Hey All. I'm currently reviving and upgrading my Mac 22(1978). Not sure if the backing plates on it were original manufacturer, but it came as a surprise to me that they are made out of 1/2 wood(looks like mahogany) Have read some articles on line on how to install sailboat hardware, but most of the literature talks about big fansy boats with multy layered hulls of fiberglass and balsa wood. As far as I could tell, Macs are 1/4in fiberglass. What is a good backing plate material? Stainless plates? Aluminum plates? G10? Wood?...WHY?....WHY NOT? Fender washers vs. big plates? Some people think, if you use a big plate and have a big load (say, on a stanchion) it will rip a big chunk of fiberglass out of the hull. But, if you use small fender washers, damage from pulling out would not be so extensive... What is your take on backing plates and installation? THANKS.
- Status
Wood
My V222 hardware was backed with wood and when a piece of wood goes bad then I back it with a square piece of metal! The metal is big enough to cover all the holes. If you stick with wood, be sure you use flat washers, next to the wood so the nut doesnt cut into the piece.
My V222 hardware was backed with wood and when a piece of wood goes bad then I back it with a square piece of metal! The metal is big enough to cover all the holes. If you stick with wood, be sure you use flat washers, next to the wood so the nut doesnt cut into the piece.
Aluminum
I replaced the rotted wood backing on my 25 with some 3/32 very stiff aluminum salvaged from an old street sign to cover a large area (all stanchion or cleat bolts) and then use ss fender washers on the bolts. So far, so good.
I replaced the rotted wood backing on my 25 with some 3/32 very stiff aluminum salvaged from an old street sign to cover a large area (all stanchion or cleat bolts) and then use ss fender washers on the bolts. So far, so good.
3rd option
Likely the best and therefore most difficult is to dig out a larger area and layer glass/resin to provide a homogenous pad. I've done this for major load points on other craft with great success. There are many sources showing how to do this. Aluminum or stainless steel backers is my 2nd choice.
Likely the best and therefore most difficult is to dig out a larger area and layer glass/resin to provide a homogenous pad. I've done this for major load points on other craft with great success. There are many sources showing how to do this. Aluminum or stainless steel backers is my 2nd choice.
- Status