Space fenders evenly along one side from length overall and how many you deploy. Choose end-to-end gaps (count-1) or equal pitch (LOA/count). Geometry only — not a fender diameter chart.
Use when you know LOA and fender count on one side and want even spacing or station marks.
Compare the calculator to the worked example, then nudge for rub rails, midships beam, or rafting extras.
Not a substitute for marina practice or manufacturer size charts.
Effective length L = LOA − 2×inset. Gaps mode: spacing = L ÷ (count − 1); stations at inset + i×spacing. Pitch mode: spacing = L ÷ count; stations at inset + (i+0.5)×spacing.
L = LOA − 2×inset
spacing_gaps = L ÷ (count − 1)
spacing_pitch = L ÷ count
Defaults: LOA 32 ft, 4 fenders, gaps mode, inset 0 → spacing = 32 ÷ 3 ≈ 10.67 ft. Stations at 0, 10.67, 21.33, 32 ft.
With inset 1 ft: L = 30, spacing = 10 ft. Pitch mode: spacing = 8 ft.
Assumptions: straight side reference; count is one side; inset is symmetric.
Limits: curved topsides and midships contact may need extras not predicted by even spacing.
Responsibility: confirm dock and rafting practice locally — geometry only.
Gaps puts first/last at the ends of effective length. Pitch centers n equal segments — useful when ends need pulpit or platform clearance.
Common guidance is roughly one per 10 ft plus a spare — this page spaces the count you enter; it does not invent quantity.
Use the fender size calculator for diameter vs LOA. This page is longitudinal spacing only.