Author Topic: Narrowboat fenders  (Read 13436 times)

WillR

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Narrowboat fenders
« on: August 26, 2007, 03:05:09 PM »
I'm sure this comes up all the time, but I've done a search of the forum to no avail.....

I'd like to make my own (flashy) fenders for my narrowboat.  Is anyone aware of any internet resources which show how this is done or perhaps a really good book on the subject.  I've seen the fenders generally on sale and they seem cheap and tacky.  I'd like to make my own from quality materials.  Any advice on the right rope to use would be great also.  My knotting experience is limited to doing my own splices - which I'm pleased with, but I'm keen to learn.

DerekSmith

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Re: Narrowboat fenders
« Reply #1 on: August 27, 2007, 09:03:07 AM »
Hi WillR,

Fenders by nature are working SACRIFICIAL components, and this tends to explain why commercially available units are cheap and 'tacky'.  Stick fenders on your boat that you have labored maybe hundreds of hours on and see them after you have dragged them through a dozen locks and you will quickly realise why the black rubber 'Linfords' are becoming so popular.

One piece of advice I would offer is to make sure that the skin on your hands is really tough before you attempt this, because the rope you will need to be using feels like it is full of splinters and thorns.  It rips into 'Office' skin in seconds.

Derek

Brian_Grimley

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Re: Narrowboat fenders
« Reply #2 on: August 27, 2007, 02:00:02 PM »
Hi WillR,

As I am sure you are aware, you have posted to the forum of the IGKT (International Guild of Knot Tyers) and one of our publications is the "The  DIY Book of Fenders" by Colin Jones. It is here: http://www.igkt.net/publications/ . I understand it addresses the particular fenders used by narrowboats (I do not own a copy but, it is on my "one day" list  :) ). In addition, Des Pawson, an IGKT member, shows fenders in his Knot Craft book.

A picture of Dave Walker, the IGKT Hon. Secretary, in one of the "Knotting Matters", a quarterly publication of the IGKT, shows him standing beside a large fender in his workshop. You have posted to the right place to look for information on fenders for narrowboats. I am confident others will point you in the right direction. I live in Canada, not the U.K., and only enjoy pictures of the narrowboat!

Cheers, Brian.

Ps. wear gloves  ;D

Fairlead

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Re: Narrowboat fenders
« Reply #3 on: August 27, 2007, 07:56:02 PM »
Will,
If you had been at the IWA Festival this weekend you could have spoken to some of the most knowledgeable members on Narrow boat ropework, and bought Colin Jones book!  If you come across Ken Nelson or Colin Grundy, they are both worth taling to.  Dave Walker is commercial and makes fenders to sell (thus they are the less savoury type that you talk about) nevertheless he knows his stuff too.
I don't agree with Derek Smith - on account that some (quality) narrow boat fenders are made from cotton or its polyester substitute so it is not hard on the hands.
One thing I would advise thought - The best way to learn fendermaking is alongside a fendermaker but if you are going to learn from a book or the Internet - start by making true to form MODELS, you will learn a lot, and discover the mistakes the gurus were not able to tell you in person. 

Gordon

Brian_Grimley

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Re: Narrowboat fenders
« Reply #4 on: August 28, 2007, 12:42:35 PM »
Following Fairlead's post, for those of us not familiar with traditional narrowboat ropework and the narrow canals of the U.K., here is an essay on "Canal Decorative Ropework" that I enjoyed: http://www.canaljunction.com/narrowboat/ropework.htm .

WillR

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Re: Narrowboat fenders
« Reply #5 on: September 01, 2007, 07:15:28 PM »
Hi All,
Thanks for the replies.  Maybe there will be some more.  I appreciate that fenders are sacrificial and therefore transitory by nature.  However, I do want them to look good.  I've seen some unusual knotting designs on the occasional front or rear fender and some really big ones which look like excellent shock absorbers.

I took a look at the essay at http://www.canaljunction.com/narrowboat/ropework.htm  and you are right Brian.  It contains lots of ideas.

I will also buy Colin Jones' book. 

I still am interested in more hints and tips if anyone has any.

Brian_Grimley

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Re: Narrowboat fenders
« Reply #6 on: September 08, 2007, 01:27:06 AM »
WillR, if you enjoyed the canaljunction essay, you might enjoy the story of Ben Selfe (IGKT member) of the butty Lyra and his work in the film "The Golden Compass" here: http://www.knotkrazy.co.uk/filmwork.htm . Great story: a dream come true I think! (His site is worth checking out as well.)

DerekSmith

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Re: Narrowboat fenders
« Reply #7 on: September 08, 2007, 08:24:32 AM »
Thanks Brian,

What a thoroughly pleasant read that was.

derekmw

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Re: Narrowboat fenders
« Reply #8 on: September 10, 2007, 11:09:32 PM »
Hi,

Just returned from a narrowboat holiday, loved it. Likewise I was wondering how fenders are made. Keep an eye on the following web site. fendermakersltd.co.uk. They are bringing out a DVD on the secrets of fender making, No idea when but it may be of help

Apologies for the intrusion.

Derek

DerekSmith

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Re: derekmw
« Reply #9 on: September 11, 2007, 12:26:31 AM »
Yo Namesake,

Welcome.

Do you knot?

Derek Smith

derekmw

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Re: Narrowboat fenders
« Reply #10 on: September 11, 2007, 09:08:14 PM »
Evenin' all,

Thanks for welcome.

Started knotting as a Wolf Cub, last century, and have been ever since. Spent a lot of years paking Survival and Safety Equipment for the RAF. However it was always practical or sacrificial, not pritty. I also work canvas and leather for my sins as a horse owner.

The Narrowboat holiday has been an eye opener and spurned the want for more information. Not sure where it will take me though. All sorts of ideas running round in my head.

Catch you again

DerekMW





derekmw

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Re: Narrowboat fenders
« Reply #11 on: September 17, 2007, 10:58:19 PM »
Evenin' all

Just found another site that may be of " INTEREST " if you really want to make your own fenders ?

waterwayscraftguild.org.uk

They appear to be running a course sometime later this year. Who knows I may get to going myself.

There's a link via canaljunction.com

Regards

Namesake, Derek MW






squarerigger

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Re: Narrowboat fenders
« Reply #12 on: September 18, 2007, 01:51:25 AM »
Hi Derek and welcome again,

Many, many thanks for sending details of the Waterways Craft Guild.  MOST interesting!  Particularly the part about providing training (at specific locations and on predetermined dates, TBD) and levels of achievement, with details of how to achieve those levels.  Could our own Guild perhaps follow suit?  The levels in the Waterways Craft Guild are Apprentice, Journeyman, Senior Journeyman and Master, with a special category for those whose contributions do not fit so neatly into one or other of those categories, perhaps having a specialized skill and a more general knowledge, but nevertheless an cknowledged craft expert.  With due acclaim for your having identified this group, I intend to bring it to the attention of our Council members, to try to define what might be some training and classification for our own members or would-be members. ;D

SR

derekmw

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Re: Narrowboat fenders
« Reply #13 on: September 18, 2007, 03:54:33 PM »
Afternoon all,

Training and certification, of one type or another sounds good to me. At least I then know where I am with a set standard of acheivement and skill at hand.  It's also another way for member and non members to participate in knot tying.  Of course there,s also the social side. Knot tyers from all over the counrty getting togther in one place. I believe they call it networking in business. Usually followed by a hangover.

Catch you soon

Derek



 


 

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