Fenders & Lines

[raft-up.com]

We had a good size raft-up the other day, It was fairly windy, and we had some decent sized rollers knocking us around. What size fenders and lines have you found work best for keeping damage to a minimum? Boats range from 21-45 ft.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Fenders & Lines

Well,... It's not really Rafting Up,....

But,.... To secure My boats to my concrete Dock,....
I use Plastic 55gal. Drums to bumper the 34' Houseboat off the edge,+ tie it off to the cleats with 1/2" Twisted Nylon lines.......
On the Outside of the Houseboat,...
I tie off my Fishing Machine, the 21'er in my avatar,.........

I have about 8, 10"X24" plain ole plastic Bumpers/ Fenders tied to the railing of the Houseboat.....
The Fishing boat seems to ride there nicely,... I also carry 6 or 8 more Plastic Bumpers in that boat for tying off at other places.......
I use 1/2" Doublebraided Nylon on the fishing boat.........

Regardless of Dock Tying, or Rafting,.......
I think that the Spring Lines are Way More Important than either the Bow lines or Stern lines......

Quite often, I've caught up with a Bud out Trolling,.... Several times we've Rafted Up,+ continued Trolling using My boats power,.... I just pull in a couple of fishing lines on 1 side,+ He pulls along that side,... After setting the Spring Lines,+ adjusting the helm abit,...
It's almost like his boat Isn't even There......
I'll admit,... It makes coming about alittle Interesting sometimes,.. Ya gotta Play the Wind.....

 

[QC]

Re: Fenders & Lines

Well I think this is actually another promotion for that forum . . .

With that said, I will mention that when rafting up simply to hang out, there is nothing better than a ski-tube(s) as a super fender. You can use them vertical or horizontal and they definitely can add a level of comfort if there is any wakes or swell. Can even use them as a little stepping stone between boats.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Fenders & Lines

Well I think this is actually another promotion for that forum . . .

Ayuh,....... That Thought entered My mind,.....

But I had Too Many Letters invested to Quit.............d