Internal chainplates.

[Barefoot.bosun.]

some dufus put the chainplates on the outside of the hull bolted through to a frame on my folkboat. I want to internalize them like they are meant to be. how do I do this? how do I not bolt through the hull? I understand the general concept of putting an oak backing plate, but how do I fasten the plate and what to?

Bosun.

[Andrew Craig-Bennett]

I recommend looking at several other Folkboats. They are not identical as they were built by professional builders who used their own methods on the details. See what has stood up best.

The usual reason for moving the chainplates to outside is to avoid deck leaks.

[Ian McColgin]

The general concept of an oak backing plate is fine for through-bolting cleats and pulleys, simply nowhere for the high strains of stays. If you go internal, you need to pierce the deck and attach the chainplates to the hull spreading the strain well down across several planks. To do the job you need to find a place you can get the long carefully surved chainplate tang through a slot past the shelf and clamp and down. You'll need to remove the ceiling - if any which many Folkboats don't have - to get access. You'll need to make some sort of cap for the slot so's you can put in enough goo to delay the start of leaking for a few weeks.

The Folkboat's jib sheeting angle can be optimized from whichever shroud position so there's not really a reason to do this.

I'd have more questions about a person who moved perfectly good external chainplates in that visa versa.

[Andrew Craig-Bennett]

That's a keeper - Ian being less tactful than me! ;)

[Jay Greer]

Unless you are seeking a cleaner look or are in hot competition as a racer where the boat might not measure in, I would not bother to change. That is, unless you enjoy creating a lot of work for yourself for not that big of a return!
Jay

[Barefoot.bosun.]

not gonna touch em. 60 years old. lets keep water out.

[Jay Greer]

Ahh!
A very wise decision.
Jay