Size Guide

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Choosing your set of fenders

With the following tips & guidelines we will help you choose the perfect set of Rope Fenders for your boat.  We will help you choose in 3 Steps. Let's get started

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The right shape in the right size

Cylindrical fenders (our regular rope fenders):

This is the most commonly used fender. You can't go wrong with this model when it comes to safety. However, as the diameter of the fender increases, so does the length. If your boat lies relatively deep in the water, they could hang in the water. Fenders that hang in the water are a big no-no in terms of nautical etiquette ;) and it is bad for your fenders! If they are too long, choose to suspend them horizontally, or go for our short single eye fenders! View regular rope fenders in webshop.

Single eye fenders:

Our single eye fenders are short, but have a relatively big diameter. They can offer the right amount of 'cushioning' without touching the water. View in webshop.

Step 1: Find the recommended size. Take a look at the table below to see which fender size is recommended for the length of your boat.

Fender dimensions and recommended fender size

In the two tabels below (one in meters and one in feet) you will find the fender size that we recommend for your boat. You can also see what the exact dimensions of the fenders are. The knot work is included in these dimensions.

Dimensions of our rope fenders (IN METERS)
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
Dimensions of our rope fenders (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

Choosing the right number of fenders

The amount of fenders needed depends on the length of the boat and the mooring conditions.

Step 2: Consider the length of your boat: Generally speaking; the longer the boat, the more fenders you will need. There is a rule of thumb to determine the number of fenders a boat needs: Use one fender per 10 ft or 3 meters of waterline, with a minimum of three fenders. So a 20 ft or 6 meter boat would need 3 fenders. A 40 ft or 12 meter boat would need 4. At least one fender must be placed at maximum beam, with others distributed fore and aft.

Step 3: Consider the mooring conditions The amount of fenders you need also depends on where you moor. Do you need protection on one side or on both sides?

Are you mooring in rough ocean conditions or do you moor in a quiet pond in your back yard. If mooring conditions are harsh you might want to choose fenders that are relatively big for your boat.

Use common sense

Choosing fenders is not an exact science. The tips and guidelines on this page give a good indication of what you need. However, you should use common sense. If you think the conditions you moor in require an extra fender, or if you want to protect a specific part of your boat, you are probably right in doing so. Trust your gut feeling!

What fenders do similar boats use?

If you are in doubt about the model, size or number of fenders you need. You can always look at the fenders that boats similar to your boat are using.

More tips on placing your order

  • We are happy to help you select the right set of fenders. Please do not hesitate to call or email us.
  • It could be a good idea to order one or two fenders and check if they are the right size. You can always order more fenders later.
  • Should you have bought too many fenders, or fenders that are not the right size, you can return them. Please see our return policy for more information.

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