Fender Lines: Safeguard Your Vessel with Strength and Durability

Secure your fenders with confidence using our premium nylon lines, expertly crafted in the USA for maximum protection during docking and rafting.
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What are Fender Lines?

Fender lines are used to secure fenders to your boat or dock, helping to prevent damage during docking or when rafting up with other vessels. Fenders act as the protective barrier between your boat and hard surfaces, while fender lines allow you to position and adjust them for maximum effectiveness. At American Rope, we offer durable and reliable fender lines designed to perform in a variety of conditions, with strength and flexibility for all types of docking situations.

Types of Fender Lines we Offer

Our fender lines come in two premium options: the 3-Strand Twist and Double Braid, both offering strength, flexibility, and ease of use for all docking situations, each tailored to different boating scenarios:

Feature

Double Braid Fender Line

3-Strand Twist Fender Line

Image

Best For

Premium strength and flexibility, ideal for high-stress docking and rafting situations
General-purpose fender use, excellent shock absorption

Material

Nylon
Nylon

Strength

Very High
High

Shock Absorption

Nylon

Nylon

Abrasion Resistance

Excellent

Good

UV Resistance

Good
Moderate

Ease of Handling

Excellent
Good

Durability

Very High
High

Common Applications

High-stress docking, rafting up, and securing fenders for larger vessels
General docking, rafting up, and fender use for smaller boats

Floatation

No
No

Price Range

$$$
$$

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Types of Fender Lines we Offer

Our fender lines come in two premium options: the 3-Strand Twist and Double Braid, both offering strength, flexibility, and ease of use for all docking situations, each tailored to different boating scenarios:

Double Braid Fender Line

Premium strength and flexibility, ideal for high-stress docking and rafting situations
Nylon
Very High

Nylon

Good
Excellent
Very High
High-stress docking, rafting up, and securing fenders for larger vessels
No
$$$
View Product

3-Strand Twist Fender Line

General-purpose fender use, excellent shock absorption
Nylon
High
Nylon

Good

Moderate
Good
High
General docking, rafting up, and fender use for smaller boats
No

$$

View Product

Choosing the Right Fender Line and Length

Selecting the right fender line involves two key factors: length and type. The length ensures your fenders hang properly to protect your boat, while the type of rope determines the strength and flexibility needed for docking conditions. Start by determining the appropriate fender line length, based on your boat’s size and rail-to-waterline height, and then choose the best type of line for your specific needs.

Fender Line Length

To ensure your fenders are positioned correctly, measure the height from your boat's rail to the waterline and add an extra 2-3 feet for flexibility in various docking situations. Larger vessels, or boats with higher bows and lower sterns, may need different lengths of line to accommodate the varying heights at the front and rear. Refer to the chart below for recommended fender line lengths based on your boat’s size:

Boat Length
Up to 20 ft
21-35 ft
36-50 ft
51-70 ft
71-100+ ft
Rail to Waterline Height
2-3 ft
3-4 ft
4-5 ft
5-6 ft
6-7 ft
Recommended Fender Line Length
4-6 ft
6-8 ft
8-10 ft
10-12 ft
12-15 ft

Note: You can use different lengths of fender lines for different areas of your boat. Some boat’s rails vary
from bow to stern.

Fender Line Type

Once you’ve chosen the correct length, consider the type of fender line that suits your needs. For smaller boats or light-duty docking, the 3-Strand Twist offers excellent shock absorption and ease of handling. For larger vessels or high-stress conditions, the Double Braid rope provides superior strength and durability. Use the chart below to compare both options and decide which fender line type is best for you:
Feature
Best For
Material
Strength
Shock Absorption
Abrasion Resistance
UV Resistance
Ease of Handling
Durability
Floatation
Price Range
Double Braid Fender Line
High-stress docking, rafting, larger vessels
Nylon
Very High
Good
Excellent
Good
Excellent
Very High
No
$$$
3-Strand Twist Fender Line
General docking, smaller boats, shock absorption
Nylon
High
Excellent
Good
Moderate
Good
High
No
$$

Fender Line Size

Fender lines do not need to be very thick since their purpose is to hang a fender. It does need to be comfortable enough to handle but not too big it is difficult to use. Most fender lines are between 3/8“ to 1/2“. Your fender line size should be strong enough to support your fenders.

Fender Line Size

Fender lines do not need to be very thick since their purpose is to hang a fender. It does need to be comfortable enough to handle but not too big it is difficult to use. Most fender lines are between 3/8“ to 1/2“. Your fender line size should be strong enough to support your fenders.

Ready to Choose Your Fender Lines?

Find the perfect fender lines for your docking needs. Shop Now or Contact Us for personalized advice from our experts.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I care for my fender lines?

Rinse with fresh water after use, inspect regularly, and store in a dry place.

What’s the difference between 3-Strand Twist and Double Braid?
3-Strand Twist is best for general use and high flexibility, while Double Braid offers premium strength and better shock absorption for larger vessels.
Can I order custom-length fender lines?
Yes, American Rope offers custom lengths and colors to meet your specific needs.