Inspecting the Aging Sailboat by Don Casey

Author:Don Casey
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: McGraw Hill LLC
Published: 1997-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

3 Examine chainplates for cracks, especially in bends and around the pinhole. Misalignment causes the strap to flex every time a tack or movement of the mast releases tension on the attached shroud or stay. Motoring can also set up resonant vibrations in the rigging that flex the chainplate hundreds of thousands of times, causing the metal to fatigue. Mast tangs are subject to the same problem.

4 Water collects around chainplates just below deck level, trapped by the caulking that prevents intrusion into the cabin below. Standing in a collar of water is highly damaging to stainless steel, often leading to crevice corrosion and ultimately to chainplate failure. The only way to inspect a chainplate thoroughly is to remove it and have it X-rayed, or at least do a dye test on it. Any cracks, pits, or other flaws should condemn a chainplate.

5 Chainplates should be through-bolted to reinforced bulkheads or knees or to a strengthened area of the hull, and they should have a backing plate on the opposite side. Check the bolts and the mounting holes for wear or distortion.

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