---

Any body know of a good way to attach the inflatable fenders to the rail? I have seen devices advertised in boating catalogs but do not have any experience with them. I currently just tie them onto the rail and flip them in or out as necessary. Thanks.

patrickv

---

I have tried the kind that you slip over the rails, and did not like them. I have them sitting on my work bench. Would like to have them? I could send you a pic. Yours for the shipping cost..
added;

These are [ Fender Tender ®] made by Davis.. I have three of them.

---

Just tie the fenders on.

I use two half hitches for long term and a clove hitch for short term.

---

I use an invention of my own, which I call "Fender Poles".

If you carefully look at the stern rail mounted rod holders in this photo, you will see them: you can also see the bow rail mounted holders.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v42...an0055.jpg

To use this idea, you need four strategically located rod holders on the boat, two mounted to the bow rail, and two in the stern, one each side. The 1/4" dia fender rope threads thru three 1/2" dia holes in the top of pole, so height can be quickly adjusted as needed. The pole, with it's attached fender, just drops in the rod holder, and can easily be moved as needed. Two are all that is required. The fender also has a rope on the other end, which can be used for tying it up horizontally when required.

The "pole" is a 1-1/4" diameter dowel, 24" long, stained and varnished to match the varnished teak on the boat.

When underway, the pole stays in the rod holder, and the fender flips to the inside. This sytem is remarkable easy to use and effective at the same time. I have not seen anything that works as well.

---

Finnegan I think you got a good thing there. I like it!
You could use the pole for a sleep stick also.

---

I got tired of the ropes, on mine.

I bought a 1" strapping kit on the internet with assorted plastic snaps and buckles. It looks clean and neat. Plus, they are a snap to adjust.

See link to source.

http://www.strapworks.com/webbing_and_narrow_fabrics_s/20.htm?gclid=CLapm4DthZkCFQ8MDQod6D6qmg

---

Thanks for the input guys...I appreciate it!

patrickv

---

I just keep two on board (takes up less room), and "Clove hitch" them off the rail's like Tom said. If I need to move them it's EASY, I never know what type of dock (Floating of fixed) I may end up at during the cruise/outing.

---

I've always had problems with medium sized inflatable fenders simply floating on the water and ending up laying down or ending up pointed at 90 degreees to the hull, floating in the water. (Offering no protection at all) I saw a different way in some whaler photos lately. I tie a line to one end of the fender, wrap it around a cleat, then run the other end to the opposite end of the fender, and adjust it so that the fender hangs horizontally about 6 inches below the rub rail. It cannot float away in this position and so far has protected my 13 without incident. Anyone else use this method?

---

Larry, as usual your boat is immaculate. I like the fender idea you have. I cannot figure how to tie forward fenders on my 13 footer that has no stainless side rails. Any other innovative ideas?

---

I vote for the clove hitch. It's easy to adjust, easy to store, and there is nothing bulky about line. Keep it simple! ;)

---

The previous owner of my 13 added cleats forward and aft, so I have attachment points. I'm not excited about the cleats being there, but removing them is more trouble than it's worth. An idea (at least for the rear) would be to install a cleat or ring on the underside of the thwart seat. for the forward attachment, perhaps a small ring attached to the inside of the gunwale with some super-adhesive tape. (3M makes some stuff that is used to attach deer warning whistles to cars, etc).

---

Hey, I don't disagree but:

1. Most folks don't know a "clove hitch" from a clove of garlic. And, we won't change that!

2. I'm lazy and anyone, on my boat, knows how to work a buckle-mostly, partly, OK most of the time.B)

---

If you can tie your shoes, you are more than qualified to tie a clove hitch, a trivially simple knot that can be undone in a seconds with one hand:

http://www.animatedknots.com/cloveboa...dknots.com

Remember, a clove hitch is great for temporary ties but I never use it for fenders that will be deployed over night; the knot can slip with the wave action. Use two hitches instead for permanent or long term ties. This is one of the reasons I do not like gadgets for securing fenders. If they can come undone, they WILL come undone over time.

For short term fender attachment, clips, snaps and other gadgets are just fine.

---

I know how to tie a clove hitch, but would like to say thanks for that site Tom W Clark...

---

I like the "Bowline knot", it's easy, used a lot, and you'll need to know it if you have to pull someone out of the water (including yourself when you get thrown a line).