A chainplate is a metal plate used to fasten a shroud or stay to the hull of a sailboat. One end of the chainplate is normally fastened to a turnbuckle which is connected to the shroud or stay, whereas the remainder of the chainplate normally has multiple holes that are bolted to the hull, or the chains.[1] This distributes the load across the hull, making it possible for a somewhat lighter hull to support the load of the shrouds and stays.

Chainplate on a Bavaria 35 Match without shrouds mounted.

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