Fender line knot

[FlyingDutchman]

After loosing a fender a couple of years ago, I now tie my fenders to the handrails using a round turn and two half hitches.
I find this knot time consuming to adjust. Is there a better knot for this purpose?

 

[ShipsWoofy]

I spliced loops just wider than the diameter of the fender. Now, string over wire and fender through loop and Roberts your dad's brother...

 

[michael_w]

Rolling hitch

 

[reeac]

But how do you adjust fender height to allow for different height pontoons etc?

 

[savageseadog]

I've got some patent thingies brand new for a quick adjustable fender line if you are interested.

 

[Poignard]

I use a clove hitch initially when coming alongside, then when the height is adjusted to my liking I add a half-hitch. If expecting to stay a while, or if there is likely to be any great strain on the fenders, I attach them to the bottom of the stanchions with a round turn and two half hitches.

 

[FlyingDutchman]

Aren't these type of thingies a no no?

 

[jerryat]

Yep, I agree. A rolling hitch is fine provided the line is 'matt' finish not 'shiney' as the latter tends to slip. We wack 'em on using an RH then, when we're settled and happy that they're at the right evel etc, we add a round turn with slip knot to allow rapid removal/adjustment.

Worked for us over-wintering all over the place etc and we've not had a fender work loose yet.

 

[temptress]

[ QUOTE ]
I use a clove hitch initially when coming alongside, then when the height is adjusted to my liking I add a half-hitch. If expecting to stay a while, or if there is likely to be any great strain on the fenders, I attach them to the bottom of the stanchions with a round turn and two half hitches.

[/ QUOTE ]

We do exactly the same. also saves stressing the guardwires...

 

[andy_wilson]

When berthing up wind or tide from us, a clove hitch is fine, preferably done by a novice member of crew.

However, I will continue to use a round turn and 2.

I find that if I am coming into a pontoon berth, lowering the fender 'til it just gets dragged by the water whilst underway, then lifting it up a bit, is just the right height to tie it. If rafting up or alongside a wall, I set the shoulder of the fender level with my toe-rail, and that generally hits the spot too.

 

[Cloven]

Clove hitch on the stanchions (NOT THE GUARDWIRES)- easily adjusted for height - then a locking half hitch when you are happy - no probs.

 

[totopalm]

What does it all mean O Lord?????

 

[gerryl]

I know about the stress on the gaurdwires etc., but the stantions are'nt always in the best place. I always tie my fenders on to BOTH gaurdwires i.e a loop round the bottom one and then a rolling hitch on the top one.. spreads the load. Any one do the same?

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

Fender line over the top wire on the outside. Round the fender line AND the stanchion (below the top wire). Finish with a tucked bight under the part that first came over the top wire. Draw tight(ish)
In effect it is just a slipped overhand knot round the stanchion and the standing part of the fender line; however, the fact that it is located at the TEE- junction of the stanchion and the top wire makes it secure. Pulling on the fender cannot possibly undo it: can easily be undone by tugging on the free end.
Has worked for me for longer than I care to remember!

 

[ShipsWoofy]

It's still rope!

 

[TheBoatman]

Gerry
More or less - I've always used the guard wires to tie off the fenders, I use a clove hitch with a single lock around the standing line. I also tend to set my fenders at slightly different heights - just in case.
I've never lost one yet and I believe that using the guard wire allows the fender to pull a bit, rather than having them set tight on the lines.

Peter.

 

[FlyingDutchman]

Thanks everyone for your reactions.
I will try the various knots to see what is easiest for me!