Drop the Boat Fenders when anchored?

[sailingabe41ds]

Hi..

It kind of looks silly to put your fenders down on an anchorage....but does anyone do it on a crowded anchorage to protect the boat from someone dragging into you?

Abe

[bensolomon]

I put my fenders out at night in a crowded anchorage for that reason.

[Zanshin]

Yes, but 90% of them are French!

Seriously, the French boats out there in the cruising areas I know (the Caribbean) are the only ones to frequently have their fenders out. But they, too, are those who tend to anchor within touchy-feely distance of other boats regardless of how big and empty the anchorage is.

[Jolly Roger]

Yes, I think it is good practice, so long as you don’t forget to bring them in when you move off. We don’t want to be thought of as “French” do we?

[sailingabe41ds]

I will admit...I too have put them down for the same reason and though I am not French, I do have a French boat.

Abe

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by sailingabe41ds

Hi..

It kind of looks silly to put your fenders down on an anchorage....but does anyone do it on a crowded anchorage to protect the boat from someone dragging into you?

Abe

Yes, but only if very crowded or I suspect that there will be late arrivals (Chesapeake City--often the late arrivals are drunk too). Yes, people have anchored too close and they have helped. Better than not sleeping.

[Shrew]

Yes, we do it in crowded anchorages, especially if we're expecting a blow.

[Stu Jackson]

If you put them down they could well be low enough to be able to use at a dock but absolutely useless for protecting your gunwhale or rub rail, meaning the height must be adjusted, too. On most boats, if set for a dock they will be too low and useless if another boat comes a'knockin'.

[Tayana42]

Yes, in some crowded anchorages and/or when I am concerned about a particular boat swinging into me. I have also put my inflatable dinghy between me and another boat as a super fender.

[JPA Cate]

No. Not unless you want to invite a friend to raft up for sundowners. That said, it was a very welcoming sight when friends had invited us for supper, to come around the headland, and see our friends' boat, all fendered up on their preferred side. I'm thinking the need to fender in anchorages probably happens most in high boat population areas.

Ann

[sailingabe41ds]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

If you put them down they could well be low enough to be able to use at a dock but absolutely useless for protecting your gunwhale or rub rail, meaning the height must be adjusted, too. On most boats, if set for a dock they will be too low and useless if another boat comes a'knockin'.

never thought of that...great suggestion.
abe

[Calif.Ted]

Maybe it's just me, but I have a tough time going to sleep with them tapping on the hull as the boat rocks, so not usually.
Definitely have placed the dink in a sacrificial position.

[Nicholson58]

Originally Posted by sailingabe41ds

Hi..

It kind of looks silly to put your fenders down on an anchorage....but does anyone do it on a crowded anchorage to protect the boat from someone dragging into you?

Abe

Prepare to repel boarders!

[Fore and Aft]

Sailingbe41Ds its actually part of my anchoring routine. I dump the chain and anchor in one heap, kick the fenders over the toe rail jump in the dinghy and head for the nearest beach bar. I think 12 minutes from anchoring to getting my lips on a cold brew is my record! The biggest hassle is making sure I have enough Benjamin's to keep me lubricated until closing time.
Cheers

[capn_billl]

I had a boat run into me in a crowded anchorage so YES. ( I was there first, and not expecting close company).