[C320-list] Tether padeye locations

[Jeff Hare]

Hello Alan,

   First, I'd say you wouldn't really have to worry about through bolting a
padeye at the companionway causing any sort of deck failure.   I don't know
what the coring is here, but catalina could confirm whether it's solid or
there's balsa coring or an air gap within that space.

With that said,  we installed Padeyes in convenient places that we think is
both easier to install and a little more practical I think.   The lower
section of the Port side bench in the cockpit makes a good place for
padeyes.  It is conveniently accessible to thru-bolt and strong with proper
backing plate.  It looks clean and folding padeyes stay out of the way.  You
can easily reach these while still on the ladder, and allows you pretty-much
full access to the cockpit once clipped in, including behind the wheel with
a standard tether without needing to reclip anywhere or having the tether
interfere with steering.   It's easy to install 2 or 3 padeyes here for
crew, kids or non-swimmers.

An additional spot we like is the AFT end of the same port locker.  It makes
a good spot to clip into for extended duty on the helm since you're not
tripping anyone and preventing wiseguys from yanking on your tether..  :)

-Jeff


-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Alan Goodman
Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2011 10:31 PM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] C320-list Digest, Vol 1128, Issue 1


In preparation for crossing Lake Michigan, I have decided to install two
padeyes in the cockpit for my harness / tether.   Last Fall when I sought
advice from the Forum, several people noted that installing one on the
bridge deck (vertical surface between cockpit sole and bottom of
companionway) is very useful as it allows one to clip on before leaving the
cabin.  My question is: has anyone drilled through the bridge deck? I want
to make sure it is structurally strong enough to hold up to load applied to
the padeye under the 'worst scenario'.  Is the bridge deck just two
fiberglass skins, an inner one from the cabin liner and an outer one from
the cockpit with a hollow space between  ... or is it reinforced with
plywood sandwiched between the two skins ... or some other structural
composite?  I have backing plates for the padeyes, but don't want the bridge
deck to structurally fail under a MOB load or crack / compress the bridge
deck when tightening the backing plate while installing the padeye.  Alan
Hull 67 Holland MI.
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