Windlass pad.

[mick]

I've just removed my windlass to cure a leak. Does anyone know the reason for the two thin metal plates on the underside of the teak supporting pad? The pad is made of two semi-circular pieces glued together, so I suppose it could just be a way of strengthening the join.

 

[Refueler]

Would make more sense if the plates were also through bolted, but appears that bolts are not through the plates. So they have limited advantage.

My windlass sits on a teak deck pad above and a ply backing pad under ... underdeck pad is glassed over and then bolts put through with good washers and nuts. No need for metal.