Bent chainplates?

[Rich Warner]

We have just purchased an 1987 H31 that has been raced often. The chainplates have been slightly bent (1/4)" in center and have compressed the cabintop slightly from the pressure. There are only one or two small hairline cracks above deck. Should we install larger plates for additional safety, or is this a more serious (gulp) problem?

 

[Mike H]

Replace

You really have no choice but to replace the chain plates. I don't think you need to install bigger ones. I would also inspect the anchor points for the chain plates to be sure they have not been damaged. After the chain plates have been removed, then you will have to access the damage to the deck. If the deck holds the mis-shape from the bent plates, then you may have to install a heavy backer plate or have work done to the deck to re-inforce the area.What did the surveyor have to say about the bent chain plates. I would have thought the surveyor would have red-flagged that.

 

[Steve Dion]

They were fine on the orginal boats.

Rich:They were fine on the original boats. I would not think that a slight bend would be of any consequence. I would see if you can find a rigger in the bay area that knows these boats and have him retune the entire rig. That may entail removing the mast from the boat. If you do this you should also recaulk and seal the wire run thru the deck.One thing that sort of bothers me is that you indicate that they have compressed the deck! This means that they have probably over tightened the rods that connect to the interior hull structure too.

 

[Rich Warner]

Thank You!

Thanks for the quick response. I think I'm going to have a pro rigger look at. I'll post his response later. Thanks again.

 

[David]

Chainplates

I would agree with Mike, the chainplates should be replaced if they exhibit any distortion. Before you do anything at all with the rig I would suggest You have the chainplate areas of the topsides, deck and coach roof professionally inspected for structural integrity.

 

[Scott Laird]

chainplates?

Before replacing the chainplates, check the compression post to be certain the deflection of the coach top is not a result of a rotten post.