Chainplate Fix Hunter 410

[Vindo]

Hi all,
I’m looking for plans to rebuild the chain plates on my Hunter 410, as specified in service bulletin Chainplate Fix 3/03.
Thank you in advance for your help,
Vincent

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Although I do know my way around a welding shop to some extent, unfortunately I'm not a mind reader. Unbeknown to me, maybe everyone else here is a skilled mind reader and I'm just the odd man out.

But just to keep me in the loop, what exactly is "service bulletin Chainplate Fix 3/03" ? No, on second thought don't tell me what it says, just show me a copy of the original bulletin and maybe we can help.

 

[dLj]

Although I do know my way around a welding shop to some extent, unfortunately I'm not a mind reader. Unbeknown to me, maybe everyone else here is a skilled mind reader and I'm just the odd man out.

But just to keep me in the loop, what exactly is "service bulletin Chainplate Fix 3/03" ? No, on second thought don't tell me what it says, just show me a copy of the original bulletin and maybe we can help.

Well Ralph, without going down the rabbit hole of trying to answer if you are the "odd man out" - I've also never seen the "service bulletin Chainplate Fix 3/03" but if you can post that document here, we may be able to give better guidance.

dj

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

trying to answer if you are the "odd man out"

And which part, might I ask, are you uncertain of ? Whether I'm an "odd man" or whether I'm just "out of it" ? Debatable .

but if you can post that document here, we may be able to give better guidance.

I would if I could but it's still in the hands of our learned poster @Vindo . I guess we can only wait and see.

 

[dLj]

I would if I could but it's still in the hands of our learned poster @Vindo . I guess we can only wait and see.

Hahaha typos.... Of course it's in the hands of the OP...

I'd have to conclude we are both rather the "odd men out"....

dj

 

[Vindo]

Bien que je me débrouille un peu en atelier de soudure, je ne suis malheureusement pas devin. À mon insu, peut-être que tous les autres ici sont des télépathes et que je suis juste l'exception.

Pour être sûr de bien comprendre, qu'est-ce que le « bulletin de service Réparation de la plaque de chaîne 3/03 » exactement ? En fait, ne me dites pas ce qu'il dit, montrez-moi juste une copie du bulletin original et on pourra peut-être vous aider.
[/CITATION]


Salut tout le monde,

Tout d'abord, veuillez m'excuser si mon message initial était un peu trop court

Although I do know my way around a welding shop to some extent, unfortunately I'm not a mind reader. Unbeknown to me, maybe everyone else here is a skilled mind reader and I'm just the odd man out.

But just to keep me in the loop, what exactly is "service bulletin Chainplate Fix 3/03" ? No, on second thought don't tell me what it says, just show me a copy of the original bulletin and maybe we can help.

Hi everyone,

First of all, sorry if my original post was a bit too short and lacked context. I didn’t want to write a long message, as I thought most Hunter 410 owners were already familiar with this issue and that I was probably the only one who didn’t know about it!

I’m based in France and I own a Hunter 410. I need to replace the standing rigging, and the B&R rigging system is not very common here, so I’m trying to understand the specific requirements of this rig and, in particular, the history of the Hunter 410 chainplate modifications.

I’ve done quite a bit of research, and here’s what I’ve been able to find.

Hunter’s own product safety documentation mentions a “410 Chainplate Fix” dated March 2003, p:27 Product Recallsand Notifications

I also found this interesting discussion here on Sailboat Owners:

H410 Recall

Several owners explain that the original chainplates were essentially attached to the deck, whereas the modified versions extend approximately 10 inches below the hull-deck joint and are bolted to both the hull and the deck.

One owner also mentions that the modification required removing some material around the hull-deck joint to accommodate the longer chainplates.

From what I understand, this was a significant structural improvement intended to better transfer the rigging loads into the hull, rather than simply replacing the original chainplates with identical parts.

I also came across this discussion from September 2021:

1997-H410 Stay chainplate cracks !!

A European Hunter 410 owner reported cracks in the reinforcement plates around the stay chainplates. This discussion is particularly interesting to me because the owner was also based in Europe and mentioned the difficulty of finding information and support for this model.

I’m trying to establish exactly what was changed, how the modified chainplates should be installed.

I contacted Hunter to see if they could provide information based on my boat’s HIN, but I haven’t yet been able to find the original drawings, dimensions, or detailed installation instructions for the modified chainplates.

I’m particularly interested in finding:

• The original Hunter documentation or drawings for the 410 Chainplate Fix.
• Photos showing the original and modified chainplates.
• Dimensions and specifications of the modified chainplates, including their length, thickness, material, and bolt arrangement.
• Any installation instructions or information about the required hull reinforcement.
• Information on how to verify whether the modification has been carried out on a particular boat.
• Any experience with having replacement chainplates fabricated by a qualified rigger or metalworking company.

I’m not looking to undertake a structural modification based on forum advice alone. I need to understand the original design and obtain as much technical information as possible so that my rigger here in France can properly assess the situation and determine the correct solution before the new standing rigging is installed.

If anyone has the original Hunter documentation, drawings, photographs, or experience with this modification, I would really appreciate it if you could share them.

Thanks in advance for your help, and apologies again for not providing enough context in my original post.

Best regards,
Vincent

 

[dLj]

Hi everyone,

First of all, sorry if my original post was a bit too short and lacked context. I didn’t want to write a long message, as I thought most Hunter 410 owners were already familiar with this issue and that I was probably the only one who didn’t know about it!

I’m based in France and I own a Hunter 410. I need to replace the standing rigging, and the B&R rigging system is not very common here, so I’m trying to understand the specific requirements of this rig and, in particular, the history of the Hunter 410 chainplate modifications.

I’ve done quite a bit of research, and here’s what I’ve been able to find.

Hunter’s own product safety documentation mentions a “410 Chainplate Fix” dated March 2003, p:27 Product Recallsand Notifications

I also found this interesting discussion here on Sailboat Owners:

H410 Recall

Several owners explain that the original chainplates were essentially attached to the deck, whereas the modified versions extend approximately 10 inches below the hull-deck joint and are bolted to both the hull and the deck.

One owner also mentions that the modification required removing some material around the hull-deck joint to accommodate the longer chainplates.

From what I understand, this was a significant structural improvement intended to better transfer the rigging loads into the hull, rather than simply replacing the original chainplates with identical parts.

I also came across this discussion from September 2021:

1997-H410 Stay chainplate cracks !!

A European Hunter 410 owner reported cracks in the reinforcement plates around the stay chainplates. This discussion is particularly interesting to me because the owner was also based in Europe and mentioned the difficulty of finding information and support for this model.

I’m trying to establish exactly what was changed, how the modified chainplates should be installed.

I contacted Hunter to see if they could provide information based on my boat’s HIN, but I haven’t yet been able to find the original drawings, dimensions, or detailed installation instructions for the modified chainplates.

I’m particularly interested in finding:

• The original Hunter documentation or drawings for the 410 Chainplate Fix.
• Photos showing the original and modified chainplates.
• Dimensions and specifications of the modified chainplates, including their length, thickness, material, and bolt arrangement.
• Any installation instructions or information about the required hull reinforcement.
• Information on how to verify whether the modification has been carried out on a particular boat.
• Any experience with having replacement chainplates fabricated by a qualified rigger or metalworking company.

I’m not looking to undertake a structural modification based on forum advice alone. I need to understand the original design and obtain as much technical information as possible so that my rigger here in France can properly assess the situation and determine the correct solution before the new standing rigging is installed.

If anyone has the original Hunter documentation, drawings, photographs, or experience with this modification, I would really appreciate it if you could share them.

Thanks in advance for your help, and apologies again for not providing enough context in my original post.

Best regards,
Vincent

First, welcome to the forum. Apologies if we were a bit too blunt.

Let me see if there is anyone that may be able to help. I did a quick look through the archives for the "service bulletin Chainplate Fix 3/03" and didn't see it. But I don't know if someone else may have it or know about it. I'm wondering if some other folks may have better luck. Is @Crazy Dave Condon around? He was a Hunter dealer for quite some time. Or maybe @Dave Groshong may have some info? @dlochner do you have any possible suggestions of who may have some of the information being asked?

Short of finding the information you need, we can try to give some input. But that is "forum advice"....

dj

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

At the risk of plagiarizing @dLj , I also offer my welcome to the forum.

As for being so short with you, we have recently been bombarded with requests from first time posters who are unwilling to offer any information related to their problem and then immediately disappear when asked for pictures. You, on the other hand, have outlined and detailed your difficulty magnificently. Not saying that the difficulty is magnificent, just your presentation.

Several owners explain that the original chainplates were essentially attached to the deck, whereas the modified versions extend approximately 10 inches below the hull-deck joint and are bolted to both the hull and the deck.

I have never understood why Hunter anchored the chain plates only to the deck and not the hull. And of course the B&R rig only makes the problem worse. I've got the same arrangement on my H-310 however, I've never seen any problems after 28 years. Knock on whatever you can find around you.

As @dLj has said, this site is likely the best resource you will find for the info you seek. They are the official supplier of Hunter parts, and employ and/or have contacts with previous Hunter personnel.

When you have metal cracking as seen in some of the articles you have supplied links to, there is a need for a deeper look to see whether stress reduction or an increase in plate thickness is required. Once we can assemble that information, it will be well worth a look to see where the increase is needed.

But before we see any additional information here, one thing remains an absolute necessity : The chain plate MUST be extended well down into the hull and reinforcement to the hull be applied where neccessary.

I will be most interested to see what other info can be found.

 

[Vindo]

Thanks for the warmer welcome this time! The first one was a bit rough, I must admit

I doubt there are more than three Hunters (including myself) along the French coast. So when you want to share thoughts and experiences about these beautiful boats, it’s pretty much always with my Golden Retriever (who, as you can imagine, isn’t much help!). That’s why I was so hopeful when I discovered this forum.

Anyway, I’m also quite surprised to see these chainplates attached only to the deck, especially with this B&R rig putting so much load on the stays.
Yet the boat is still standing strong, although I’m beginning to notice some tiny cracks appearing.

I want to keep this beautiful boat for many years, and since I now need to replace the standing rigging, I’d like to improve the chainplate installations at the same time. Ideally, I would have preferred to do it properly, following Hunter’s recommendations. Otherwise, my rigger and I will have to get a little creative!

What reassures me in your comments is that you seem to have the same setup as mine, without having noticed any problems so far.

Is there anyone in the community who owns a Hunter 410? If so, you might have the latest chainplates fitted. Please, help us out!

 

[dLj]

Thanks for the warmer welcome this time! The first one was a bit rough, I must admit

Yes, we could certainly have done better... In our - albeit feeble - defense, we have recently been getting inquiries where some of us have done quite a bit of research and then the original poster just disappeared...

I doubt there are more than three Hunters (including myself) along the French coast. So when you want to share thoughts and experiences about these beautiful boats, it’s pretty much always with my Golden Retriever (who, as you can imagine, isn’t much help!). That’s why I was so hopeful when I discovered this forum.

May I ask where in France are you sailing? I spent a number of years living in Hendaye down on the southwest corner and sailing in the Bay of Biscay.

Anyway, I’m also quite surprised to see these chainplates attached only to the deck, especially with this B&R rig putting so much load on the stays.
Yet the boat is still standing strong, although I’m beginning to notice some tiny cracks appearing.

It would be helpful if you can take good photos of your chain plates and any cracks that may be appearing. There are a number of folks on this forum with a fair bit of experience.

I want to keep this beautiful boat for many years, and since I now need to replace the standing rigging, I’d like to improve the chainplate installations at the same time. Ideally, I would have preferred to do it properly, following Hunter’s recommendations. Otherwise, my rigger and I will have to get a little creative!

I'm hoping that one of the folks I mentioned in my previous post may show up and give some advice. But time will tell. We are certainly willing to give input into you and your rigger if getting creative is the best (only) way forward.

Attached is a link here that you may wish to look through - I did a quick look and didn't find exactly what you are looking for but there may be other things that you may find interesting:

Hunter resources, by model

Hunter resources, by model

hunter.sailboatowners.com

What reassures me in your comments is that you seem to have the same setup as mine, without having noticed any problems so far.

If you are seeing cracks - that is not good.... Pictures would be really useful...

Is there anyone in the community who owns a Hunter 410? If so, you might have the latest chainplates fitted. Please, help us out!

There are two sections here in these forums you may also wish to post your questions into. Someone may actually have images of the chain plates upgraded:

Ask A Hunter Owner

and

Big Boats

Hunters 34' and larger

forums.sailboatowners.com

Good luck and let us know if we can help.

dj

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Hunter’s own product safety documentation mentions a “410 Chainplate Fix” dated March 2003, p:27 Product Recallsand Notifications

@Vindo , is it possible for you to attach a copy of Hunter's “410 Chainplate Fix” or if too weighty, just the sections related to the recommended alterations ? In addition, any other recommendations from credible sources could help.

This could take a bit of time, but stick with us. IMO the two chain plates are amongst the most critical parts of the boat when you consider the damage a failure could cause.

 

[dlochner]

Try contacting the SBO store either by phone (may be a challenge with the time zone differences) or through the Customer Support link. SBO is a very small company which sometimes causes response times to be a little on the slow side. Be patient.

SailboatOwners.com customer service

SailboatOwners.com customer service

cs.sailboatowners.com

 

[Vindo]

Yes, we could certainly have done better... In our - albeit feeble - defense, we have recently been getting inquiries where some of us have done quite a bit of research and then the original poster just disappeared...



May I ask where in France are you sailing? I spent a number of years living in Hendaye down on the southwest corner and sailing in the Bay of Biscay.



It would be helpful if you can take good photos of your chain plates and any cracks that may be appearing. There are a number of folks on this forum with a fair bit of experience.



I'm hoping that one of the folks I mentioned in my previous post may show up and give some advice. But time will tell. We are certainly willing to give input into you and your rigger if getting creative is the best (only) way forward.

Attached is a link here that you may wish to look through - I did a quick look and didn't find exactly what you are looking for but there may be other things that you may find interesting:

Hunter resources, by model

Hunter resources, by model

hunter.sailboatowners.com

If you are seeing cracks - that is not good.... Pictures would be really useful...



There are two sections here in these forums you may also wish to post your questions into. Someone may actually have images of the chain plates upgraded:

Ask A Hunter Owner

and

Big Boats

Hunters 34' and larger

forums.sailboatowners.com

Good luck and let us know if we can help.

dj

Thanks for your reply, DLJ,
I’m currently sailing in the Gulf of Lion.
Thanks for the links—I had already checked them out (without success) before posting my message on the forum.
I live 300 kilometers away from the boat, but when I go there in the next few days, I’ll take some detailed photos.

 

[Vindo]

Try contacting the SBO store either by phone (may be a challenge with the time zone differences) or through the Customer Support link. SBO is a very small company which sometimes causes response times to be a little on the slow side. Be patient.

SailboatOwners.com customer service

SailboatOwners.com customer service

cs.sailboatowners.com

Ok i will try thanks.

 

[Vindo]

Just so you know, I tried sending an explanatory message to info@huntermarine.com, but that address no longer exists. I also sent one to aftersales@marlow-hunter.com—this time the message went through, but I haven't received a reply yet…

 

[dLj]

Thanks for your reply, DLJ,
I’m currently sailing in the Gulf of Lion.
Thanks for the links—I had already checked them out (without success) before posting my message on the forum.
I live 300 kilometers away from the boat, but when I go there in the next few days, I’ll take some detailed photos.

I also live quite far from my boat - sadly.

So you are sailing in one of earths paradises! What a beautiful sailing ground! You do have the Mistral...

I look forward to the photos.

dj