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Ronstan stainless steel chain plates for standing rigging — the RF47 (8 in / 203 mm) and the RF488 (5 in / 127 mm), listed for dinghies, catamarans and small keelboats. Click here to read more.

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Ronstan Chain Plates: Two Stainless Steel Sizes for Dinghies, Catamarans and Small Keelboats

A chain plate is the flat metal strap fixed to the hull or structure that takes the lower end of a shroud or stay, so the standing rigging load goes into the boat. This collection has two Ronstan chain plates in grade 316 stainless steel. They are listed as typically used on dinghies, catamarans and small keelboats, and they differ in length, width and fastener size.

Ronstan Chain Plates in This Collection
  • Ronstan RF47: 8 in (203 mm) long, 1 in (25 mm) wide, with a 0.25 in (6.4 mm) fastener hole.
  • Ronstan RF488: 5 in (127 mm) long, 3/4 in (19 mm) wide, with a 0.2 in (5 mm) fastener hole.

The RF47 is the longer and wider plate with the larger fastener hole. The listings do not state the plate thickness or a working load, so check both with the manufacturer or your rigger before you size a plate to a load.

How to Choose a Chain Plate
  • Match the application: both plates are listed for dinghies, catamarans and small keelboats. For a larger cruiser, chain plates are normally sized to the boat's rig and structure, so confirm the load with the builder or a rigger and do not assume these will carry it.
  • Match the fasteners: the fastener hole is 6.4 mm (1/4 in) on the RF47 and 5 mm (3/16 in) on the RF488. Use fasteners that suit the hole and the structure behind it.
  • Match the space: length and width decide how the plate sits against the hull or bulkhead you are mounting to; measure that space first.
  • Material: both are grade 316 stainless steel, the marine-grade choice for standing rigging fittings.
What Connects to a Chain Plate

The chain plate is only the anchor point. At the other end of the shroud you will need the rest of the standing rigging: terminals, turnbuckles and, for some systems, toggles. See shroud terminals and the Hayn turnbuckles in close body and open body versions, or read how to choose standing rigging for a 35 ft sailboat.

Who It's For

Owners of dinghies, catamarans and small keelboats replacing or adding a chain plate, and riggers sourcing a stainless strap for a smaller boat. Not a substitute for a custom chain plate on a larger boat, where the rig's design load decides.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a chain plate do?
It is the fitting that anchors the lower end of a shroud or stay to the hull or deck structure. The standing rigging pulls on it, so it must be fixed to something solid.

What does "hole dia" mean in the product name?
It is the fastener hole diameter: 0.25 in (6.4 mm) on the RF47 and 0.2 in (5 mm) on the RF488. It is the fastener size for fixing the plate, so choose fasteners to suit.

Which boats are these chain plates for?
Both Ronstan plates are listed as typically used on dinghies, catamarans and small keelboats. For a larger monohull, check the plate's rating with the builder or a rigger first.

What is the difference between the RF47 and the RF488?
The RF47 is 8 in long and 1 in wide with a 1/4 in fastener hole. The RF488 is 5 in long and 3/4 in wide with a 3/16 in fastener hole. Both are 316 stainless steel.

What do I need besides the chain plate?
Terminals, turnbuckles and fasteners. Our guide to running rigging versus standing rigging explains where each fitting sits.