Hunter 460 Padeye installation

[Soldout2sailing]

I was told my Hunter has embedded in the fiberglass, aluminum backing plates for installing deck hardware such as Pad-eyes for an asymmetrical spinnaker. Can someone confirm if that’s true? Also, I was told the flat areas along the rails are where they are located which make sense. Please let me know if anyone can confirm and also thickness of backing plates as I’d like to drill and tap them if they are thick enough to hold a pad eye without stripping the threads. See flat oval spot just behind stanchion in picture, suspect this is embedded backing plate area if they exist. Thanks

 

[Mikem]

I have padeyes installed there port and starboard used for asym or spinnaker. Came with the boat, factory installed.

 

[StbtWilly]

Is there an update to this thread? Is there a backing plate molded into the fiberglass or did you make your own backing plate?

 

[Soldout2sailing]

I can confirm there is a backing plate there. I added padeyes for my asymmetrical in the exact same location. There are access plates below int he aft cabins, it was still a bit of a PITA to get the washers, lock washers and nuts on dues to the small access but it's very doable. One warning: make sure you bed it in plenty of sealer to prevent leaks and tighten it thoroughly. Also, do to the area below, drill as far inboard as your padeyes allow so you have room for a good sized washer to lay flat, too far outboard and you could have the washer bind up where the fiberglass curves downward.

 

[jssailem]

Is there a backing plate molded into the fiberglass or did you make your own backing plate?

That is not a "backing plate". It is an embedded plate beneath the surface fiberglass skin. It was designed for use as a flat surface to attach hardware. This design allows you to drill and tap the embedded plate.

The type of hardware you choose must consider the types of loads you plan to apply to the deck.

If you are going to install hardware that needs a "Backing Plate" to disperse heavy loading forces, then you may want to consider drilling through the deck, putting your backing plate beneath the deck.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Use Tefgel or similar if tapping the embedded plate. Otherwise dissimilar metals will corrode and it'll be near impossible to remove the fastener