Making Megafend fender hook template and pattern

MAKING TEMPLATES and PATTERNS for custom Megafend™ fender hooks—

Megafend will custom build fender hooks to the exact configuration needed for your yacht. Preparing a template and pattern to assist you in ordering is an easy and quick process. No special skills are required. The step-by-step technique shown is readily used for cap rail profiles with curved or straight inboard/outboard edges and box rails.
For pipe rails, go directly to Step 8.

The following series of photos were made using a typical section of cap rail on a digitally simulated section of bulwark. We think that it will give you the idea.

For a printable version of this document in PDF format (2-pages), (1059k – allow download time) CLICK HERE.

Materials needed:
1. Aluminum welding rod or strip of scrap aluminum; bends easily & retains shape
2. Pliers
3. Sheet of paper and pen.

Step 1— Determine cap rail uniformity (tolerance) by checking cap rail width along area where fender hooks will be used. Tolerance should be within 1/4-inch. Should width vary, the goal is to make your template so that it securely fits the largest area yet not be too loose in narrower area.

Step 2— Start template shape tightly flush to inboard side of bulwark where the cap rail joins.

Step 3— Carefully bend the metal rod or strip to accurately follow the contour of the cap rail.

Step 4— Continue following contour using pliers as aid in bending rod to assure snug fit.

Step 5— Holding rod securely in place on inboard side of cap rail, gradually and firmly press metal downward to follow top section of rail. Adjust with pliers as needed and check fit.

Step 7— Finish bending of template outboard leg to general angle needed. (This leg is commonly set to align parallel to bulwark or given a slight outboard or inboard angle.)

Cut off metal to desired length for outboard leg.

Step 6— While continuing to hold metal template in place flush against inboard rail side and rail top, start bend around outboard side to approximate outermost point of cap rail profile.

Step 9— Lay finished metal template for fenderhook on paper. Hold firmly in place and carefully trace pattern of inside of shape onto the paper. (A ballpoint pen is preferred for this task.)

Step 8—(Pipe rails only) Bend metal strip or rod to shape of pipe rail. Measure I.D. to determine pipe rail O.D. for ordering.

Step 10— Carefully mark ends of inboard and outboard sides of fender hook with perpendicular lines as shown. Accurately measure inside dimension (I.D.) between inboard and outboard sides of cap rail and mark on pattern. (This measurement is critical so that we can adjust the size of photo copies or faxes sent to us to match the actual size of your metal template.) Mark inboard side on pattern. When building your fenderhooks, we will make the proper allowance for sheep’s wool liner.

Now that you have your pattern, fax or send the original with your order to your Megafend dealer. Be sure to make a copy for yourself for reference in case we have any questions. Should you have any questions, we’re only a phone call away.