Any Concerns About OEM Cherubini Hunter Chainplates?

[rardiH36]

Just wondering if anybody has found anaerobic (sans oxygen) crevice corrosion on their chainplates with the stainless steel grade that Hunter used during their Cherubini era? This would be in the 1-2" area where the chainplates are encased in the deck and caulk.

Interested because I've frequently thought about it and just today this thread has been active in the Ask All Sailors forum:

http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=144814

I recently had a rig inspection and the very experienced surveyor did peer at my chainplates. (Couple of pics of my chainplate arrangement attached just for fun.) The potential for hidden crevice corrosion and inspection was not raised. Also, the boat's standing rigging was totally replaced and the mast down in 2004. I would hope that some thought about chainplate condition was made at that time. Boat was then left on the hard until I bought it in 2007 ... safely away from salt environment.

I really would prefer not to slacken a few shrouds and dig out and remove some of my chainplates for inspection. But chainplate failure does seem to be an issue with older boats.

rardi

 

[joelvannorsdel]

I have an 82 37c and had the chain plates out just a few months ago. I don't think that they had ever been out before, but they looked great to me. There had been some leakage around then and de-lamination on the deck, but that is now taken care of.

 

[Paul F]

Chain Plates are going to fail. It is a question; when will they fail. Most sources say change them every 10-15 years. Mine went 31 years on a boat that mainly day sails in good weather. We have all heard the horror stories. Looking at chain plates doesn't assure that they will not fail. A boat here last year was re-rigged and the owner looked at the u-bolt chain plate. He said it was fine to reuse. Soon after it broke while sailing. It's a gamble, your boat your choice.

 

[Jim Legere]

I had mine out two years ago. I polished them and inspected them (liquid penetrant dye) and they were fine. My boat is a 1983 H37C (built August 1982).

 

[Blaise]

I pull mine every five years. they have always looked great. I inspect them with a magnifying glass. I think a bigger issue is inspecting where they attach to the bulkheads.

 

[DianaOfBurlington]

Be wary of replacement chainplates.

Chainplates mounted through the deck by virtue of 5200 will fail; the length kept in an anaerobic state (i.e., the length you can't see) is vulnerable to crevice-crack corrosion. That said; this is the correct installation; it's only that one must remain vigilant as to the state of things. An 'out of sight, out of mind' mentality is definitely inappropriate here.

Be VERY CAREFUL when specifying new type-304 stainless for chainplate stock. Get the very best 304 you can find (made in USA). Most, if not all, of the Asian-made 304 (structural plate) and 18-8 (screws) these days is utter trash. This was not true in the 1980s when you could count on 304's strength and corrosion resistance; so if your 1980s Hunter still has its original 304 chainplates you should not expect the same lifespan out of modern replacements.

I would not recommend type-316 SS for chainplates as its corrosion resistance is offset by its increased brittleness. Brittleness is never good in structural plate which can move, twist, bend, or whatever even when it's mounted to remain fixed. Also, having like kinds of SS between clevis pins and clevis holes is inviting galling and jamming. Use 304 for chainplates, as they should be; but be a smart, careful buyer and get the best you can afford. Seeking a price bargain here would be foolish economy. And then make their inspection a regular routine (at least once a season).