Storage attachment points and other fiberglass modifications

[pcg]

I’m in the planning stage for starting fiberglass work on my 22 Cruiser project boat next fall. I’m trying to think of all the modifications I want to do to the hull and cabin fiberglass, particularly any areas where I can tab in reinforcement for attachment points for cleats, eye bolts, and anything else that can be used to secure or tie down cargo.

For example, should I incorporate SS eyebolts into the lower transom for trailer tie down? Are there locations where additional cleats might be handy? What about eye bolts for tie down points for securing extra fuel tanks or cargo in the cockpit during long cruises? Any other mods that would be useful?

I’ve never owned a C-Dory and never cruised in my own boat, so I have no experience to tell me what features I might wish I had, when I’m finally able to enjoy the boat. Thank you for any suggestions.

[hardee]

Paul, come up to the Friday Harbor CBGT and take a look at 50 C-Dorys. They will all be different, and all the same, so you can pick out what you like and what you think might work for you. Can't get a better selection than that anywhere.

Link to the Friday Harbor Thread:

http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?t=27120

Harvey
SleepyC

[DavidM]

Everyone has different ideas and needs for cleats, tie down eyes, etc. The factory probably installs what most people need and leaves it to the individual to add any additional points.

So the suggestion to look at a bunch of boats and talk to their owners is a good one. You can then find out what works and what doesn't.

But when you install a point, there are probably two levels of strength to consider. For moderate to light loads like cover tie downs then thru bolting it with fender washers on the inside will do. But if it is a high strength point like a boat to trailer tie down or a mooring cleat then put a backing plate inside to distribute the load. A 6" x 4" piece of Starboard or even 1/2" ply will make it a much stronger point.

David

[pcg]

[Robert H. Wilkinson]

[thataway]

My personal feeling is that a strap over the gunnels just forward of the aft deck cleats is a good stern tie down. You want to keep the boat from sliding sideways and going forward. Many of the boats already have stern tow eyes.

I like backing plates to be aluminum or stainless steel/. If I use wood or other materials, I like to use "fender washers"--way oversized washers to help distribute the load.

I do feel that almost all of the boats benefit from additional hand railings at the edge of the cabin top, aft and forward:





I have also found cleats right by the aft cabin are good--such as:



Our current 25 has 3 jam cleats on each side of the cabin side, and also hangers for the light docking lines across the aft cabin bulkhead. Sorry don't have photos of these.


Extra cleats by the bow for light lines to adsorb shock on anchor rode.





Upgraded aft lazarett hatches which do not leak:





If you want extra tie downs or even spring Line cleats the fold down pad eyes work great:





We have put extra grab rails in front of the galley, and in front of forward facing navigator's seat (if so equipped.

We use the fittings of the Bimini top to keep chairs and other items on the side of the cockpit in place when traveling.

[pcg]

Thank you Bob. Those are exactly the kinds of suggestions I'm looking for!

[hardee]

I have been looking at backing cleats and tie-downs recently and when the marine electronics tech was here I was talking with him about that and his recommendations. He was good with Sail or star board, Fiberglass board, or stainless, but no aluminum due to the galvanic corrosion possibility (too hard to keep it isolated from the fasteners).

Harvey
SleepyC

[thataway]

[hardee]

Bob, You are right but generally, mixing metals is kin to asking for trouble. Why tempt fate. I found this photo in an album labeled "Electrolysis".



"While working on the bilge pump through-hull (on the right), I noticed some serious electrolysis on the U-bolt for the transom tie-down. "Electrolysis." What a great name for a boat. Sounds like a Greek God."

The link to the album is here:
http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=album2361&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

Not sure why something as dangerous as this is provided by the C-Dory manufacture, but if anyone should know better, they should have.

I think I will skip using aluminum, just in case.

Harvey
SleepyC

[thataway]