Bow Protection Strip - Missing Backing Plate (or not)?

[Hunter Enthusiast]

I've a 1984 Hunter 27 (pre-owned) and in preparation for a bit of fore-deck repair, I took a look "underneath" the fore-deck.
The bow-protection strip is held in place with four long bolts (with associated washers & nuts); there is NO backing plate between the washers and fiber-glass.

My question:

Does anyone know if this was Hunters standard approach to affixing a bow-protection strip (or am I missing a backing plate)?

I've attached pictures to assist in clarification (they're the best quality I could get at this time).

 

[Captain Larry-DH]

I don’t see the need if there’s no pad-eye on the outside

 

[Hunter Enthusiast]

I don’t see the need if there’s no pad-eye on the outside

There is NO pad eye on the outside.
The current set-up has worked for a long time (and I expect it will continue to do so).
This said, I would like to confirm whether or not my boat originally came with backing-plate.

 

[higgs]

Backing plates are needed when there is force applied in the opposite direction of the fitting. Like a cleat or a winch. When force is anticipated in the opposite direction there is no need for a backing plate.

 

[dlochner]

That is not a protection strip, it is the chainplate for the forestay. Fender washers are OK in this application as the force on the bolts is in shear. Backing plates are needed when the force is in tension.

 

[Hunter Enthusiast]

That is not a protection strip, it is the chainplate for the forestay. Fender washers are OK in this application as the force on the bolts is in shear. Backing plates are needed when the force is in tension.

Being relatively new to sailing (and related repair work), I'm learning every day.
I now know that this particular part is a stemhead fitting (and as you've indicated, it's primary function is to secure the forestay).
Do you know whether or not a back-plate (metal or wood) originally came with my boat?
I only ask because of the extreme bolt-lengths used.

 

[Hunter Enthusiast]

Backing plates are needed when there is force applied in the opposite direction of the fitting. Like a cleat or a winch. When force is anticipated in the opposite direction there is no need for a backing plate.

That certainly makes sense to me.
Can you suggest a reason why such extremely long bolts were used in this application?
That's primarily why I felt a thick wooden backing plate may have originally been used.

 

[rgranger]

Can you suggest a reason why such extremely long bolts were used in this application?

They likely used what was available at the time and were too rushed to trim it properly.

 

[rgranger]

Cut them back if they bother you.

 

[dlochner]

If you're crawling into to a tight space to install a nut, the longer the screw, the easier it is. Once the screw is started, a ratchet with an extension makes for easy work.

 

[jssailem]

Does anyone know if this was Hunters standard approach to affixing a bow-protection strip (or am I missing a backing plate)?​

The forces on the strip of long screws would be along the strip, upwards to the bow deck, not outward and down towards the water in front of the bow. That is why no backing plate was used. The multiple bolts are there to spread the shearing force along the line of bolts. The bolts are acting like sumo wrestlers in a tug of war contest.

I've attached pictures to assist in clarification (they're the best quality I could get at this time).​

@rgranger Nailed the explanation for the long bolts.
The boat builders left a great weapon to stop you from messing with the bolts. 'You get down near the bow, and you are going to get a nasty scratch and leave some meat hanging.'

I would get a grind wheel and cut them down to size. If you're going to play up there or have small children making a fort up there, you can protect them by placing some cap nuts on the bolt ends.

 

[dLj]

If they aren't bothering anything why mess with them? If there is a reason sure, if you're simply curious as to the why, but they aren't getting in the way, or something else, they work.

I'm thinking of the old expression "The enemy of good enough is better." I'm sure you'll find lots of projects that are critical to you and your boat...

dj

 

[Hunter Enthusiast]

They likely used what was available at the time and were too rushed to trim it properly.

I've considered that also; thank you.

 

[Hunter Enthusiast]

Cut them back if they bother you.

They don't "bother" me persae; I'm about to do some repair work and need to remove the stemhead; when I re-install the stemhead, I'd as soon maintain the OEM build. If a back-plate was originally installed, I'll ensure one is installed at my hand; if a back-plate wasn't originally part of the build, it'll be business as usual.

That's why I posted.

 

[Hunter Enthusiast]

If you're crawling into to a tight space to install a nut, the longer the screw, the easier it is. Once the screw is started, a ratchet with an extension makes for easy work.

That makes perfect sense; thank you.

 

[Hunter Enthusiast]

If they aren't bothering anything why mess with them? If there is a reason sure, if you're simply curious as to the why, but they aren't getting in the way, or something else, they work.

I'm thinking of the old expression "The enemy of good enough is better." I'm sure you'll find lots of projects that are critical to you and your boat...

dj

Your point is well taken.
The reason "I'm messing with them" is because in preparation for some repair work to the bow fore-deck area, I need to remove the stemhead (and those bolts); if there was never a backing plate when my boat was originally manufactured, perfect. If there was originally a back-plate (and a previous owner removed it and simply didn't re-install), I'll ensure a new back-plate is installed.
If at all possible, I don't do "Mickey Mouse" repairs on anything I own.