Rope Fenders?

[almeyer]

The post on Gerrard's Fourareen showed a pic that included some rope fenders. These look really neat! Anybody have an idea of how to make them? I need something else to delay putting my boat in the water.
Thanks, Al

[Karl A. Hilbert]

Try this.

[Gerrywood]

Basically. Crown a number of strands of natural fibre rope.Keep crowning until the desired length is reached. Best to view instructions. On say google search try. "Make a rope fender" a number of good sites will illustrate how the fender is made. The natural fibre rope shown in the fourareen picture is COIR ROPE this is very light and will float. Three stranded manilla rope of about 28mm dia. unlayed to single strands will do well. Sisal is best avoided as it lacks oil and so rots easily.Best practise with 3 stranded small stuff.Then go for the full monty when you have got the job right. All knot links try .WWW.REALKNOTS.COM

[TC]

An article by Barbara Merry in WoodenBoat #105, March/April 1992, describes how to make a Manila rope fender.

[RonW]

There are rope boat fenders and there are Real rope boat fenders, these are the real ones. Check them out.

http://www.ptjakobsen.com/_wsn/Launch.html

This ought to postpone you for a while. I put a rope fender on the sides of my boat, and had to learn how to weave a large 3 strand rope after making a loop, but nothing like this. Wish I knew how.

[NormMessinger]

My man on the Blackwater cautions that rope fenders are abrasive.

[tidmarsh]

See also H.G. Smith's The Marlinspike Sailor, pp. 91--92.

[mmd]

Consult "the Bible" - Ashley's Book of Knots, pp 555-558. ;)

(To keep rope fenders non-abrasive, use polyproylene rope and flush them with fresh water regularly, same as you wash down your topsides and windscreens.)

[JimConlin]

Rope fenders can also become wildlife habitats.
They're quaint decoration but I wouldn't actually use them.

[almeyer]

Took a little while for the follow-up, but here goes.

I appreciate all the suggestions. I was able to get a copy of the article that appeared in Wooden Boat, and followed the directions (mostly). What I've got turned out to be serviceable, simple to make, and best of all, cheap! Spent about 3 bucks in materials for each fender. They also look good on the boat. I recognize the critter habitat concern, these won't be in the water constantly, and will be allowed to air-dry between outings. Also recognize the issue regarding abrasiveness, nylon might be less abrasive, but is the devil to work when it's unlaid. Besides, I'd rather have the boat rubbing on manila fenders than the wood and metal bits on the dock.
Thanks again for your comments.
Al
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid138/p323da6df059cf893fae54ce5f0b06a34/f72599b1.jpg

[Bill Perkins]

Ron links to a fine perimeter fender .I wonder if the ends are joined at the bow by grafting ( Ashley p 434 )?
http://www.ptjakobsen.com/images/Boats/Models/Launch-770/Launch-770-detail.jpg

[ 09-05-2004, 11:34 AM: Message edited by: Bill Perkins ]