How to Raft up Boats Correctly: A Complete Guide for Safe and Secure Rafting 

How to Raft Up Boats Correctly: A Complete Guide for Safe and Secure Rafting

Introduction: The Basics of Rafting Up Boats

Rafting up — tying boats together while anchored or moored — is one of the great pleasures of boating in New Zealand. From relaxing afternoon swims to overnight gatherings with friends, rafting up allows boaters to connect easily on the water.

But proper rafting technique is essential. It protects your vessel, ensures comfort for everyone on board, and maintains safety in changing weather or tidal conditions.

This guide explains how to raft up correctly, what to prepare, and how to keep your boat safe using the right fenders and rafting lines.

Why Boaters Raft Up in New Zealand

Marlborough Sounds & D’Urville Island

These iconic southern cruising grounds feature deep bays and steep shorelines. Anchoring is often difficult or impractical. For this reason, many skippers rely on laid moorings, and rafting to boats already on the mooring is common practice — especially during busy summer periods.

Northern NZ Waters

Further north, the bays are wider and shallower. Raft-ups are more social, with families and groups joining together to share anchorages. Many boats raft while swinging on anchor(s), and as boating traffic increases each season, raft-ups have become a regular part of Kiwi cruising life.

Rafting Up Preparation

Whether you’re rafting up on a mooring, anchor, or stern line, the fundamental principles remain the same. Proper preparation prevents damage and ensures the whole raft moves safely as one unit.

Key Factors to Consider

• Weather forecast and expected wind changes
• Number, size, and weight of all boats involved
• Strength of the mooring or anchor setup
• Whether the raft is temporary or overnight
• Positioning of larger vessels in the centre
• Any boats that may need to depart early

Step 1: Prepare Your Fenders

Before approaching the raft, position your fenders correctly. Fenders provide essential hull protection and reduce noise and rubbing between vessels.

Recommended setup:

• Two large fenders amidships (1–2 metres apart)
• One forward
• One aft
• Height adjusted to protect above and below the rub rail

Larger inflatable fenders are ideal because they offer significant cushioning and can be stored compactly after use.

Step 2: Prepare Your Mooring Lines

Attach your mooring lines to strong cleats — not handrails or fittings. For a safe raft-up, you’ll need:

• Bow line
• Stern line
• Two spring lines (run diagonally between boats)

Use stretchable nylon rope. Avoid non-stretch halyards or sheets, as these create jarring loads and can damage cleats in rough conditions.

How to Raft Up Boats: Step-by-Step

1. Approach Slowly

Reduce speed and avoid creating wake. Crew should stay seated with hands and feet inside the boat.

2. Position Beside the Host Boat

Approach abeam (side-on) if able, or at a 45° angle if wind or current requires. Pass your bow and stern lines to the host crew.

3. Secure Lines Properly

Attach lines to cleats or designed strong points. Adjust the boat’s position until both hulls sit evenly.

4. Add Spring Lines

Run your spring lines from your bow to the other boat’s stern, and vice versa, forming an “X”. These lines control fore-and-aft motion and keep the whole raft stable.

5. Adjust Fenders and Line Tension

Create a continuous “fender wall” and tension spring lines firmly. Bow and stern lines can remain slightly looser to reduce jolting.

6. Leaving the Raft Up

Release spring lines first, then bow and stern lines. Drift gently back before motoring away slowly.

Rafting Up Safety Tips

• Expect occasional wakes from passing boats — tension lines accordingly.
• Ensure all boats contribute suitable fenders and lines.
• Keep tender access clear.
• Re-check lines during the night if rafting up overnight.

A well-tensioned raft should move as one, without banging, jerking, or fender roll-out.

Hauraki Fenders: Recommended Products for Raft Ups

Hauraki Inflatable Fenders

Purpose-designed for rafting up, with large protection volume and compact storage when deflated. Hauraki Fenders are the ultimate fender for rafting. 

Hauraki Fender Covers

Hauraki Fender Covers reduce noise, squeaking, and hull marking during raft-ups and overnight stays. With three cover options - knitted polyester (hard wearing), fleece (perfect for vinyl wrapped hulls) and neoprene, there is something for every boat.

Hauraki Nylon Rafting Line

The ideal blend of elasticity, strength, and diameter for securing boats together safely. Hauraki Fenders have a range of rafting lines, from pre-made packs, to shock absorbing lines to custom made nylon lines with shock absorbers attached, there is a rafting line for every situation.

Need Help Choosing the Right Rafting Gear?

If you have questions about rafting up, fender sizing, rafting lines, or safe anchoring practice, the team at Hauraki Fenders is always happy to help.

Contact us here.