backing plates

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teacher63

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May 9, 2010
131
Hunter 23 WIll be at a Navy base
I am in the process of mounting my turning block and rope clutch so I can bring the main halyard to the rear of the boat. I am buying pieces every now and then so my wife does not have a fit. Question is backing plates, the rope clutch and turning block bases are 2 inches and the aluminum I bought to cut out for the backing plates is 2 inches. The holes I need to drill our close to the edge but do not cut the edge. Should I use 2 pieces butted together and put 2 screws through each so i have more material width on the sides, or is it okay to use the one piece that is almost the same size as the bottom of the turning block and rope clutch. I made it about an inch longer on the ends. Also, the aluminum is 1/8 inch. Should I use something other than aluminum like stainless for better support. By the time I am done with this you guys will have done everything but install the parts.

Thanks for all your help!!!
 
Ralph Johnstone

Ralph Johnstone

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Jan 4, 2006
7,468
Hunter 310 West Vancouver, B.C.
Given a Perfect World ........................

teacher63 said:
Should I use 2 pieces butted together and put 2 screws through each so i have more material width on the sides, or is it okay to use the one piece that is almost the same size as the bottom of the turning block and rope clutch.
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............. I think you'll find that you have better reinforcement from one wider, solid piece of plate rather than the two 2" plates butted together.

In addition, just not a good idea to have the holes too close to the edges of the aluminum as these points then become the points of maximum pressure (because the plates will flex). The idea is to spread the force as evenly as possible over the plate, giving a more even pressure.

Also, 1/8" aluminum may be a little light for backing plates. A better material would be around 1/4" aluminum which is nice to work with as opposed to SS.

Sorry to pi** on your cornflakes but better to do it right the first time rather than the second time, or third, or ....................
 
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teacher63

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May 9, 2010
131
Hunter 23 WIll be at a Navy base
Re: Given a Perfect World ........................

I agree if I am spending the time dealing with this it is better to do it correct the first time because the second could get expensive. You did not pee in my COrnflakes, that is why I asked. I am kind of new at this. I do have another question and that is any idea where i could get stock like that? Lowes does not have it that is where I got the 2 inch.

Thanks
 
Ralph Johnstone

Ralph Johnstone

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Jan 4, 2006
7,468
Hunter 310 West Vancouver, B.C.
Ouch ..........................

teacher63 said:
Lowes does not have it that is where I got the 2 inch.

Thanks
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....................... tough question not living in your neck of the woods.

I can only suggest looking on line to see if there are any metal suppliers near you. eBay is bound to have something but the shipping will be costly unless you're ordering a lot of the material.

Best of luck
 
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Crazy Dave Condon

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Jun 8, 2004
10,532
-na -NA Anywhere USA
Teacher 63;

The advice given is excellent from Ralph. This is based on the fact I was the top dealer for that boat and worked on many more than I can count in my life time plus repaired several issues on 23s' doing what you suggest. It is good advice but if you feel differntly, then go with your gut feelings.

crazy dave condon
 
C Jones

C Jones

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Aug 5, 2009
333
Hunter h23 Dallas Tx.
I ordered 10 guage, 4" square polished SS backing plates from Garhuaer for my relocated main halyard winch, bow cleat and main sail halyard turning cheek block. They seemed priced right and have worked fine. I wrapped plastic grocery bags around my mast mounted winch when I removed it, just in case something dropped or shot out of it. None of which happened. I have pictures of my winch relocation in my profile if your interested. Good luck with yours, Charles
 
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CalebD

CalebD

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Jun 27, 2006
1,479
Tartan 27' 1967 Nyack, NY
This might sound a bit dark but I am collecting some smaller scraps of boat hulls that were wrecked in Sandy for use as backing plates on my boat.
 
Sail123

Sail123

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Oct 6, 2011
678
CM 32 USA
CalebD said:
This might sound a bit dark but I am collecting some smaller scraps of boat hulls that were wrecked in Sandy for use as backing plates on my boat.
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That is turning a negative into a positive. Thumbs Up.
 
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