Fenders and catamarans

RichardS

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When I started sailing in monohulls I was always advised that it was good practice to bring the fenders onboard once you are underway.

Although they become a trip-hazard on the deck (unless you faff about stowing them away!), leaving them over the side is asking for trouble with them dragging in the sea slowing the boat and causing possible loss of the fender.

However, on my cat they never touch the sea (unless it's very rough) so why not just leave them hanging over the side out of the way (so to speak!).

Any thoughts?

Richard
 
When I started sailing in monohulls I was always advised that it was good practice to bring the fenders onboard once you are underway.

Although they become a trip-hazard on the deck (unless you faff about stowing them away!), leaving them over the side is asking for trouble with them dragging in the sea slowing the boat and causing possible loss of the fender.

However, on my cat they never touch the sea (unless it's very rough) so why not just leave them hanging over the side out of the way (so to speak!).

Any thoughts?

Richard

Chafing of the line till fender detaches? Slow but inexorable wear on gelcoat/paintwork.
 
looks horrible, bang on the hull, considered slovenly.

BTW I wouldn't leave them on deck unless its for a very short sail, they go into the cockpit locker every time, otherwise they're a hazard on the sidedeck and likely to foul the jib sheets.
 
I don't see why cats should be any different on this point. I certainly wouldn't want them bashing away at my topsides for the duration of a passage. There is a simple compromise solution. If the fender is tied to the top guard wire and passed out uner the lower wire, all you need to do is hoist it aboard outside the wires so there is a loop around the two wires and it is partially suspended and won't roll around or fall back overboard but can be re-deployed quickly.

The other solution is to always use swinging moorings or anchor, then you don't need fenders.
 
Just use a short length of bungee with a hook, and hook the lower eye of the fender to the top guard wire. Simples
 
Yeah! And while you are at it leave the tea towels drying on the guardwires and washing on the sheets....... What sort of sailor asks a question like this????
 
Yeah! And while you are at it leave the tea towels drying on the guardwires and washing on the sheets....... What sort of sailor asks a question like this????

The non-pretentious type maybe???? (4)
 
Fenders are an inconvenient and dangerous nuisance,and provide blue-blazered analist snobs with a reason to live. Yachts should be fitted with all round rubber belting, like ship handling tugs, if they are too delicate to brush against a normal harbour wall. Check out the dodgems when the funfair comes to town! They don`t keep an official log book in case it all ends up in court!
x Jerry
 
hm, Very poor show. Also, I suppose you aren't prepared for that moment when it does actually get rough? Much worse, it shows lack of Commanding Authority, and questions your position as Skipper. Oh yes it does. Sometimes skippers issue incorrect commands BUT you definitely can be 100% correct in telling the crew to put the fenders away on exit from marina, and put them back out on the way in. Yeah, untie them properly and puttem away. I once allowed swmbo to get away with just flipping the fenders for almost a whole season, and the result was anarchy.

You can tell if you're skipper or crew by whether you are one of the people involved in putting the fenders away and getting them out, or (if skipper) not doing so.
 
When I started sailing in monohulls I was always advised that it was good practice to bring the fenders onboard once you are underway.

Although they become a trip-hazard on the deck (unless you faff about stowing them away!), leaving them over the side is asking for trouble with them dragging in the sea slowing the boat and causing possible loss of the fender.

However, on my cat they never touch the sea (unless it's very rough) so why not just leave them hanging over the side out of the way (so to speak!).

Any thoughts?

Richard

Bad seamanship.......it looks untidy.
 
Bloody right TCM and if they are tardy or slovenly about the deck they should be severely flogged....
Even if I am alone I get off the mooring or out of the marina or anchorage and heave to to clear away all ropes fenders and any other dangly things before returning to my comfy seat and sailing smugly on my way. Anyone who doesn't is a slovenly cur in my book and should only get weevilly biscuits to eat and dirty water to drink...... Arrr...
 
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