Yacht Mooring
Equipment Checklist

Minimum: 3 for yachts under 40 ft, one per 10 ft of waterline for larger yachts. For Med cruising, carry at least 6 regardless of size. Always have 1–2 spares beyond what you normally deploy. Match fender diameter to yacht length: 1 inch per 4–5 feet of LOA.

Two bow lines, two stern lines, two spring lines. Length should be at least 1.5× the yacht's LOA for breast lines, and equal to LOA for spring lines. Material: polyester for marina use. Nylon stretches too much for a berth and degrades faster in sun.

Fender hooks are faster and more convenient for frequent docking — clip on, instant height adjustment, no knots. Fender lines are more versatile for unusual attachment points like rafting up. Many owners carry both: hooks for routine docking, lines as backup.

Prevents hull scuffing, blocks UV from the fender surface, and extends fender life significantly. Looks professional. If you buy one upgrade from this list, make it this one. In sunny marinas, a set of neoprene covers can add several years to your fenders.

For every location where mooring lines contact the hull, fairlead, or chock. A mooring line passing over an unprotected fairlead will chafe through — we've seen 20mm lines worn to half their diameter in a single season. Rope covers protect both the line and your gelcoat.

You need to inflate (and occasionally top up) your fenders. A compact hand pump that fits your fender valves is essential. Keep it accessible — not buried under six months of supplies. The one time you need it in a hurry is not when you want to be emptying a locker.

Keeps fenders, covers, and spare lines organized and protected. Sounds minor until you're trying to find your spare fenders at 7am in a rolly anchorage. A good bag keeps everything together, dry, and out of UV. Fenders stored in a bag last measurably longer than those left exposed on deck.

Not strictly mooring gear, but invaluable for grabbing mooring lines, lazy lines, and buoys during Med-style stern-to approaches. Every yacht should have one. The difference between catching a lazy line cleanly on the first pass and missing it with a dock full of watching diners is often a boat hook.

For yachts with limited deck hardware, additional cleats or turning blocks give you more options for mooring line routing. Particularly useful if you frequently need to rig spring lines at non-standard angles or moor alongside another yacht.

A lightweight, high-visibility line you can throw to the dock or to someone on a mooring buoy. Much easier to throw accurately than your 18mm mooring line. In a Med harbour with a strong crosswind, a good heaving line is the difference between a clean approach and an embarrassing drift.