What is essential to rig in order to prevent hull damage?

To prevent hull damage, it is essential to rig fenders. Fenders serve as protective bumpers between the boat and the dock or other vessels. When a boat is docked, moored, or otherwise interacting with surfaces that could cause impact, fenders absorb the shock of contact, thereby minimizing the risk of scraping or denting the hull. This protection is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the boat's structure and ensuring its longevity.

Using weight bags, transmitters, or ropes may have specific applications in various maritime activities, but they do not directly address the primary concern of preventing hull damage during docking or close quarters maneuvering. Weight bags might be utilized for stability or ballast, transmitters for communication or navigation purposes, and ropes for securing the vessel, but none provide the necessary cushioning that fenders do to protect against physical impacts.