In this day of mass-produced hardware, those of us with traditional sailing sensitivities have a hard time filling our needs. Blocks, belaying pins, and even bronze steering wheels have become a challenge to locate. Builder’s plates, however, have become near-impossible to access.  Luckily, for owners of Cape Dories, that challenge has been largely overcome. 

Paul Kanavich of BPK Enterprises has crafted a line of perfect bronze reproductions of the original bronze and plastic builder’s plates. Although not complete in his offered list, he keeps expanding what he has available. With time and loans of original plastic or bronze Cape Dory builder’s plates from generous and patient donors, there is no doubt that he will eventually have a complete line available. 

Recently I have received the first builder’s plate for the Cape Dory 10 dinghy. Soon I will be receiving the second builder’s plate for the Cape Dory 36. These lovely pieces of deck jewelry have impressed everyone that has seen them. I cannot lay down enough praise for the workmanship shown by these products and certainly encourage you to purchase your own builder’s plates to make your Cape Dory shine with pride. –Thaddeus