jmg

Hi One of the most overlooked and underrated builders today has to be Dave Thomas @ Braunston. Has been in the business for many years builds some of the most robust boats on the system. Build quality is second to non-without being flash. Dave seldom advertises this must say something about his product if he is still in business after all these years without even advertising in the waterways press regularly. The product talks volumes itself. Regards

In my opinion the best type of rope to use on a narrow boat is polyester braid on braid in particular the buff/matt type rather than the shiny ones good example available from English Braids. Braid on Braid tends to be more expensive than your average 3 strand or 8 plat but it is great to handle in all conditions stays soft to the touch in all weather conditions and coils in any direction and is less prone to kinking and knotting. I have found these lines at reasonable prices at both http://www.tradline.co.uk . These lines are particularly useful as a centre line in particular if you tend to go single handed.

I have been a professional full time fender maker for over 10 years and aim to sell the best quality fenders and rope products at a competitive price. All fenders are made using traditional methods and materials. No industrial buy products are used in the construction of any of these fenders i.e. rubber or carpet. All cores are constructed and covered in 100% new rope. View my website here: http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Carnwath-rope-and-fender-company

Hi This lot are not bad for fenders etc http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Carnwath-rope-and-fender-company

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Carnwath-rope-and-fender-company

Just a couple of comments on this topic. Re fender maker on the Oxford Canal Eric has nor been there for about three years now. Pete from Tradline has premises in both Braunston & at Stowhill. Tradline also do what they call a cill fender which hangs below the button and as the name suggests prevents the stem post banging on the lock cill particularly when single handed. The cill fender is a smaller version of the horseshoe fender shown above and is the same price as a button fender. These fenders are not on the Tradline price list but if you give Pete a call he makes them to order call 01788891761 or email pete@tradline.co.uk

Hi Why not try ebay for what you require there are some bargains to be had. Take a look @ Carnwath Rope & Fender Company on Ebay. Loads of great items at great prices and considerably cheaper than any chandlery