Fender (boating)

In boating, a fender is a bumper used to keep boats from banging into docks or each other.

Fenders are nowadays constructed from a rubber or plastic hull filled with air or foam. Historically, they were woven from rope in a variety of patterns still used today by historic boat owners.

Boats usually have mobile fenders which are placed between the boat and the dock as the boat approaches the dock. Docks and other bodies to which boats may approach, such as canal entrances and bases of bridges, have permanent fenders placed to avoid damage from boats. Old tires are often reused as fenders in such places.