Backing plate for outboard bracket

[dartmoor]

Hi, On my Dockrell 22 yacht the outboard bracket has a thickwooden backing piece of ply on the inside of the transom to add some extra rigidity to the GRP. However, as it is in a damp airless locker, it has rotted out. I was thinking of replacing it with a stainless steel place on the inside. Obviously a lot thinner - but would it add the same rigidity, or should I stick with ply?

 

[Refueler]

For me - its always a question of working with the material. Stainless usually means getting a Metal fabricator to fashion the piece for you and all the holes etc.

If you decide to replace with ply ..... you can give it liberal coats of preserving fluid ... also easier to fix in place and match up the bracket bolt holes by drilling through after bonding in place.

How old is the boat ? How long has that original ply been in place ?? How long before you sell on ?

 

[dartmoor]

Thanks - some good points for me to think about. No idea on age of ply unfortunately. With S/S - it is quite easy to buy plates cut to size - so just issue of drilling holes.

 

[AndyL]

I'd choose aluminium bedded on sikaflex and paint over it.

 

[Refueler]

Point to note ... there is Ply and there is Ply ...

You will need a Hardwood based ply .. not just marine ... to be able to take the bolts etc. and load spreading large washers

 

[rogerthebodger]

UHMWPE can be cut with working tools and will no rot like ply.

If you wish to go for stainless find someone local that dos laser cuttings, they will cut to size and laser cut any holes you need.

3mm 6mm 10mm 15mm HDPE UHMWPE Cutting Milling Routing Service Cut to Size Shape | eBay

 

[Ruffles]

If you can get them to drill the holes do so. I hate drilling SS!
Or you can use it as an excuse to buy a pillar drill