Page 36 - Des Pawson "Des Pawson's Knot Craft" 2 edit.

KNOTCRAFT 2009:Layout 1 23/10/09 12:17 Page 35

Bow Fender

HE SCALE OF THE bow fender can vary enormously. Whatever
Tthe scale, the basic method of construction is the same; there
are 2 basic components, the core and the cover. The core takes all
the punishment and in many ways it is the fender. The cover is
there to protect the core and should look good. Much of the beau-
ty of a bow fender depends on its shape, ie the shape of the core,
so it is essential that plenty of care be taken when building this
up. There should be no lumps or bumps. It can help to finish
with a layer of sacking to give a smooth base over which the hitch-
ing will go. The 2 side pieces, or ‘legs’, should be symmetrical.
At the heart of the core is a ‘backbone’ rope or chain. For all
but the smallest fenders I prefer a chain, but some people use a
heavy wire rope and for a light job a backbone of rope will be
fine. If you do use rope, use a synthetic material that will not rot
before the fender cover has worn out. Fitted to the backbone
can be 1, 2 or more short tails that will help to hold the fender
up at the bow. It is always disappointing to see a bow fender
drooping down; I like to see it tight up and square but
occasionally this has to be sacrificed when the fender is needed
lower down the stem and there are no appropriate fittings to
make the legs fast to.

35