I've often wondered about this, so decided to finally ask. Most shrouds are terminated at the
mast with a tang that attaches with a large bolt. The other end of the
shroud terminates at the
hull with a chainplate. The chainplates are usually larger in size (thicker and maybe wider) and attach with three or more bolts.
My question is this -- is there a difference in the load between the top and bottom that results in the difference in attachment? I'm thinking there must be, or the upper tangs would be larger and attached with more than one bolt. However, I can't "visualize" the difference in load -- why would there be less at the top? (I have a feeling I'm going to be embarrassed with the answer.)
Thanks.