Fenders

[Dunham]

We've heard that the best place to tie up fenders is on the lifelines instead of the stanchions.

Our worry about tieing them to the lifelines is that they will evenutally sag. Now, I understand that there is thick wire inside the lifelines. But, I've seen tons of boats with saggy lifelines and I don't want that to happen to our boat.

Lifelines or stanchions?? What's best???

I am the one who does all the lines and fenders, while hubby is at the helm. I understand that putting the fenders on the lifelines is a safer options since i don't need to bend down to get to the stanchions... but still. :neutral:

 

[Dubo]

Lifeline

I want to be able to slide the fender where needed in an emergency...you should too. Looks aren't everything! (i say every time i look in the mirror )

 

[Jake N Eggs]

Dunham, I have hung the fenders from the lifelines since the boat was new in 2006. No sagging of the lifelines even with some serious stress caused by power boat wakes while rafted at anchor.

Nice Blog by the way. Glad you enjoy the boat. (I am a little biased)

 

[dcfleming]

I hang my fenders from the stanchions because when the life lines are down to allow boarding, de-boarding, loading, or repairs, then the fenders sag below the rub line on the boat and the boat starts to make contact with the dock.

 

[Bill1565]

If you ever catch a fender on a piling either coming or going, you can rip off lifelines and stanchions both with the boat's momentum.
Hold them, move them, don't tie them till you are sure then tie them to a cleat or toe rail perforation.

 

[Bob 04 H260]

I have noticed that down south where the slips have short finger docks, pilings and tides most boat come in to the dock without fender out as the pilings can pull them off the boat. Hunters are a Florida boat and the built in rub rail works well with pilings when docking.

While up north with no pilings and long finger docks most boats seem to come into the dock with the fenders already set to avoid a scratch along the hull.

I would like to tie my fenders on the toe rail but we can't do that on our model. My next choice for me is the base of a stantion if it will work. If not I use the lifeline or tie direct to a dock cleat. My concern with using the lifelines is the leverage the fender has on the stantion, but sometimes I do not have a choice and to protect the hull I have to tie off the fender to the lifeline.

If possible I like to set my dock lines so the boat can not touch the dock. I can't always do that so then I go to plan "B" and use the fenders.

Bob

 

[Benny17441]

Have never had any problems hanging them from either. Do prefer the lines as they have a little more give and can be adjusted if needed.

 

[Jeff]

Our boat has an slotted aluminum toe. It makes quick work of relocating fenders or tying off a boom preventer.