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!
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!