A fender is a necessary addition to any and all watercraft. It protects the craft from damage when coming alongside another craft, pier or wharf. There are many style and sizes. While I have listed the most common choices, it is also possible to tie fenders to your specifications.
A note on materials used:
Manilla rope is the traditional source. It is a type of fiber obtained from the leaves of the abacá. It is very durable, flexible, and resistant to salt water damage, allowing its use in rope, hawsers, ships’ lines and fishing nets.
Polypropylene (Synthetic) is the lightest and most economical synthetic rope, with approximately twice the tensile strength of manila. Synthetic rope will not rot or mildew, is resistant to most chemicals and acids, floats in salt and fresh water, and can be stored wet.