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Backing plates for deck hardware

Started by Dingo, August 11, 2013, 08:57:20 AM

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Dingo

The previous owner took all the fittings off as the boat was used on inland canals, and therefore no need for a cluttered deck.

I am preparing to replace the fittings, and cannot find in the box of 'bits' any backing plates.  I've never come across e.g. winches or cleats or jammers without plates, and wonder if ComPacs have some secret method of securing the fittings, or do I go ahead and make some aluminium ones ( or even stainless).

Thanks

Dingo


MacGyver

Dingo,

when I redid my boat this winter, I was surprised to see that every piece of hardware was attached with regular washers (SS) and on some even started to pull through into the core.

I ended up spending around 200 bucks probably on hardware. at least 100 1/4 inch Fender washers.

The Genoa tracks I used regular washers on as it was through a laminate that was glass only.

To be quite honest, boat makers barely ever use backers, or proper backing...... even a Pearson 31 (maybe it was a 30.....) I had to repair didnt have anything more than regular washers....... just barely bigger than the nut.....

IF you do make backing plates, be sure to use washers on top of the plate, reason being is you will have to over drill the holes to make sure you can slide the plate on after the hardware is through, unless you line it up and push em through..... but I myself have never had luck with that..............

Do the mounting of the stanchions through the headliner material, just in case you need to tighten things up.

Lastly: Out of all my years as a Boat Tech (encompassing the entire boat) which is 13 years thus far, I HIGHLY Recommend the butyl tape for the deck hardware.
It is by far the nicest stuff I have used.
I bought mine from SailRite, and was very impressed with how far it went, and I still have quite a bit left after only ordering a single roll. Sailrite is more expensive, but I have not seen them sell anything cheaply made. Just my opinion.

Mac
Former Harbor Master/Boat Tech, Certified in West System, Interlux, and Harken products.
Worked on ALL aspects of the sailboat, 17 years experience.
"I wanted freedom, open air and adventure. I found it on the sea."
-Alaine Gerbault.

skip1930

#2
Under the fiberglass where things are screwed or bolted in, Hutchins has provide a plywood backing plates [hard points] on the Com Pacs that are glassed in. If you look you'll find where these are. Having said that I placed my things on some UHMW 1/4" plates on the outside and 6 mm aluminum backing plates on the inside, making a sandwich of the assembly. Don't compress the 'sandwich' too tight as you'll crack the gel coat.

Do not use stainless steel. Have you ever tried to drill through stainless? Way hard. And it's no stronger then black iron [regular O` steel]. Worried about rust? Paint it.

skip.

Dingo

#3
Mac, Sir, thanks for the clarity and detail of your advice.  So it's off to the metal yard tomorrow and get the bench drill going.

Re the butyl tape: I picked up that hint from reading the forum recently, so have two roll. one grey (sorry, gray  :) ) and one white already delivered here in the UK.  Sticky and malleable stuff when warm, isn't it ?

I've looked up 'fender' washers as I've not heard the term over here before, so my eddication is coming along nicely.

thanks also Skip; the note on stainless is a good warning. I'll stick to aluminium.

Pete H

Hi Dingo,

I thought we must have had another Aussie on here when I saw your name, but then I realised that you are posting from the UK.
So why Dingo? I am interested as the Dingo is our largest land based carnivore and is reckoned to be wild and untameable.

The language in the States is English, but there are some differences in usage and spelling aren't there?  I just posted a reply elsewhere and my iPad was insisting that the metal that my rudder is made out of is aluminum instead of  aluminium. Likewise what Mac Guyver calls Fender washers would be called Carriage or Body washers in Oz. (from when cars where bolted together)

Still the differences are one of the things that make the site interesting, along with the friendliness of the members, their willingness to help and the great store of sailing and Compac knowledge held here.

Cheers,
Pete H
Pete H
Muggler (Compac Legacy)
Victoria
Australia
" Nothing satisfies the man who is not satisfied with a little".   Epicurus 341 BC-270BC

Dingo

Pete

'Dingo' has been my nickname since school (err, 60 years ago) from the time that I was the only boy in the class who knew what the animal is and where it lives.   :)  The untameable bit is probably true....


Making progress on re-fixing the deck fittings.  I guess my policy is now to fix everything as quickly as possible, then get out sailing for the remaining Summer and Autumn.  Come the winter, I want to re-do everything properly, as my daughter may be working in Norway next year, and wants (me) to trail the boat over there.