How to Tie Fenders on a Boat

Fenders help protect the edges of a boat from bumping up against things like docks, seawalls, and other boats. Stand on your boat to correctly position the fender, adjusting its height so that it correlates with the dock or whatever else you're protecting your boat from. You can use a clove hitch knot to secure the fender to a cleat or stanchion.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Spacing the Fenders

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A boat should have at least 3 fenders tied to it to protect it efficiently, more always being a good option. You can follow the guidelines of having 1 fender per 10 feet (300 cm) of waterline while also always having a minimum of 3 fenders.^{[1]XResearch source}
2
Place 1 fender at the widest part of the boat. The widest part of your boat is the part that will bump into something first along the sides, so you definitely want to place a fender at this section.^{[2]XResearch source}
- You can place other fenders forward and aft.
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Sometimes your boat will bump into pilings even if they have fenders attached if the spaces between the pilings are large. To prevent this, you can use fender boards which connect to 2 fenders, forming a barrier against the pilings.^{[3]XResearch source}

Part 2

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Positioning Your Fenders

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When you're choosing the position of your fenders, think about what your boat is going to come into contact with.^{[4]XExpert SourceTravis Lund
Sailing Instructor & Executive Director, Treasure Island Sailing CenterExpert Interview. 24 April 2020.} If your boat will be stationed next to another boat, by a dock, or by a seawall, you’ll want to tie the fenders on going vertically. If your boat will be next to pilings or posts, choose to tie them horizontally.^{[5]XResearch source}
2
Choose something solid and low to tie your fenders to. You want to tie the fenders as low on the boat as possible, choosing something sturdy such as a cleat, a lifeline stanchion, or a padeye.^{[6]XExpert SourceTravis Lund
Sailing Instructor & Executive Director, Treasure Island Sailing CenterExpert Interview. 24 April 2020.} Tying them low will help keep them steady and prevent them from swinging around too much.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Avoid tying fenders to the top of a lifeline or rail.
Position yourself next to what you'll be protecting your boat from bumping against to decide where to position the fenders. Stand on your boat when adjusting the fenders, next to the dock, boat, or other structure.^{[8]XResearch source}
When you’re holding the fender over the boat, position it so that it becomes a buffer between the boat and the dock or other structure. You should raise or lower the fenders depending on the height of what you’re protecting your boat from.^{[9]XResearch source}

Part 3

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Tying a Clove Hitch or Similar Knot

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1
Lay the line over the bar to begin a clove hitch knot. With the fender hanging off the side of the boat, lay the working end of the line over the rail or bar.^{[10]XResearch source}
- The working end of the line is the end that you'll use to tie the knot — the end not attached to a fender.
Once the line is laying on the rail, wrap it underneath the rail.^{[11]XResearch source}
Pull the working end of the line up and over the part of the line that's still laying on the rail. You should have formed an "X" with the line.^{[12]XResearch source}
Complete the "X" by pulling the line under and half-way around the rail 1 more time.^{[13]XResearch source}
5
Pull the running end through the loop you've created. Once the line is half-way around the rail, you'll have created a loop. Pull the working end of the line underneath this loop, pulling the line tightly.^{[14]XResearch source}
- The weight of the fender will pull down on the knot, keeping it tight and in place.
6
Use a half hitch knot as a simple alternative. To tie a half hitch knot, lay the line around the rail, bringing the end under the standing part of the line. Pull the end of the line up through the loop you just created. Pull it tightly to secure it.^{[15]XResearch source}
- You can repeat this process to create several half hitches, making your line even more secure.
- Use half hitches if you're attaching the fenders to a lifeline.^{[16]XExpert SourceTravis Lund
  Sailing Instructor & Executive Director, Treasure Island Sailing CenterExpert Interview. 24 April 2020.}

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Question
How should I position the fenders on my boat?
Travis Lund
Sailing Instructor & Executive Director, Treasure Island Sailing Center
Travis Lund is the General Manager at the Vallejo Marina, a large marina located between the San Francisco Bay and the Delta in California. Sailing since he was six-years-old, Travis has over 15 years working in sailing operations and instruction and has pioneered a coaching platform that combined traditional coaching with multi-camera video support. He studied English at Michigan State University, where he was on the sailing team.
Travis Lund
Sailing Instructor & Executive Director, Treasure Island Sailing Center
Expert Answer
First, you need to know what the boat's going to come into contact with, such as a dock or another vessel. Also, place the fenders on the widest part of the boat, and attach them to something that is secure, like a lifeline stanchion, a cleat, or a padeye on the boat.
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Tips

Use marine-grade line and make sure it’s not slippery or the knots won’t stay.
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Check the line from time to time to make sure it isn't frayed or sun-damaged.
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