[C320-list] Metal plates under rope clutches?

[David Veeneman]

I spoke with the Catalina folks in Florida today, and I must say I am very impressed. Very knowledgeable, very friendly, and very willing to help. Here’s what they told me:

The metal plates under the bosses do extend out a bit from either side, probably about four inches total. It's because the placement of the plate wasn’t precise, so they allowed a couple of inches on either side. If I’m lucky, the plate may extend out far enough, but it would be luck.

I will probably end up drilling through the cabin roof and headliner and anchoring my cam cleats on the underside of the cabin roof. Structurally, it can handle the load, so long as I use suitable washers. Catalina had a great suggestion about that: Countersink the holes so that the washer and nut are flush with the headliner, or even countersunk 1/16” or so. Catalina can sell matching headliner material cut to the diameter needed to cover the holes. Buy some gelcoat to finish the edges of the cover piece (Catalina sells matching gelcoat), and glue the cover over the hole. According to Catalina, “you’re the only person who will know the hole is there”.

Hope that’s helpful to someone else down the line! I’ll post some pictures when the job is done.

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David Veeneman
Dana Point, CA
SV Adelante, C320 #131