The bumpers protect the shores of the boat from collisions with docks, piers and other boats. Stand on the boat to properly adjust the position of the bumpers, adjust their height to match the dock or whatever you want to protect the boat from. You can use a clove hitch to secure the bumper to a cleat or stanchion.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Spacing the bumpers
Step 1. Use at least 3 bumpers on the boat
A boat must have at least 3 bumpers attached to it to protect it efficiently, more will always be a good option. You can follow the guideline of having one bumper for every 300 cm (10 feet) of the waterline and always have a minimum of 3.
Step 2. Attach a bumper to the widest part of the boat
The widest part is the one that meets something first along the sides, so you will definitely want to put a bumper in this section.
You can put other bumpers in front and behind
Step 3. Use a bumper board if the gaps between the piles are large
Sometimes the boat will run into the piles even with attached bumpers if the gaps between piles are large. To avoid this, you can use bumper boards that connect two of these, forming a barrier.
Part 2 of 3: Position the bumpers
Step 1. Orient the bumpers either vertically or horizontally
If the boat will be parked side by side, by a dock, or by a levee, you will want to tie the bumpers vertically. If the boat will be next to piles or poles, opt to tie them horizontally.
Step 2. Pick something sturdy and low to tie up the bumpers
You'll want to tie them as low as possible, using something sturdy like a hook or strut. Tying them low will help keep them firm and prevent them from spinning too much.
Avoid tying the bumpers on top of the lifeline or rail
Step 3. Stand on the boat to adjust the heights of the bumpers
Stand next to what you will protect the ship to decide where the bumpers will go. Stand on the boat when adjusting, next to the dock, boat, or other structure.
Step 4. Adjust the bumpers according to what it recharges with
When holding the bumper over the boat, position it so that it becomes a shock absorber between the boat and the dock or other structure. You will have to raise or lower the bumpers depending on the height of what you will protect the boat from.
Part 3 of 3: Tying a clove hitch or similar knot
Step 1. Lay the rope over the bar to begin tying a clove hitch knot
With the bumper hanging off the side of the boat, place the working end of the rope over the rail or bar.
The end in use of the rope is the end that you used to tie the knot, not the end tied to a bumper
Step 2. Wind the rope halfway around the rail or bar
Once the rope is on the rail, wrap it under the rail.
Step 3. Cross the rope over the wound part
Pull the working end of the rope up and over the part of the rope that is still over the rail. You should form an "X" with the string.
Step 4. Wrap the used end of the rope around the rail again
Complete the "X" by pulling the string under and halfway up the rail one more time.
Step 5. Pull the end in use through the loop you created
Once the rope is halfway around the rail, you will have created a loop. Pull the working end of the string under this loop, pulling tight on the string.
The weight of the bumper will pull the knot down, holding it tight and in place
Step 6. Use a half hitch knot as a simple alternative
To tie a half hitch knot, wrap the rope around the rail, passing the end under the posed part of the rope. Pull the end of the string up through the loop you just created. Pull hard to secure it.
You can repeat this process to create several half hooks, further securing the rope
Advice
- Use marine grade rope and make sure it is not slippery or the knots will come loose.
- Check the rope from time to time to make sure it is frayed or damaged by the sun.