Bow Plate

[kjsailingSpring]

My bow plate on my Hunter 27, 1981 is lifting from the deck, cracked in half and has rubbed through to the deck on both sides where the dock lines run. Needless to say, I need a new one. Does this need to be/can it be ordered from Hunter? Someone suggested having a machinist make one from a pattern but it sounds like quite an ordeal for a realatively common part of every sailboat. Any ideas?

Thanks!

[Dferr]

I had the same problem on my 1982 Hunter 27. Hunter doesn't make that part anymore. You will have to fabricate a new one. I used what was left of the old bow plate and used it as a template to make a couple of cardboard and tape bow plates, until I got it right. Then, gave that to a sheet metal shop and had a nice stainless steel bow plate made. It is a pain, but from what I know it's the only way. After the the bow plate was made. I put it in place and used a can of black spray paint to mark the holes. To do this, remove the v-berths forward most bulkhead and slide yourself as far up in the bow as you can. Spray up into the holes, this will mark the spots. Don't worry about the black spray paint job, know one will ever see it. Remove the plate drill all the holes and bolt it back up. I used a liberal amount of 3M 5200 to seal it.

[sailingdog]

Don't forget to check the holes and make sure the core (if any) is properly sealed with epoxy. Also, use a backing plate if you think that it is needed to help spread the load out.

[kjsailingSpring]

Thank you Dferr and sailingdog. I was afraid that that was what I was going to have to do. It doesn't sound too painful and the original should make a good template since, other than the holes and crack, the form is in good shape.

Thank you much!

Karen

[Irwin32]

What is a bowplate?