It takes time to gain experience as a sailor. More time for some than others, maybe. I wondered for many years what was the purpose of the planks attached to the rail wire of some yachts. Never bothered to ask. Maybe I should have, it might have been beneficial to have such ones coming into a crowded harbour for the night.
Tying up to pilings for the night is not so common or popular in Scandinavia. You do not see that many yachts carrying fenderboards. And in the the majority of harbours you do not need them. But in some you can find unused possibilities in the high season if able to tie up to pilings, fully or partially.
Inspired by the Practical Sailor July 2018 issue, I this spring went on and bought a length of 1 1/2 x 6 inch pine plank. Maybe I would have chosen 2 x 8 if sailing out in the big world, but that size is considerably heavier.
I have seen some simpler versions, but I like the PS one. I want the fender loops, I believe they will prevent the fenders to act as a roller bearing between the hull and the board. The common solution is 2 fenders, but holes for using 3 fenders were drilled. Then again, probably no fender loop will be strictly necessary for the middle fender.
Also the recommended 5 feet length was accepted. Seems to be OK for storing inside or along the rail. And maybe still long enough to double as gangway in some instances, if joined with the use of a couple of long transverse bolts.
To simplify storage, I want as few as possible permanent lines attached. Therefore the plan is to use dyneema loops as attachment points for suspension lines and for the horizontal fixing lines.
Finally, a layer of wood preservation oil will be added to prevent water soaking into the boards. That would only make them heavier.
Recessed holes on the outside to prevent line chafe.
Also a recess at each end for the protection of the planned dyneema loop
Planned dyneema loop fitted.
