Entry 1 Height matters as much as position
A fender hung too high or too low relative to the dock's rub rail or pilings protects nothing, since it simply misses the point of actual contact. Checking the height against the specific dock, not just hanging fenders at a standard height from habit, prevents this.
Entry 2 Spacing along the hull
Too few fenders leaves gaps where the hull can contact a dock directly, especially as a boat shifts slightly with wake or wind. Spacing fenders to cover the boat's widest points and any corners at pilings covers the situations that matter most.
Entry 3 Moving fenders for a different side or situation
A boat that will be docking on the opposite side than usual, rafting alongside another boat, or facing a piling instead of a flat dock edge needs fenders repositioned for that specific situation rather than left wherever they were from the last stop.
Entry 4 Questions people ask
How many fenders does a typical recreational boat need?
Enough to cover the boat's widest points and any corners near pilings — often three to four for a mid-sized boat, more for a longer hull or unusual dock shape.
Should fenders stay out while underway?
Generally no for open-water travel, since a dragging fender in the water adds drag and can be lost; they're typically deployed just before docking.