Treating rope and fenders pre-use

[sam pig]

Any tips on what is best for pre-treating natural rope / fenders pre-use... I am sure a boat painter i know mentioned clear varnish is a good idea for reducing wear and tear (of a general variety rather than a rubbing between boat and bank variety)...

 

Thanks

[RLWP]

For natural fibres, soaking in creosote is popular. That's what I intend to do with my bow fender

 

Richard

[Liam]

When I bought the boat there were already 2 tipcats fitted, I finished them off with a 3rd fender, a button.

 

All 3 got a thorough soaking in creosote (substitute) as not only does it protect them it makes them the 'right' colour.

[ditchcrawler]

The last advice I received on this was to use Decking preserver

[Bat & Frog]

What ever you choose to use, read the label well as you may need to leave for a while before refitting. Some of these products are quite toxic when in an aquatic environment.

[bottle]

Recommended Ronseal 'Fencelife' by a well known rope and fender supplier.

 

ps. make sure you pick the right colour.

[bjornunda]

Are the above treatment suggestions really suitable for mooring/centre lines as well as fenders?

[RLWP]

Are the above treatment suggestions really suitable for mooring/centre lines as well as fenders?

 

Do you have natural fibre rope mooring and centre lines? I'd be very surprised if you have

 

Richard

[bjornunda]

Do you have natural fibre rope mooring and centre lines? I'd be very surprised if you have

 

Richard

 

No, mine are Hempex in an attempt to match the manila tipcat and fenders. The op's question also referred to natural rope which I took to mean lines.

[Speedwheel]

All 3 got a thorough soaking in creosote (substitute) as not only does it protect them it makes them the 'right' colour.

 

Didn't know you could get Creosote sub that gives fenders a scrubbed white colour.

 

The thing that really knackers fenders is not the wet but the sun. The best way to protect them is to cover them. Certainly some of the old boatmen used to put a canvas cover over the top of their stern fenders to protect them from the sun.

Edited January 5, 2011 by Speedwheel

[RLWP]

No, mine are Hempex in an attempt to match the manila tipcat and fenders. The op's question also referred to natural rope which I took to mean lines.

 

Right. The manilla ropework is in natural fibres and will need protecting, like soaking in creosote. The Hempex lines are synthetic and will not need treating in that way. I wonder if creosote would damage them?

 

I wash our handling ropes in the washing machine. Put them in a pillowcase unless you enjoy untying granny knots

 

Richard

 

Oh, are you suggesting the OP has natural rope handling lines?

[bjornunda]

<snip>

Oh, are you suggesting the OP has natural rope handling lines?

 

I was, but not any more (op's other post)

 

(edited to add link)

Edited January 5, 2011 by bjornunda

[Chertsey]

Another vote for creosote substitute. It stops all the green stuff and plants growing in them. Don't put them down on painted surfaces though.

[LEO]

Didn't know you could get Creosote sub that gives fenders a scrubbed white colour.

 

The thing that really knackers fenders is not the wet but the sun. The best way to protect them is to cover them. Certainly some of the old boatmen used to put a canvas cover over the top of their stern fenders to protect them from the sun.

 

Hi,

 

I had a cover made up for the rear fenders on a tug style boat, this has the advantage of protecting them, keeping all the leaves off the fenders in the autumn (these leaves remain wet all winter).

 

I also soaked the fenders in a creosote substitute.

 

The front button is covered with an inverted tyre which keeps the weather off.

 

I also had a cover made for the pigeon box, this keeps the engine room warmer (cuts out draughts) and means that it is water proof.

 

Clear panels in this cover do not restrict light.

 

All made at reasonable cost by 'The Little Sewing Boat' (no connection).

 

Ideas were pinched from J Pattles beautifully presented boat 'Brentford'.

 

Leo.

[Speedwheel]

Ideas were pinched from J Pattles beautifully presented boat 'Brentford'.

 

Leo.

Christmas 2005 (if you look closely you can see a 'Jim' doll hanging in the water by a noose).

Edited January 5, 2011 by Speedwheel