Every time you dock your boat, a properly placed fender will serve as a cushion and protect the hull from hitting the dock and suffering nicks and scratches and bends.

Placing the fenders at the right spots, where the hull is likely to touch the dock, and at the right height is something boaters learn by trial and error.

Sometimes, fenders are placed not where they should be, but where there is a cleat. Seldom do boats have enough cleats to accommodate both lines and fenders.

Some boaters may resist drilling holes to install new cleats. The alternative would be to consult with you local marina to see if they have plastic ties or clips which allow you to hang fenders from rails or other structures that can support a fender. In fact, sometimes the best position for a fender is at a rail stanchion.

The secret to fenders is that they should be readily available when needed and easily adjustable.

When a boat approaches a dock and the fenders are not where they should be, people have a tendency to use their hands to cushion docking. That can prove costly since many a hand has been injured in the process of fending off a boat. To position a fender quickly and at the right height, use the readily available clips.

A look at the different kinds of fender and sizes, not to mention colors, would reveal that there is a large variety available to fit any need and budget. There are fenders which can be hung vertically, others which can be hung horizontally and others which can serve both purposes.

The hole-through-the middle fender has a center tunnel that runs from one end to the other so designed to thread a line. Both ends of the line are secured to a boat or to a dock. The center rope tube makes the fender suitable for horizontal use. By adjusting the length of the line, the right position of the fender is easy to determine. This fender may also be used in a vertical position if a large knot is placed at one end to prevent the line from slipping through.

The two eyelet fenders are similar to the through hole fender in that they can be hung vertically or horizontally. A variation of the two eyelet fender is the single eyelet fender. It can only be hung vertically.

The spherical buoy fender provides added strength because it disperses the cushioning shock throughout the buoy. It can also be used at the flared bow of a boat since their large diameter allows the buoy to extend beyond the flare.

When the boat gets under way, it is a common practice to bring the fenders inside the boat. Leaving the fenders hanging outside when the boat is moving fast through the water may risk damaging the fenders or even loosing one.

If the boat is equipped with fender holders, the fenders are usually placed there. Otherwise a suitable spot is found to just keeping them secure and out of the way.

Much like other equipment on board, fenders must be kept clean. Dirt and slime from docks and pilings are easily visible on white color fenders. Cleaning fenders regularly keeps them in good shape. Dark colored fenders better hide the dirt, but when they are pulled on board, they have a tendency to transfer the dirt to everything with which they come in contact.

By far, one of the worse situations a fender might face is while going though locks. The grease and slime on the walls of locks renders them untouchable!

One way to keep fenders clean is to wash them regularly. Use an environmentally safe cleaner available from your local marina. Using unsuitable cleaners may also damage the surface of the fender.

Of course one can always purchase fender covers to fit the size of the particular fenders used. Fender covers tend to be expensive, almost as expensive as a fender, depending on size and material used. But they are easier to clean; they protect the fender and keep it clean. At the end of the cruise, they can be hosed down or washed in a washing machine.

John E. Keshishoglou is the

commander of the Ithaca Flotilla 22