Hunter Deck Backing Plates

[BroadReach]

In the world of Hunter sail boats has anyone seen or have a set of drawing that show the location of the in bedded (aluminum !) backing plates in the Hunter sail boat(s) top deck
For my Hunter 35 I am familiar with the plates under the wenches.
along the port and starboard sides and for the fwd deck in placement of the deck organizer(s).
Are there any more - Like in the cockpit deck around the steering pedestal ??


RD

 

[RPM]

backing plates

I asked the folks at Hunter the same question. Unfortunately, they don't keep those kind of records and were of no help... too bad, you'd think otherwise. Regardless, the best evidence of any backing plate are the "flat" spots or raised areas on the cabin top. In the case of the raised areas, they molded in a piece of plywood underneath the fiberglass, or where you find the "flat" spots, they may or may not have glassed in a metal plate underneather. I've had success in finding good holding power for screws drilled into the raised areas. As for whether there's an aluminum plate under the flat spots, try a very small drill bit (in the place you intend to mount a fitting) and see if the drill bit hits any metal. I know this is hit and miss. The consequences are you back-fill the small drill hole or you have to find access under the cabin top for your own backing plate - not an easy task either.
I want to install padeyes on the rail to support flying a spinnaker and I still don't have the nerve to start drilling in the coamings "flat" spot where I suspect there's a plate underneath. Why Hunter continues to manufacture partially rigged sailboats is beyond me.
Good luck on your project.