CD28 bottom job and external chainplates

[riveredge]

I'm beginning a bottom project on Kingfisher that will include replacement of cockpit seacocks and thru hulls. The old ones never leaked but were frozen open, presumably for many years. I have the new ones from Spartan. I noticed when I took out the old ones there are no backing blocks in the hull for mounting the seacocks. This arrangement obviously worked well for the first 40 years of the boat's life but I'm considering adding backing blocks anyway. Will the ready-made Grocco backing blocks work? I know I may have to add holes for bolts but the diameter looks good. Does anyone have experience with this and perhaps know a supplier for Spartan seacock backing blocks?

To remove bottom paint I've used Peel-Away, which I have mixed feelings about. I hope it has saved me enough sanding to make the effort and mess worth it. Sanding begins tomorrow. Pix to follow with a few curious discoveries in the gel coat below the waterline.

I found a very helpful post on bronze chainplates here and would appreciate other references/advice.

[Jim Walsh]

https://marinehowto.com/seacock-backing-plates/
You might consider this method.

[John Stone]

1/2” G10 for backing plates. Epoxy in place. Here is a link how we did it.

http://www.farreachvoyages.com/projects ... rline.html

Scroll down a little past half way.

[riveredge]

These are both very helpful references. Thanks!