Was reading one of Capt'n Pauley's columns, Small Craft Advisor, Mar/Apr, about using the proper materials for backing plates. Facing having to redo all my deck cleats and adding a couple I initially brushed off this article as having "been there, done that" but I am glad I read it because he mentioned his choice of backing plate material which was"G-10" fiberglass boards. They are solid fiberglass build up in board form and make excellent backing plates not being subject to corrosion, or rot, etc. Looking on the web for the material turned up "Wholesale Marine" which just happen to have an analagous material on sale at the moment. Jamestown disbributors also sells this material in 2x3 or 3x6 precut blanks which allow you to spend just enough for the material precut. Nice to know there is an industry out there built around catering to boatowner needs. Jerry, I also read where you are going to use vinylester fiberglass in your new 15'er. I had an S2 at one time and the bane of those hulls was blistering which was blamed on the vinylester resins used in the layup. Has something changed along this line of reasoning? My old boat had almost terminal blisters even with constant maintenance of bottom coatings. Fair winds, Tom B Mont 17, #258