Sailors/Boaters, what are 'rubber fenders' on a boat/yacht?

Question

What does it refer to in the following sentence?

"Kelly scrambled along the portside to deploy his rubber fenders."

Answer 1

Best answer

They are something like heavy duty rubber balloons - or even old car tyres - hung on the sides or docks or boats, to cushion any impact and prevent damage when a boat is tied against a dock wall.

The size depends partly on the size of the boat/ship..

Examples:

https://c8.alamy.com/comp/EB3BFE/close-up-of-boat-...

http://www.pneumaticrubberfenders.com/photo/pl1972...

Answer 2

Rubber tubes filled with air that keep the boat and dock from scraping each other.

Answer 3

The link is to a Taylor Boat fender boats carry them inboard so they can be tossed over the side (tied on of course) to keep from rubbing up against a dock.

https://www.amazon.com/slp/taylor-made-boat-bumper...