We’re fully in countdown mode here, methodically ticking off projects almost as fast as we’re adding them to the list. While most of the deck hardware is back on, there are a few last bits to install - and many of those require backing plates of some kind.

Backing plates are kind of like oversized washers (though we use washers as well). They spread the load of a fastener, ensuring that the stresses aren’t just in one small place. Using washers and backing plates is smart for a lot of reasons.

Washers are a given, something you can find in any hardware store worthy of the name. But backing plates? What do you use for those? A lot of the old backing plates on Calypso are plywood, which is a good first step for sure. But plywood can compress over time and is susceptible to rot, not something we want.

Enter G-10.

G-10 (aka garolite) is basically layers of fiberglass that’s held together with epoxy resin, but done so in a compressed manner. This results in an extremely strong product that’s essentially waterproof and chemically resistant. You can buy G-10 sheets up to an inch thick; if you needed it thicker, you could always laminate a couple together.

It’s smooth. Drillable. Workable with a router or jigsaw. Takes epoxy like a champ. Paints well.

Despite the fact that Calypso is a traditional boat with a lot of wood on her, we’re slowly moving to more durable material as we see the opportunity. Using G-10 as backing blocks is one of those such opportunities.