Here is a series of photos showing how I whip the ends of my lines. There is more than one way to do it; this is just how I learned in 4-H. It is easy enough and seems to do the job: http://www.bright.net/~htmills/Whipping01.jpg http://www.bright.net/~htmills/Whipping02.jpg http://www.bright.net/~htmills/Whipping03.jpg http://www.bright.net/~htmills/Whipping04.jpg http://www.bright.net/~htmills/Whipping05.jpg http://www.bright.net/~htmills/Whipping06.jpg http://www.bright.net/~htmills/Whipping07.jpg http://www.bright.net/~htmills/Whipping08.jpg http://www.bright.net/~htmills/Whipping09.jpg And here is a photo of a three-strand to chain splice I did recently. The lack of a thimble seems to cause some concern in some circles; following the photo link is a link to some test results that New England Ropes did for West Marine: http://www.bright.net/~htmills/rode.jpg http://www.ussailing.org/safety/Studies/1994ropechainsplice.htm#The%20Test%2 0Samples ********************* I was just noticing a tag that was on the Taylor Big B fenders I bought and according to the tag, the two 8x20 fenders that Busca sports are supposed to go with a boat 25'-45'......LOL The four 10x26 fenders I bought for the Tartan 26 are supposed to be good for 40'-60' boats! Tod M17 #408 BuscaBrisas