A Better Bridle Plate

Our DIY upgrade to the anchor bridle plate adds two small bolsters that eliminate the edge-loading weakness found in standard chain hooks and gripper plates.

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In the midst of discussing bridles, snubbers, and rigging multiple anchors, ten years ago we introduced the idea of an improved bridle plate—see “Adjustable Bridle and Chain Hook." Now we have another improvement to offer. It requires welding—and galvanizing would be nice. While this is not simple for the average tinkerer, we’re hoping some enterprising manufacturer picks it up. More than a few Practical Sailor ideas have been adopted by manufacturers, either as corrections of sometimes dangerous design defects, improvements on existing products, or even new products. Hopefully this will be the latter.

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Drew Frye, Practical Sailor’s technical editor, has used his background in chemistry and engineering to help guide Practical Sailor toward some of the most important topics covered during the past 10 years. His in-depth reporting on everything from anchors to safety tethers to fuel additives have netted multiple awards from Boating Writers International. With more than three decades of experience as a refinery engineer and a sailor, he has a knack for discovering money-saving “home-brew” products or “hacks” that make boating affordable for almost anyone. He has conducted dozens of tests for Practical Sailor and published over 200 articles on sailing equipment. His rigorous testing has prompted the improvement and introduction of several marine products that might not exist without his input. His book “Rigging Modern Anchors” has won wide praise for introducing the use of modern materials and novel techniques to solve an array of anchoring challenges.