Choosing Your Set of Rope Boat Fenders
Follow these tips and guidelines to select the perfect set of rope boat fenders for your vessel. We’ll guide you through three simple steps. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Select the Right Shape and Size
Cylindrical Fenders (Regular Rope Fenders)
Cylindrical fenders are the most commonly used option for boat safety. However, as the diameter increases, so does the length. If your boat sits relatively deep in the water, these fenders may hang too low. Fenders that touch the water are not only poor etiquette but can also wear out quickly. If you find that your fenders are too long, consider suspending them horizontally or opt for our shorter single-eye fenders. View regular rope fenders in our webshop.
Single Eye Fenders
Our single-eye fenders are shorter but have a larger diameter, providing the right amount of cushioning without touching the water. View in webshop.
Step 2: Determine the Recommended Size
Refer to the tables below to find the recommended fender size based on the length of your boat. The dimensions of the fenders include the knot work. The first table is in meters, scroll down to find the table in feet.
#### Table: Boat size with recommended fender size (IN METERS) with
| Cylindrical XS | Cylindrical S | |
|---|---|---|
| Length in cm | 35 | 46 |
| Diameter in cm | 12 | 13 |
| Rec. boat size in m | 3 | 3-5 |
| Cylindrical M | Cylindrical L | Cylindrical XL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length in cm | 54 | 63 | 76 |
| Diameter in cm | 15 | 18 | 23 |
| Rec. boat size in m | 5-7 | 6-7 | 7-11 |
| Single eye M | Single eye L | |
|---|---|---|
| Length in cm | 32 | 36 |
| Diameter in cm | 20 | 23 |
| Rec. boat size in m | 3-5 | 5-7 |
#### Table: Boat size with recommended fender size (IN FT)
| Cylindrical fenders | Cylindrical XS | Cylindrical S |
|---|---|---|
| Length in inch | 13.8 | 18.1 |
| Diameter in inch | 4.7 | 5.1 |
| Rec. boat size in ft | 10 | 11-16 |
| Cylindrical M | Cylindrical L | Cylindrical XL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length in inch | 21.3 | 24.8 | 30 |
| Diameter in inch | 5.9 | 7.1 | 9.1 |
| Rec. boat size in ft | 17-20 | 19-23 | 23-36 |
| Single eye M | Single eye L | |
|---|---|---|
| Length in inch | 12.6 | 14.2 |
| Diameter in inch | 7.8 | 9 |
| Rec. boat size in ft | 11-16 | 17-23 |
Step 3: Consider the Number of Fenders Needed
The number of fenders required depends on the length of your boat and your mooring conditions.
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Length of Your Boat: Generally, longer boats require more fenders. A good rule of thumb is to use one fender per 10 ft (3 meters) of waterline, with a minimum of three fenders. For example, a 20 ft (6 meter) boat needs at least three fenders, while a 40 ft (12 meter) boat requires four. Ensure at least one fender is placed at the maximum beam, with others distributed fore and aft.
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Mooring Conditions: The number of fenders you need also depends on your mooring situation. Do you need protection on one side or both? Are you mooring in rough ocean conditions or in a calm pond? If you anticipate harsh conditions, consider larger fenders for your boat.
Use Common Sense
Choosing rope boat fenders is not an exact science. The guidelines on this page provide a good starting point, but trust your instincts. If you feel that your mooring conditions require an extra fender or that a specific part of your boat needs protection, go with your gut!
What Fenders Do Similar Boats Use?
If you’re unsure about the model, size, or number of fenders you need, take a look at the fenders used by similar boats.
Additional Tips for Placing Your Order
- We’re here to help you choose the right set of fenders! Feel free to call or email us.
- Consider ordering one or two fenders to test the size. You can always order more later.
- If you accidentally purchase too many fenders or ones that aren’t the right size, you can return them. Please see our refund policy for more information.