Chrysler Sailors Forum

After my first splash headaches last Friday I am going to install the blocks to run the halyards to the cockpit before going out again. Are backing plates necessary seen as there is not much load on the blocks? If they are what did you use?

I feel like backing plates are always required and my boat is a maze of backing plates in the cabin. mostly I use a nice thick pieces of aluminum but occasionally I use a thinner piece of stainless.

We backed with washers and nuts for new pulleys, but I will defer on this one

Same here, I used SS fender washers.

I have a backing plate problem.... the aft starboard cleat is loose and one side is pulling up.....

So how does one get up in there ( it is narrow ) to tighten and what would you use ( what would fit?) for a proper backing plate.. ( no need for glass repair) I really would rather not cut "inspection ports" in the rear of the cockpit just to do this one-time repair..

I am thinkning of putting in really long bolts and building some sort of bracing..backing plate lower down and more accessible... how did htey get those cleats in there and what where they thinking.. I am not even certain they are bolted.. .just screwed in...

Trev:

Since this was your first time on the water, what happened?

Let this fellow newbie in Minnesota know what problems you had, so that I will not get everyone laughing at me also.

First time out??
Not a complete list but a good start!

Make sure you can step your mast.
Never let go of your halyards.
Make sure your motor runs before arriving at the launch.
Remember the pointiest part of the sail is the head or top.
Put your fenders away after leaving the dock.
Never yell at the crew even if not in anger.
Look up before rolling with your mast up!
Remove the rear trailer straps before launching.
Don't unhook the bow strap until after backed down the launch.

HAVE FUN!!!

Scott

69Shark wrote:First time out??
Not a complete list but a good start!

Make sure you can step your mast.
Never let go of your halyards.
Make sure your motor runs before arriving at the launch.
Remember the pointiest part of the sail is the head or top.
Put your fenders away after leaving the dock.
Never yell at the crew even if not in anger.
Look up before rolling with your mast up!
Remove the rear trailer straps before launching.
Don't unhook the bow strap until after backed down the launch.
HAVE FUN!!!

Scott

I know there is a story in there somewhere