DOUBLE-LOCK CHAINPLATE SYSTEM--  HOW OUR CHAINPLATE SYSTEM SHARES A HEAVY LOAD.

         When a boat is under sail, her stays and shrouds are under tremendous tension. On many boats, the load on these mast supports is carried by chainplates attached directly to the hull.

          But there's much more to the chainplate system on a Caliber. We anchor each chainplate with stainless hex bolts to a massive thick bulkhead, which is thoroughly bonded to the hull over it’s entire height. We go to all this trouble so that the load on the chainplates is dispersed throughout the hull, not concentrated in small spots. And our Double-Lock Chainplate System™ strengthens the deck to the hull connection, preventing potential chainplate leaks.

          In addtion, we set our chainplates inboard on the deck, to allow tighter sheeting of the genoa when close-hauled to windward, plus it makes it easier fore and aft passage along the deck.

Double-Lock Chainplate System™

From “Offshore Yachts” by John Rousmaniere
             “The mast step must distribute mast compression fore and aft to floors. A bulkhead close to the mast is a desirable feature. Chain-plate loads should be spread by a hull attachment that is as longs as possible--a structural bulkhead is ideal.”
From “Further Offshore: A Practical Guide for Sailors” by Ed Mapes
              “The chainplates, port and starboard and on the stem and transom, should be attached to solid structural members that distribute the rigging loads to the vessel’s backbone without causing local distortions. Ideally, for strength and redundancy, each stay and shroud should have its own chainplate.”