December has been busy. David and John worked on getting the deck made and in place. That involved a number of “supporting” tasks. They had to laminate what we call “riblets” which are the small extra frames that back/support Mahdee’s chainplates. On each side there are 3 chainplates near the foremast and 4 near the mainmast. Plus, she has two chain plates per side for the running backstays. So 18 “riblets” later, the chainplates have their backing! The tobin bronze was ordered in strips of 3/8″ thick x 2 1/4″ wide by the various lengths required for each chainplate. David and John rounded the ends and pre-drilled for the shrouds. Then, David bent each plate into the shape fitting the hull at its particular location. Below are a couple pictures of the chainplates and David drilling.

This is David pre-drilling the holes through the “riblet” and through the chainplate below it. Then, the combined set will be bolted into the boat.

these are some of the new chainplates ready to be attached to their “riblets”

these are the old chainplates which were removed from the boat