Fixing to structure

[Kristal]

I was quite taken by the method described in April's CB for using decapitated screws as fixing studs for removable shelves etc. Part of Crystal's long-term improvement plans is to provide trays for her under-berth lockers (which at the moment open straight onto the bilge - we use them for refridgeration) and this seems to be a good way to secure them (except, perhaps, in a heavy sea where she gets a bit bouncy).

Is it bad practice to fasten things to the structural elements of the boat? Would it be very bad to fit such "studs" to the frames at the curve of the bilge to accomodate the trays? Adrian Morgan has a few things to say about restorations which involve superficial attachments to structural timbers, but I can't really see a way around it...

/<

 

[Porthandbuoy]

[ QUOTE ]
Would it be very bad to fit such "studs" to the frames at the curve of the bilge . . . /<

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, very.

All Mariposa's broken frames, bar one or two, are at the turn of the bilge. Maximum curvature = maximum stress.