extra. Things happen: you might lose one, or it could come loose in the wind and go missing. Having spares means you can quickly replace them.
Another reason to have extra fenders is for when friends come by. If you're rafted up with other boats or at a dock, people often tie up alongside you. It's really helpful to have extra fenders to protect both your boat and theirs. So, if you normally need three, maybe have five or six. If you need four, aim for six or eight fenders on board.
Picking the Right Fenders
Size and Color
First, you need the right size fenders for your boat. Check the manufacturer's website for brands like Polyform, Taylor Made, Dolphin, or Dock Edge. They usually have a size guide based on your boat's length. If you're not sure, ask your local marine dealership for help.
Next, think about color. Do you want your fenders to match your boat, like a black fender for a black hull or a white fender for a white hull? Or are you more concerned about how they look over time? A white fender will show dirt more easily than a dark one, like black or red. Keep that in mind when you choose.
Key Takeaways:
- Size: Check manufacturer guides or ask a marine dealer.
- Color: Consider matching your boat or choosing a color that hides dirt better.
Attaching Fenders to Your Boat
There are many different kinds of boats, so we can't tell you exactly how to tie your fenders to yours. But we can tell you to use the right length of line. Somewhere between 4 and 8 feet of fender line is usually good. You'll also need a way to attach them, whether it's to cleats, stanchions, or special fender adjusters.
Positioning Fenders on Your Boat
Most boat hulls, except for pontoon boats, curve away from the dock towards the front. This means if you put fenders too far forward, they won't do much. When your boat is tied properly, the front will naturally be held out a bit.
You should put most of your fenders towards the back and in the middle of the boat. Anything too far forward where the hull curves away will be less useful. Since there's more weight and displacement towards the back of the boat (because of equipment and engines), that's where you'll want most of your fenders. Space them out fairly evenly, making sure there are no big unprotected gaps. They should mostly be on the back two-thirds of the boat.
Setting the Right Height
The right height for your fenders depends a lot on the dock you're tying to. If the dock is high, you'll want to pull the fenders up high on your boat. You might even need to tie them to other parts of the boat, not just the usual cleats, to protect the gunnel.
If the dock is low, like a floating dock, you'll want the fenders as close to the water as possible to protect against the shorter dock. But don't let them hang so low that they move around too much. If a fender drops too low, it can float and move forward or backward, or even get pushed up onto the dock. If they're too high, they won't protect your boat much and can slide up on the dock, leaving your boat open to damage. Ideally, if the dock is the right height, you want the fender just touching the water or floating a little bit.
So, when you go to your marine store, ask for fenders, not bumpers. Make sure you have the right number (get extra!), the right size, and keep them on board just in case you need them.
