I am replacing the standing rigging on my C27 Surprise and while the mast is down, I have pulled the chainplates to inspect. My lower shroud "chainplates" are 1/2" eyebolts, similar to those offered now by Catalina Direct. These are 1/2" bolts with large backing plates, and therefore are more robust than the original 3/8" eyebolts. Catalina Direct "highly recommends" upgrading to the u-bolts. The replacement eyebolts are appealing for two reasons: First, I've seen the u-bolts installed in my neighbor's 27, and they are not very attractive. Second, the u-bolts are 3/8", so they are small for the existing 1/2" hole. Strength may trump aesthetics, and the 1/2" hole can be filled and redrilled. Still, brand new 1/2" eyebolts seem to me to be more than adequately strong, even for summer winds in the "slot" on the SF Bay, and they leave a total of 4 fewer holes in the deck. CD intimates that dismastings may occur with eyebolts in more than light winds, but I am skeptical of this view. Whether u-bolts or eyebolts, all stress the same deck with similar sized backing plates.
So I am writing to ask for your opinions on/tales of disasters relevant to the subject: "Upgrade" to 3/8" u-bolts for the lower shrouds with 4 new holes in the deck, or stick with the new, quite robust, 1/2" eyebolts?
Thanks for your thoughts, and best wishes!
Peter
So I am writing to ask for your opinions on/tales of disasters relevant to the subject: "Upgrade" to 3/8" u-bolts for the lower shrouds with 4 new holes in the deck, or stick with the new, quite robust, 1/2" eyebolts?
Thanks for your thoughts, and best wishes!
Peter