GL: Fender Boards

[Paul W. Weakley]

Two years ago while cruising on the Erie Canal I noticed a rather unique
fender board arrangement.  This was a piece of plywood approximately two to
three feet square.  On the boat side of this board were (was) mounted two
fenders so the board would not contact the boat's hull.  They were not as
large as one would use normally in a locking situation.  Just large enough
to prevent the board from hitting the hull.  The unique part of this fender
board was a "swivel wheel" mounted in the center of the outboard side of
this board.  The "swivel wheel" was approximately four or five inches in
diameter.  Large enough to keep the board from contacting the lock wall.  I
believe the boat had two of these "rolling fender boards".  One fore and one
aft placed where they would not loose contact with the wall and the boat
such as at the narrow part of the bow.  The "swivel wheel" would turn as
necessary as the boat moved up and down the lock wall.  I never saw it in
action but, it seemed like a great idea.


Pablo
Aboard ABACUS
Nordhavn 35-06