A set of doughnut fenders provide distinctive protection to the hull of the author's tender. Note the tails of the fenders on the port side tied to thwart knees.
photographs by the author
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I’ll have to try those. I made a set of four tubular Norwegian-style rope fenders last summer which work very nicely and look great. Once you get the hang of tying a 6-strand crown sinnet, it’s quite easy and fun. But these ones look great in a different way.
Sure, I can really make those from the photos supplied in the article. Not!! This looks like it would be a good one-day class at WoodenBoat school if they would consider doing a Saturday or Sunday class during the summers. I’d like to try making these, but it would be best with hands-on instruction. Thank you.
Oh, they’re really not at all that hard to make. The finished fender may look very complicated, but the single hitches Andy uses are quite simple and look great when they’re all line up together. A 50′ package of 3/8″ sisal rope costs only about $9 at home-improvement stores.
Looks like a good use for old lobster-pot warp. I’d go with one of the petrochemical-based lines as my tubular natural fiber fenders I have for the ducker take a wicked long time to dry.
Beautiful,disciplined, and clever work. I wonder how many grown men will lose the marbles over this very complicated pastime?
The article about doughnut fenders was interesting and here is my patriotic version of one. I wrapped the core strands around a small coffee can and wired them together.
I love the idea of the jig. Holding the coils while I try to stitch them would challenge my dexterity, I think. They are beautiful. My dad would have loved to make some of these!
A great, well-illustrated tutorial—especially the offer of jig ideas and the choices of coil, making this a rewarding confidence-builder with a fine, finished product! I was a military parachute rigger, and grew to admire the discipline behind all manner of knots and rope work. Your straightforward few pages of mentoring are well done.