Equipment needed

• Fender list with insert and joint/end fittings (optional).
• Boiler w/water (kettle, oil drum or similar) and a heating element.
• A drill with bits for screws.
• Screws for fastening of the fender list (body work screws or screws with nut)
• Sealant for screw holes (Sicaflex or similar)
• Mix of Zalo (dish soap) and water.
• Sharp knife or saw (to cut the fender list)
• Work gloves protecting against heat.

 

Heating

A mounting temperature of ca. 40°C will make the profile soft and easy to work with. A lower temperature will make the fender list harder, while a higher temperature wil make it softer.

 

If it is desirable to stretch the fender list, it needs to be heated to 80°C in a water bath or heat cabinet for approximately 45-60 minutes.

 

Groundwork on the boat

The mounting surface for the fender list must be equal or bigger than the mounting surface of the fender list.

 

Control that the mounting surface and the flange cutting edge are even. If there are screws under the fender list the need to be countersunk and holes must be filled, this to avoid unevenness to be visible on the fender list.

 

Mounting of main list

Use gloves if the fender list is heated to 40°C.

 

1. Pull the fender list around the boat and screw the list temporarily in place such that it does not fall off. Overshooting material is cut off.
2. Screw holes in the fender list and boat side are pre drilled, and filled with sealants to prevent moisture penetration following completed mounting. Holes are drilled through the slot at the centre of the profile, distance between screws should be max. 10cm.
3. Fender list is screwed on. Do NOT screw too tight such that the fender list gives in, this makes waves that will be visible on the surface of the fender list.

 

Mounting of insert

 

1. The insert is heated in aboiler with water to 40°C.
2. The insert is fastened at one end.
3. Spray with a mix of water and zalo (dish soap) during the work to ensure that the insert is easily and neatly placed.
4. Place the insert into the fender lists lower lip. Bend the other side of the insert and slip it into the upper lip. Use  a screwdriver or similar tool to unfold the lips of the fender list. The fender list must not be too cold when the insert is placed, since it hardens and gets hard to work with. Work at small areas at the time (Max. 30-50cm).
5. The insert is secured with screws at each end ensuring that the insert does not shrink back.
6. Spray the insert with soap mix and gently go over the insert with your thumb to even it out.

 

Finishing

End or joint fittings are mounted if needed, and mounting is completed.

 

Other

 

When mounting without aluminium rail: The fender list will feel looser in-between the screw fastenings, especially on warm days when the material is softer. We recommend to always mount with the aluminium rail.

If the aluminium rail is still not used, discs for the screws must be used, and screw distance must not exceed 10cm.

The fender list can be mounted with the support lip up if the boats construction warrants it.

If the support lip is in conflict with parts of the bodywork it must be cut off. This can be done with a sharp knife, with a heated list. For bigger orders, the fender list can be manufactured without the support list with no extra charge, if needed.  

When mounting the fender in a downward angle, for example towards diving platform or the stern of some newer boats, the aluminium rail cannot be used there.

Do not stretch the fender list more than necessary, due to the fender shrinking accordingly.

 

Maintenance and repair

• Fender list needs to be cleaned and waxed every year.
• While cleaning, only use paraffin based cleaning products. Boat/car care products are recommended.

 

Aceton and similar “strong” chemicals must not be used on the fender list surface. These depreciate the fender list finish and aging properties.

• Faded surface can be refreshed by using pigmented boat wax.
• Matte areas can be finely ground with wet sandpaper, and afterwards polished by scrubbing. (Hot air gun can be used for glossing, but it is recommended to get this done professionally by trained personnel, due to wrong temperature and procedure can damage the list.)
• Small damages can be welded with a hot air gun and additive material to fill out the damage. The repaired site is ground even with the surrounding area and polished.
• With larger damages the fender list needs to be disassembled to inspect and if needed repair the body work underneath. It is recommended to join the list with upset welding or joint fittings in stainless steel.
• Fender lists that have become rough and brittle (cracks or breaks easily etc.), shows signs of aging. Nothing can be done about this, and a new fender list must be mounted.

By experience normal lifetime of a fender list in Nordic climates is 15-20 years, but this varies with regards to what strain and stress the fender list is exposed to.