Bobstay backing plate

[Ron McLean]

I am about to embark on chainplate/stem backingplate replacement. The bobstay plate seems to have moved a bit and I may need to look into replacing it's backingplate as well. It is difficult to inspect in the CD-30 ketch, a tank covers the access. Does anyone know if it is iron as are the other plates? I am looking at quite a large yard bill to complete this work, but I want it done right.



Bayhbr@aol.com

[Olli Wendelin]

My 1978 Cape Dory manual has a sketch of the bowsprit system which didn't make it into the later manuals. I could e-mail you a copy if you don't have one. It shows the bobstay lower chainplate with a "metal" backing plate encased in fiberglass. I suspect it is mild steel, just like all the other metal reinforcements in my 1977 CD30 ketch. I have had the v-berths and tank out on my boat but didn't really notice this item. The tank can be removed with about two hours work. I believe this repair could be done with the boat in the water if you planned to do it yourself. If you have a yard do the work you could save money by removing the interferences yourself. Your yard probably charges $45.00 to $55.00 an hour for labor, skilled or unskilled.

Olli Wendelin
BLUE MOON
Charleston, SC



wendelin@spawar.navy.mil