Good article. This is not a new issue. Some older boats may not have backing plates under deck fittings. In the late 80s I was visiting a well known, nationally sold builder of sailboats as part of the US Coast Guard factory visit program. I was shocked to see an absence of backing plates on deck hardware particularly cleats and hardware for running rigging. I pointed it out, but was quick to add that it was not required by regulations, but a good practice. The manager said he would talk to their engineers. I don't know if it was ever corrected but it is definitely something surveyors should look for.
Many years ago, when I was between regular jobs, I was working in the marina where I lived. I was asked to install hardware for a baby stay. I set up the foredeck hardware as described in the article but added a tension rod between the stem eye backing plate and the deck hardware, tying the stresses to the stem, rather than assuming that the deck could handle the loads an added sail in the boat's rig would impose.
There are very few areas of boat use and maintenance that are this important. Small craft are especially prone to issues in this area for several reasons, not the least of which is the need for a low price and the knowledge that such boats are less frequently "challenged" than their larger cousins. This is a very well done presentation that could literally save your life. Read it more than once if you have any questions!
Good article. This is not a new issue. Some older boats may not have backing plates under deck fittings. In the late 80s I was visiting a well known, nationally sold builder of sailboats as part of the US Coast Guard factory visit program. I was shocked to see an absence of backing plates on deck hardware particularly cleats and hardware for running rigging. I pointed it out, but was quick to add that it was not required by regulations, but a good practice. The manager said he would talk to their engineers. I don't know if it was ever corrected but it is definitely something surveyors should look for.
Many years ago, when I was between regular jobs, I was working in the marina where I lived. I was asked to install hardware for a baby stay. I set up the foredeck hardware as described in the article but added a tension rod between the stem eye backing plate and the deck hardware, tying the stresses to the stem, rather than assuming that the deck could handle the loads an added sail in the boat's rig would impose.
There are very few areas of boat use and maintenance that are this important. Small craft are especially prone to issues in this area for several reasons, not the least of which is the need for a low price and the knowledge that such boats are less frequently "challenged" than their larger cousins. This is a very well done presentation that could literally save your life. Read it more than once if you have any questions!