One of the most common questions we get from new DockGuard customers is simple: how many fenders do I actually need? It's a fair question โ too few and you leave parts of your hull unprotected, too many and you've overcapitalised on your dock setup.
The answer depends on three things: the size of your vessel, your berth configuration, and how you typically moor.
The General Rule
As a starting point, you need one fender for every primary contact point between your vessel and the dock. Most recreational boats have two main contact zones โ one toward the bow and one toward the stern โ making 2 fenders the minimum effective setup for most boats.
By Vessel Type and Size
Jet Ski and Personal Watercraft (PWC) โ 2 Fenders
Jet skis are compact and typically dock at dedicated PWC pontoons or floating docks. Two fenders positioned at the front and rear of the dock contact zone provide complete hull protection for most personal watercraft configurations.
Boat up to 6m โ 2 to 4 Fenders
Smaller boats up to about 6m in length typically require 2 fenders for basic protection, or 4 fenders for full coverage across the entire length of the berth contact zone. If your berth has a long dock face, 4 fenders gives you overlapping coverage and protects against the hull flexing into unprotected sections during a swell.
Boat 6m to 10m โ 4 to 6 Fenders
Mid-size recreational powerboats and sailing yachts in the 6m to 10m range typically need 4 fenders as a minimum, with 6 fenders providing complete coverage. At this vessel size, the hull contact zone is long enough that gaps between fenders can allow direct dock contact.
Boat 10m and Above โ 6 to 8 Fenders
Larger vessels have extended berth contact zones and are often moored in conditions with more tidal movement and swell. 6 to 8 fenders provides continuous coverage along the full length of the typical contact zone. For commercial or charter vessels, a custom assessment of contact points is recommended.
Berth Configuration Matters
Your berth setup affects how many fenders you need as much as vessel size does.
Side-to Berth (Most Common)
Boats moored side-on to a dock or finger pier have contact along one side. Fenders should be positioned at the bow contact point, the stern contact point, and any mid-ship contact points. For boats with pronounced flare, extra fenders at the widest point of the hull may be required.
Bow-to Berth
Boats berthed bow-first into a pontoon or dock (common for jet skis and smaller powerboats) typically only need fenders at the bow contact point โ 2 fenders side by side provides good coverage.
Stern-to Berth
Mediterranean-style mooring with the stern to the dock requires fenders at the stern corners and potentially along the transom. 2 to 4 fenders depending on transom width.
DockGuard Bundle Recommendations
- 2-Fender Pack: Jet skis, PWC, boats up to 5m, or as a starter setup
- Protection Bundle (4 Fenders): Boats 5m to 8m, or complete coverage for smaller vessels
- Ultimate Bundle (8 Fenders): Boats 8m+, twin berths, marina operators, or full dock coverage
When in Doubt, Add One More
The cost of an additional fender is minimal compared to a single gelcoat repair. If you're unsure whether your setup provides complete coverage, adding one more fender is always the right call. Place it at the point on your hull that you're most uncertain about โ often the mid-ship section where the hull has the most outward flare.