Backing Plate Info

[John Dupras]

Question - My Intrepid 9M does not have backing plates on the sheet winches, although they are mounted on a 1 inch teak board bedded to the coaming. I also noticed the handrail (in front of the wheel steering) has no backing plates where it attaches to the deck and sides of the cockpit seats. The mainsheet attaches to this and so I am a little leery. What is a good material for backing plates. Do I have to go with stainless steel or is 1 inch oak, teak or mahagony boards about 4 inches square good enough? Any information is appreciated. Thanks

John
Sloop Mariah



jdupras@wdcorp.com

[Serge Zimberoff]

John,
As I understand backing plates, the object is to distribute the load. Stainless is overkill, plus it can cause problems by overcompression if the bolts are brought up too tightly. Wood backing with fender washers is the ticket. Backing is also needed where the mainsheet hardware is attached. You are correct in being concerned as there is a lot of leverage that can pull washers right through.
Serge



serge@srtrop.com

[John Dupras]

John,
As I understand backing plates, the object is to distribute the load. Stainless is overkill, plus it can cause problems by overcompression if the bolts are brought up too tightly. Wood backing with fender washers is the ticket. Backing is also needed where the mainsheet hardware is attached. You are correct in being concerned as there is a lot of leverage that can pull washers right through.
Serge

Serge,
Thanks for the info - now if only teak were as cheap as stainless.....

John



jdupras@wdcorp.com