Island Packet repair

Feb 24, 2026
2
Island Packet 35 essex, md
I am buying 1989 Island Packet 35. The chain plates have been replaced with 316 stainless steel, however, not done by Mack sails in Fl. The update had the chain plates on the outside and through bolted using the old internal chain plates as the backing.
Is this a satisfactory method of repair? Should I expect good results?
Thanks for all insights and information.
 

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
24,454
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
Island Packets are well-made boats. Impossible to help you unless you can post images of what you are seeing.

In theory, using the old chain plates sounds reasonable. If it alters something else on the boat, then that might be an issue you might correct.

The idea of chain plates as backing and securing them in the boat is not Island Packet specific technology. My Cal35C uses a similar technique. How the Boat Marine Worker (a BMW) executed the solution is of interest.
 

dLj

.
Mar 23, 2017
5,028
Belliure 41 Back in the Chesapeake
The simple answer is a qualified yes. The real devil is in the details. Were the newly installed chain plates polished on both sides and passivated? And how was that done?

Photos will certainly help for an overall perspective - but without the above information - nobody can tell you much...

dj
 
Feb 26, 2004
23,308
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
IPs were "notorious' for having the chainplates embedded behind cabinetry and fiberglass and inaccessible without major cosmetic/furniture dismemberment.

There have been numerous threads about this at www.cruisersforum.com. There are substantially more IP skippers and contributors on that forum than there are here on this fine forum. I've been reading both for as long as they've been around.

This is one that comes up on a simple search there: External Chainplates on Island Packet - Cruisers & Sailing Forums

The Google search on CF is very good, much better than their simple search which used to find this one. I encourage you to do lots of searching and reading there. The posts will also lead you to more resources.

Good luck.
 
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