A raft-up is one of the most social and entertaining ways to enjoy life on the water. It’s when two or more boats tie up side by side, creating a floating party. Whether you’re spending the day sunbathing, swimming, or celebrating with friends, a successful raft-up depends on a few key ingredients: good weather, good company, and the right gear to keep everyone—and every boat— safe.
At AERÉ Marine, we know a spontaneous float party or a planned raft-up is more fun when you can relax without worrying about boat damage. That’s where our inflatable boat fenders come in.
Essential Gear for a Raft-Up
When multiple boats tie up together, some impact is inevitable. Wind, wake, or people moving around can cause boats to bump and grind against one another. To avoid damage, you’ll need the right equipment:
- AERÉ Inflatable Boat Fenders: A must for protecting your hull. Our fenders are lightweight, easy to inflate, and up to 10x stronger than standard vinyl options.
- Dock Lines and Fender Lines: Secure each boat properly using lines that keep spacing consistent and absorb movement.
- Anchors and Ropes: Ensure that the boats don’t drift or swing into each other. Ideally, one or two boats drop anchor, and others tie off.
- Fenda-Sox Covers: These protect both the fenders and your boat’s finish. They’re soft, non-abrasive, and stylish—ideal for keeping any vessel looking its best, from dayboats to luxury yachts.
- Inflatable Docks and Platforms: Create extra space for lounging, swimming, or staging gear. AERÉ’s inflatable docks and platforms are durable, easy to deploy, and enhance any raft-up gathering.
How to Use Inflatable Boat Fenders at a Raft-Up
When rafting up, the way you use your fenders is critical. Here’s how to do it right:
- Place Fenders Between Every Boat
Never assume the neighboring boat has its fenders out. Protect your vessel on both sides. AERÉ inflatable boat fenders are ideal because they inflate quickly, can be sized to your boat’s length, and are easy to manage before and after your raft-up.
Pro tip: Most boaters underestimate how many fenders they’ll need. It’s always better to have extras onboard, especially for raft-ups where you may need coverage on both sides or help protect a neighbor’s boat.
- Adjust Fender Height for Alignment
Fender placement isn’t one-size-fits-all. Check where your hull is likely to make contact and hang fenders above the waterline. Adjustable fender lines make this process easier, especially when tying up to boats of different sizes. - Don’t Forget the Stern
People will be hopping from boat to boat—and often using the stern to swim. If your raft-up has tight spacing or heavy movement, consider placing an extra fender near the stern to protect the transom area from bumps or scuffs during boarding and swimming.
Pro Tips for a Safe and Smooth Raft-Up
- Designate a Lead Boat: Typically the biggest or heaviest boat anchors and acts as the center of the raft-up.
- Tie Off Correctly: Tie bow to bow and stern to stern—avoiding crossing lines wherever possible.
- Watch the Weather: Winds can shift your setup. Make sure fenders are always in the right place to absorb new angles of movement.
- Leave Room for Adjustment: As people move around and tides shift, re-check lines and fenders periodically.
Why AERÉ Inflatable Boat Fenders Are Perfect for Raft-Ups
Not all fenders are created equal. AERÉ inflatable boat fenders stand out for their durability, portability, and variety of size options. Built with reinforced materials, stainless steel D-rings, and easy-to-use air valves, they inflate quickly and store compactly when not in use.
Paired with AERÉ’s high-speed inflators, they’re ready to deploy in minutes—ideal for spontaneous gatherings or changing conditions on the water.
Make Every Raft-Up Memorable (and Damage-Free)
Raft-ups are all about having fun, relaxing, and making memories on the water—but that doesn’t mean you should take chances with your boat’s safety. With AERÉ Marine’s inflatable boat fenders and accessories, you’ll be ready to tie up and party without a worry in the world.
Pro tip: Bring more fenders than you think you’ll need. Whether it’s a late arrival or a shift in tide or wind, having extras onboard keeps you prepared and protected.
Before your next float party, stock up on the essentials that make rafting up safer and more enjoyable because nothing ruins a good time like a scratched hull or a cracked swim platform.
Shop AERÉ’s full raft-up lineup to prep for your next float party.
