Figuring out Fenders: A Design Project

[newtothis]

We do not know that. You have only made an assumption. How do you know if the Op has made other inquiries elsewhere & is just filling in gaps.
Perhaps we should ask the OP first about his/her project & to what direction the research is actually meant to go

Don't be ridiculous. The correct form is to belittle and ridicule the OP in order to show the infinite superiority of your knowledge, freely dispersed at the yacht club bar, and to demoralise any young upstart showing any interest in sailing or educating themselves.

 

[vyv_cox]

What about socks/no socks? Usually sparks a debate.

 

[JumbleDuck]

What about socks/no socks? Usually sparks a debate.

Never with shorts.

 

[newtothis]

Never with shorts.

But sandals?

 

[Biggles Wader]

We often stay on board for weeks at a time. How many times a week is that?

Twice a night would make 14 but I suggest we would rather not know.:ambivalence:

 

[JumbleDuck]

But sandals?

I have no issue with socks+sandals, as long as shorts are eschewed.

 

[Daydream believer]

I think perhaps it would be a little more in the spirit of fairness to ask the Op about his project. Having read so far he is probably too embarrassed, but perhaps some encouragement might not go amiss.:encouragement:

 

[newtothis]

I have no issue with socks+sandals, as long as shorts are eschewed.

The relevant authorities have been alerted.

 

[Tranona]

I have no issue with socks+sandals, as long as shorts are eschewed.

Then you would not get your post delivered round here.

 

[Daydream believer]

I have no issue with socks+sandals, as long as shorts are eschewed.

Underware?
Yes /No, usage - sniff test- style etc etc etc
Now that might make an interesting research project for a student, especially if age related. The observance of rules as one ages must make interesting reading

 

[Tranona]

I think that's unfair. The OP said this was just a starting point, and it's clear that all s/he wants to know now is (a) how often do you go sailing (b) how many fenders do you use and (c) where do you keep them. That could go in all sorts of directions and it's a perfectly good starting point.

+1

Some of the best student projects start from asking what may seem very basic questions. The less good ones often start from something like "! have this solution, what do you think"

 

[MattFro]

These are all excellent points, and things I had not considered, cheers Neal!

Unfortunately I'm a bit limited by the survey host and the number of questions I can ask, I was also limited by my own knowledge, hence why the survey asks only basic questions. I've gotta start with the groundwork, but these points will help me build up from there.

 

[MattFro]

Not super critical, but a good point. The vast majority of replies have certainly been from sailing types, so I may just create another survey and target boaters with it at a later date. Depends which route I decide to go down.

 

[MattFro]

I am wondering if this is what the education system is coming to?
A design project about fenders?....
That ignores the basic shape and size of fenders (round, flat, cylindrical, step, bow, sleeve bow bulbous bow.. etc)
That ignores questions about where a vessel is berthed and what sort of swell the fenders have to contend witham
That doesn't ask about the locker space on a boat
That doesn't ask what other equipment is stored in said lockers.. (inflatable?)

It's going to take some imagination to write a dissertation that can be summed up as "the more the better for looking after the boat but which is compromised by available storage space".

Despite the rather silly form in which they were delivered, these are actually quite good points, cheers.

 

[pvb]

Then you would not get your post delivered round here.

 

[NormanS]

Sorry, but it all seems a pointless exercise. Fenders are fenders, and are used as required, and stowed where convenient.
I'm not sure how "How often do you sail?" contributes to the use or stowage of fenders. The way the question is asked, (once a day / once a week etc) is ridiculous for a yacht used for cruising. In my own case, we have about six trips each lasting two to three weeks, each year. What answer should I give? I'm out!

 

[GaryNattrass]

I have lots of Fenders but quite a few Gibsons and PRS.

Motor boater on the Thames if that helps your research with 10 fenders left out all the time!

They are royal blue and white to match my Stevens 1040 colour scheme too!

 

[bluerm166]

Suggest this is not really about fenders.It's actually about why some posters are so predictably argumentative.

 

[john_morris_uk]

Sorry, but it all seems a pointless exercise. Fenders are fenders, and are used as required, and stowed where convenient.
I'm not sure how "How often do you sail?" contributes to the use or stowage of fenders. The way the question is asked, (once a day / once a week etc) is ridiculous for a yacht used for cruising. In my own case, we have about six trips each lasting two to three weeks, each year. What answer should I give? I'm out!

I think you may be missing the point of some aspects of undergraduate research.

 

[Daydream believer]

I'm conducting research into demographics and potential problems concerning fender operation and storage. It's an undergraduate design project, and I'm in the early stages currently so I'm scoping things out and collecting as much useful data as I can. .

If I was doing this project - & i know... I am not!!- i would start by asking if there was actually a problem to be solved in the first instance.

I know one might be looking for a job in the EU, or just a minor government post, so solving a problem that does not exist is of real importance, but !!!!!!!!!!!!