I am looking for good suggestions for how to hang the fenders on my boat. Right now, I have one that falls in a good spot to hang it from a stanchion, but the others do not. Consequently, they are hanging from the lifelines, which I don't like. I would like to hang them from the aluminum toe rail, but I haven't seen anything appropriate in the marine catalogs. Anybody have suggestions?
securing fenders
- Thread starter Sherry
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what's wrong with using the lifelines?
They won't sag if properly tensioned. Since you don't want to use the lifelines, you could run a length of line between the stanchions at deck level and tie the fenders off there. If you remove them often, use a CLOVE hitch to tie the fenders on, adding a half hitch underneath or using a rolling hitch for a more permanent attachment. I do not leave the fenders on after the boat is docked because I can tension the dock lines enough to keep the boat from touching the sides of the slip. I only use them when entering or leaving the dock area and of course when alongside other boats. If I left them on while the boat is in the slip I'd use covers to help keep the hull clean where the fenders rub. All those cute fender clips are a waste of money if you know how to tie a simple clove or rolling hitch.
They won't sag if properly tensioned. Since you don't want to use the lifelines, you could run a length of line between the stanchions at deck level and tie the fenders off there. If you remove them often, use a CLOVE hitch to tie the fenders on, adding a half hitch underneath or using a rolling hitch for a more permanent attachment. I do not leave the fenders on after the boat is docked because I can tension the dock lines enough to keep the boat from touching the sides of the slip. I only use them when entering or leaving the dock area and of course when alongside other boats. If I left them on while the boat is in the slip I'd use covers to help keep the hull clean where the fenders rub. All those cute fender clips are a waste of money if you know how to tie a simple clove or rolling hitch.
Aluminum carabiners...
...work very well for me, too. I buy them in blister packs of 5 for a buck at the dollar store. Connect a short piece of line to the fender, the other to the carabiner, and clip it to the toe rail --- or anyplace else you like. Used them for one season and they are holding up well. Not sure they would last as long as a "marine grade" product, but a this price who cares? (the link below is just to show the product, not my source of these clips)
...work very well for me, too. I buy them in blister packs of 5 for a buck at the dollar store. Connect a short piece of line to the fender, the other to the carabiner, and clip it to the toe rail --- or anyplace else you like. Used them for one season and they are holding up well. Not sure they would last as long as a "marine grade" product, but a this price who cares? (the link below is just to show the product, not my source of these clips)
Try a rail ape
I got some of these when I bought my boat - had to find the web site to figure out what they're for, but they work well. http://www.railape.com/
I got some of these when I bought my boat - had to find the web site to figure out what they're for, but they work well. http://www.railape.com/
great ideas
I like the carabiners idea. I think I have some around the house - picked up at various trade shows. Are those of good enough quality? Warren - you said you use ones from the dollar store. Are they all about the same? Joe, I don't have a slip; I am tied at the end of a dock. So fenders have to stay on all the time. But I want something easy to get off once underway. Maybe I'm wrong, but it just looks like it has to put some stress on the lifelines and will take its toll over time? Thanks to all!
I like the carabiners idea. I think I have some around the house - picked up at various trade shows. Are those of good enough quality? Warren - you said you use ones from the dollar store. Are they all about the same? Joe, I don't have a slip; I am tied at the end of a dock. So fenders have to stay on all the time. But I want something easy to get off once underway. Maybe I'm wrong, but it just looks like it has to put some stress on the lifelines and will take its toll over time? Thanks to all!
I use
Tidy ups. (available from West) They hang from the lifelines but I use two lines for each fender. When docked, a short line goes from the fender to the aluminum toe rail and this takes the weight of the fender. When underway, the other line goes through the tidy up and can be raised to any convenient hieght.
Tidy ups. (available from West) They hang from the lifelines but I use two lines for each fender. When docked, a short line goes from the fender to the aluminum toe rail and this takes the weight of the fender. When underway, the other line goes through the tidy up and can be raised to any convenient hieght.
Double CLove Hitch?
It's just amazing the lengths necessary to avoid tieing a simple adjustable knot!
It's just amazing the lengths necessary to avoid tieing a simple adjustable knot!
Don't see the need for any rattling hardware.....
Simply double the last 1-2 ft of the fender line up, push the loop (bight) about 1" through one of the toerail slots, thread the bitter end through the loop and tighten up. For a temporary hitch that can be undone by a single pull, just slip the bitter end instead of threading it through the bight. To secure for a couple of days or weeks, you may want to add one or two half hitches around the standing part of the line. Haven't lost a fender yet in 15 years (knock on FRP). Flying Dutchman
Simply double the last 1-2 ft of the fender line up, push the loop (bight) about 1" through one of the toerail slots, thread the bitter end through the loop and tighten up. For a temporary hitch that can be undone by a single pull, just slip the bitter end instead of threading it through the bight. To secure for a couple of days or weeks, you may want to add one or two half hitches around the standing part of the line. Haven't lost a fender yet in 15 years (knock on FRP). Flying Dutchman
So....
If I understand the implications of S. Sauer's remarks in favor of always using knots rather than hardware to do common jobs around the boat, he'd never need a main or headsail shackle, an anchor shackle, or any shackles at all on his boat? While Sauer is busy making his knots, and proving his able seamanship, I'm already out sailing. Using thigs like carabiners on fenders just makes your life easier. But then, there are some who go to great lengths in making their lives harder.
If I understand the implications of S. Sauer's remarks in favor of always using knots rather than hardware to do common jobs around the boat, he'd never need a main or headsail shackle, an anchor shackle, or any shackles at all on his boat? While Sauer is busy making his knots, and proving his able seamanship, I'm already out sailing. Using thigs like carabiners on fenders just makes your life easier. But then, there are some who go to great lengths in making their lives harder.
chafing?
My concern about just tying through the toe rail is that the line may chafe. Maybe I'm just being paranoid. What I'd really like is a good way to leave the fenders attached to the dock so I don't ever have to move them. I almost always leave and return to my dock (vs. leaving then docking at other docks). But I haven't found a good solution for that either . . .
My concern about just tying through the toe rail is that the line may chafe. Maybe I'm just being paranoid. What I'd really like is a good way to leave the fenders attached to the dock so I don't ever have to move them. I almost always leave and return to my dock (vs. leaving then docking at other docks). But I haven't found a good solution for that either . . .
dock bumpers
Some people use good quality dock bumpers, instead of boat fenders. It depends on how well-protected your boat is in its slip. I tied fenders to the tow rail of a boat for ten years and didn't have a chafing problem. My present boat doesn't have a tow rail, so I use the life lines. Some advise against it, but it has worked for me. If you use both fenders and dock bumpers, the added friction between the two can cause the fenders to grap when the wind blows the boat into the dock. When it rocks, there can be extra grap and pull on the line lines......food for thought.
Some people use good quality dock bumpers, instead of boat fenders. It depends on how well-protected your boat is in its slip. I tied fenders to the tow rail of a boat for ten years and didn't have a chafing problem. My present boat doesn't have a tow rail, so I use the life lines. Some advise against it, but it has worked for me. If you use both fenders and dock bumpers, the added friction between the two can cause the fenders to grap when the wind blows the boat into the dock. When it rocks, there can be extra grap and pull on the line lines......food for thought.
Left over rub rail
from a boat project, nailed/screwed to the piling, works well too. Just my 2c/
from a boat project, nailed/screwed to the piling, works well too. Just my 2c/
Fender hangers!
I just love all the great 50¢ plastic fender hangers that sell for $20 a pair get a grip on reality, carabiners work great and last at least a couple of seasons. on toe rails they're the only thing to use.
I just love all the great 50¢ plastic fender hangers that sell for $20 a pair get a grip on reality, carabiners work great and last at least a couple of seasons. on toe rails they're the only thing to use.
Sherry, I think I understand
your problem a little better. To avoid abrasion try covering the toe rail with a 9-12 inch section of garden hose, slit lengthwise, where the fender rope touches. A piece of heavy canvas or leather would work also. Tie them through the toe rail holes. You could also stitch some onto the fender lines, but I think the first way is easier. Since your side tie dock seems to put undue stress on the lifelines, I would find other places to tie the fenders. With a longer fender line you could tie off to a cabin top handrail or cleat. But I think I would just run a line beween the dock cleats and tie the fenders on there and leave them. Then you won't have to mess with them coming in and out. You'll still need to address any possible abrasion to the fender lines from the dock but you get the idea.
your problem a little better. To avoid abrasion try covering the toe rail with a 9-12 inch section of garden hose, slit lengthwise, where the fender rope touches. A piece of heavy canvas or leather would work also. Tie them through the toe rail holes. You could also stitch some onto the fender lines, but I think the first way is easier. Since your side tie dock seems to put undue stress on the lifelines, I would find other places to tie the fenders. With a longer fender line you could tie off to a cabin top handrail or cleat. But I think I would just run a line beween the dock cleats and tie the fenders on there and leave them. Then you won't have to mess with them coming in and out. You'll still need to address any possible abrasion to the fender lines from the dock but you get the idea.
Hey Pete!!!! That was really a cheep shot
At S. Sauer, A totally uncalled for, wise ass comment! Tom s/v GAIA
At S. Sauer, A totally uncalled for, wise ass comment! Tom s/v GAIA
carbaneers are great for climbing
if you get the real thing. but the aluminum cheapies and not what im going to hang my fenders of for an 18000 lb boat. nor will i use plastic. Nothing works as smart as a good knot, i dont like the lifeline ideas. alot of them get pulled over or broken loose when the weather gets bad. but what ever keeps your boat floating, or something like that!
if you get the real thing. but the aluminum cheapies and not what im going to hang my fenders of for an 18000 lb boat. nor will i use plastic. Nothing works as smart as a good knot, i dont like the lifeline ideas. alot of them get pulled over or broken loose when the weather gets bad. but what ever keeps your boat floating, or something like that!
Ed, you ain't gonna float or sink yer boat
with the knot you tie in the rope the hold yer fenders. If you are concerned about an eighteen thousand pound boat protected by fenders supported by cheap aluminum carabiners then hang the durn things on chain.
with the knot you tie in the rope the hold yer fenders. If you are concerned about an eighteen thousand pound boat protected by fenders supported by cheap aluminum carabiners then hang the durn things on chain.
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